As part of DFDS' Christmas Markets mini cruise package, my hotel for the duration of my stay in Cologne was the Marriott Hotel.
The hotel is in the area known as Westphalia on a semi-pedestrianised street Johannisstrasse. The coach dropped me off at the door.
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Check-in was unusually disorganised, especially for a Marriott property, and the staff were not ready to process a group of 49 (even though it was a group booking).
After half an hour I had my key card and raced upstairs.
Tucked away to one side of this plush room was a king bed. Several chairs and tables dotted the vast space. A large TV sat next to the in-room tea and coffee making facilities.
The bathroom (which had an opaque glass door) had a deep bath tucked into one corner which was perfect for a long soak after an exhausting day. A large sink and vanity area next to this, with the toilet beyond.
Breakfast was served daily in the Fou Brasserie. The extensive buffet boasted a wide selection of hot items, continental options, cereals, bread, and more. Go early to avoid the crowds.
Fou and Pluesch, the bar and lounge, served lunch and dinner daily. I chose to eat in the city for meals other than the included breakfast as it was cheaper and arguably more "German" than the French cuisine available in Fou.
The hotel was a two-minute walk from the central train station in Cologne (Köln HBF). The imposing Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) was located just beyond the station. From the cathedral, it was a short walk to the Rhine river or to the main shopping streets of Cologne: Hohe Straße and Schildergasse.
I found it very easy to navigate Cologne on foot. As you would expect in a large city, there are plenty of public transport options (mainly trains, trams and subway trains) as well as lots of taxis.
At the end of my stay, check-out was just as disappointingly unorganised as check-in had been. I checked out at 11.30am CET, and it took the staff 20 minutes to serve just two people in front of me - and I was in the fastest moving queue too.
Quiet and spacious rooms, with a hearty breakfast, made my stay at Cologne Marriott Hotel very comfortable. The only downside was the disorganisation and inefficiency during check-in and check-out. I would be thrilled to stay here again.
Summary
My stay at the Cologne Marriott Hotel was very pleasant and comfortable. My room was massive, and the location of the hotel was perfect for accessing the Christmas Markets.
Read more in this series
- International Passenger Terminal, Port of Tyne
- Princess Seaways Review
- Princess Seaways Cabins
- Food & Drink on Princess Seaways
- Entertainment on Princess Seaways
- Guide to Ijmuiden Port, Amsterdam
- Cologne Marriott Hotel Review (you are here)
- You Cannot Visit Cologne And Not See These Sights
- Cologne Christmas Markets Guide
- Cologne Christmas Markets Mini Cruise Review on DFDS' Princess Seaways
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