About this hotel
General information
Excelsior Hotel Ernst stands directly opposite Cologne Cathedral and is one of the city’s oldest grand hotels, opened in 1863; the Latin “excelsior” in its name means “ever higher”. The same family has looked after it for generations, and it keeps the feel of a classic European palace hotel — marble, antique details and polished service.
There are 133 rooms and suites, several looking straight at the cathedral. Two gourmet restaurants, Hanse Stube and taku, sit alongside the Wintergarten tea room and Charles Bar with its cigar lounge, while the fifth floor holds a spa and a 24-hour gym. Eight function rooms host conferences, weddings and celebrations.
Location
The hotel is in Cologne’s historic centre, right beside Cologne Cathedral. The main railway station is 200 m away, the Rhine promenade a few minutes on foot and Cologne Bonn Airport about 15 minutes by car.
Spa
The fifth-floor spa above Cologne’s rooftops has a steam room, a dry sauna and a quiet relaxation room. Tailored treatments and massages can be booked through the concierge.
Sports & leisure
The 24-hour gym is equipped with Matrix Onyx machines and has a separate room for yoga and stretching. Personal training sessions are arranged through the concierge.
For children
Children up to 12 stay free in their parents’ room and receive a sweet treat on arrival, their own bathrobes, slippers and bath products. Hanse Stube has a children’s menu, and taku prepares dishes for young guests on request. Kids’ cookery and baking classes and an etiquette course are on offer, as is babysitting.
Restaurants & bars
The restaurants and bar are open to non-residents as well:
- Hanse Stube — French gourmet cuisine with a Rhineland twist; summer terrace
- taku — East Asian–inspired fine dining
- Wintergarten — patisserie, tea room, drinks and light dishes
- Charles Bar — champagne, wine, cocktails, a cigar lounge and live music
In-room dining is also available.
Rooms
The 133 rooms and suites are decorated in classic or contemporary style, with bathrooms in marble or natural stone; some look out on Cologne Cathedral.
Air conditioning, TV, telephone, free internet, safe, complimentary minibar, coffee machine, pillow menu, bathrobes and hairdryer, plus access to the gym and sauna.
Excelsior Suite
The flagship suite, facing Cologne Cathedral, with a generous entrance hall, separate living room and bedroom, walk-in wardrobe, large bathroom with Jacuzzi and a guest WC.
Cathedral View Suite
Separate living and sleeping areas with a direct view of Cologne Cathedral; some have a walk-in wardrobe.
Executive Suite
Separate living room and bedroom and a guest WC, with a Jacuzzi and walk-in wardrobe in some. A conference table and presentation screen allow private meetings in the suite.
Suite
Separate living and sleeping areas, a cosy sitting corner and a natural stone bathroom; some have a walk-in wardrobe and a cathedral view.
Junior Suite
An open living area, double or twin beds and a spacious bathroom; some look straight at the cathedral.
Grand Deluxe Room
A room with a sitting area and a marble bathroom, looking out over Cologne’s landmarks.
Deluxe Room
A room in the Hanseatic wing with king-size or twin beds, a sitting area and a natural stone bathroom with bathtub and rain shower.
Grand Superior Room
Bold colours, patterned fabrics, velvet upholstery and gilded borders, with a sitting corner, desk and natural stone bathroom; views over the city centre.
Classic Double Room
A quietly classic room with a double or twin beds, a sitting area and a vintage desk.
Classic Single Room
An elegant single room with a small sitting area, facing the quiet inner courtyard.
Photos are for illustrative purposes only. Actual room layout, furnishings, décor, views and amenities may differ from those shown and may vary between rooms of the same category. Hotel and room descriptions are based on information provided by the property and are believed to be accurate at the time of publication, but are not guaranteed. The hotel may renovate or change its rooms, facilities, restaurants and services at any time without notice. The final details of your stay are confirmed at the time of booking. See our Terms of Use.