Where to Stay in Cologne for Christmas Markets

A hotel stay can make or break a vacation. While friendly staff and early check-in can turn a trip from good to great, no AC or heating and dated furniture can turn a trip from dreamy to dreary too quickly. As host city to some of the best Christmas markets in Germany, it’s no wonder Cologne is a popular tourist destination for the Christmas season! While there are plenty of vacation rentals and hotels to choose from, we know you want nothing but the best in this Christmas stop. After our own visit and scoping out the best areas and properties, we’ve curated a list of the top 10 places to stay for 1-3 nights while visiting the Christmas markets in Cologne, Germany.

A Note On Our Travel Style:

We settle for nothing less than:

• Mostly four and five star properties with the occasional boutique or highly rated three-star hotels
• Comfy bed(s)
• Strong AC & heating
• Good Wi-Fi
• Within walking distance from either a train stop or a few must-see places
• $150-$400 a night (depending on trip budget and vibe)

Whether you’re going for the views, the vibes, or the brand (get and use those miles and points)! Luckily, many of the properties offer a little bit of everything. Happy planning! (Take us with you!)

25hours Hotel The Circle Cologne

BEST FOR: A trendy and unique stay with a rooftop bar and stylish design
LOCATION: Located in the Belgian Quarter, within walking distance of the Dom Cathedral and near vibrant cafes and boutiques.
Average price per night during Christmas season: $180

Hotel Pullman Cologne

BEST FOR: A stylish room and a rooftop terrace with panoramic city views
LOCATION: Located along the Rhine River, near the Hohenzollern Bridge and the Cologne Cathedral
Average price per night during Christmas season: $158

Hyatt Regency Cologne

BEST FOR: Beautiful Christmas decorations and scenic views of the Rhine River
LOCATION: Located along the Rhine River, with easy access to the Dom Cathedral and the Cologne Chocolate Museum.
Average price per night during Christmas season: $277

Courtyard by Marriott Cologne

BEST FOR: A good sized room in a Marriott property in a convenient location
LOCATION: Situated in the city center, close to the Romano-Germanic Museum and the Dom Cathedral
Average price per night during Christmas season: $199

Hotel Excelsior Ernst

BEST FOR: A hotel with luxury and historic charm in the heart of Cologne
LOCATION: In the heart of Cologne’s Old Town, adjacent to the Dom Cathedral and near the Rhine River
Average price per night during Christmas season: $399

NH Collection Köln Mediapark

BEST FOR: A modern and sleek room in a large European hotel chain with a beautiful rooftop view
LOCATION: In the city center, near the MediaPark and the Dom Cathedral
Average price per night during Christmas season: $155

Hotel Santo

BEST FOR: A cozy stay in a stylish hotel with a lovely courtyard
LOCATION: Situated in the city center, close to the Schildergasse shopping street and the Dom Cathedral
Average price per night during Christmas season: $217

Hotel im Wasserturm

BEST FOR: A Unique and historic stay in a Hilton branded hotel set in a former water tower
LOCATION: Located in the Neustadt-Süd district, near the Volksgarten park and the Chocolate Museum
Average price per night during Christmas season: $241

Lindner Hotel Dom Residence

BEST FOR: A comfortable Hyatt property in the city center with great breakfast choices only a few minutes walk from Central station
LOCATION: Situated near the Dom Cathedral and the Cologne Main Railway Station
Average price per night during Christmas season: $159

Marriott Hotel Cologne

BEST FOR: A Marriott branded stay in modern and spacious rooms
LOCATION: Near the banks of the Rhine River, close to the Chocolate Museum and the Cologne Cable Car
Average price per night during Christmas season: $270