Hotel Im Wasserturm - Cologne, Germany 

As four couples doing a short tour of europe in sports cars we booked this hotel. On arrival we were greeted by the reception staff who offered to park our vechicles in there underground carpark at a cost of 25 euros per night. Being some expensive metal we were a little wary of letting the staff park the cars but after re-assurance we allowed them to park for us. Our bags were taken to our rooms for us and we followed. We were allocated junior suites (rm301) which we were shown around. The first thing that struck myself and subsequently we found from another couple was the stench of drains in the hall and the sitting area eminating from the bathroom. We mentioned this to the chap showing us the room and he immediately phoned housekeeping who promptly arrived with an air freshner spray. Unfortunately this only resolved the issue for approx 30mins until it wore off. We requested a room change but we were advised that the hotel was fully booked. We put up with it and gradually you didnt notice it so much. The rooms were nice, with great views and a certain quirkiness about the layout. The location is good and only about a 5min walk to the centre which was great. Breakfast was great with a large choice of courses and options including champagne served in a lovely dining room. We had requested are cars to be ready for us departing at 7-15am. We had to wait a little while for them to arrive and I started to become concerned something was going on. I eventually heard my car being over revved and stalling serveral times. When I went to find out what was happening I could instantly spell burned clutch. After a bit of heated discussion as to what was going on i then established that being right hand drive the driver hadnt found the handbrake and despite the dash warning and alarm had driven the car with the hand brake on hence having to slip the clutch to get 10mtrs at a tiime. Bottom line if you value your car think twice about letting the staff park for you. On reflection this is the first and last time I have let any staff park for me. This may yet turn out to be a very expensive lesson. Was the hotel worth the cost, I would say not and there are better hotels in Cologne for the money.

The 'Watertower' hotel is a real gem in Cologne. Situated a short walk from the main centre, it is a glorious landmark and converted wonderfully into a top-spec hotel. The rooms (we had a junior suite) are gorgeous, on two levels (the bedroom on the mezzanine) and with amazing HUGE windows and two bathrooms. The decor is modern without feeling cold, and the hotel is arranged so that you rarely see or hear other guests. The Sauna was quiet and excellent. The restaurant on the ground floor is great, and breakfast was delightful and totally unhurried. We did not visit the restaurant on the roof level, but hear it is lovely.