Maritim Hotel Koln - Cologne, Germany     

This is a lovely, modern hotel in a great location in Cologne. We booked a superior double room - it had a view of the Cathedral - lovely in the daytime but amazing at night when it was lit up - a real picture postcard view. Staff were friendly and helpful and the room was large, modern and comfortable with all mod-cons. Soft drinks from the mini-bar were included in our rate. There was also a lovely big, luxurious bathroom with bath. Breakfast was superb - we stayed 2 nights - on the first morning the restaurant was packed and frenetic, but the second day we went a bit later and it was a lot better and more chilled out. The selection of food was superb - they even had chilled champagne. The atrium of the hotel is impressive - all glass and really tall. In this area are several restaurants, some shops and a piano bar. There is a very nice pool area and when we went we were the only people there. It is only a short walk from the hotel to the Altstadt area. Also the lively Heumarkt with its many bars and restaurants is even closer. We were especially impressed with a meal we had at Peters Brauhaus - a beer hall where the service was efficient (and really friendly) and the food was excellent. The back of the hotel is right on the Rhine and only 5 minutes walk from the chocolate museum - we enjoyed our visit there. An unmissable activity in the city is a trip on the cable car over the Rhine - you get a stunning birds eye view of the city, the cathedral and the busy river.

Two night break without the children. Absolutely faultless hotel, superb location, we walked into the city, and never needed a taxi or tram. The cathedral 'Dom' is magnificent, and you're spoilt for choice for restaurants on the banks of the Rhine. Flew into Bonn/Cologne airport, cost only 25 Euro to get to the hotel. Highly recommended