How to Find Hotels In Cologne, Germany

Nestled in West Germany, Cologne (German: Köln) is the cultural and economic center of the Rhineland. Over 30 museums are found in the city, with exhibits displaying everything from the history of Cologne to modern art. There's always something going on in this lively city, whether it's a festival in celebration of human rights or the world-renowned Cologne Carnival.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access

Know Your Destination

1. Learn to expect the unexpected in Cologne, where architectural, artistic and cultural styles changes rapidly and frequently.
2. Seek out the pre-war buildings in Cologne, which are a true reflection of the history of the city. Most of the central area was completely rebuilt after World War II. Nevertheless, there are still plenty of historical buildings to discover.
3. Enjoy your trip without stressing out over language barriers. Many of Cologne's residents speak English fairly well.
4. Visit this part of Germany whenever you get the chance. Cologne is a great destination year-round. Just be sure to bring a warm coat if you travel in the winter.

Know Your Transportation Options in Cologne, Germany

5. Arrive at the Cologne/Bonn Airport, situated less than 10 miles away from the center of Cologne. Flights can arrive at any time, as this is one of the few 24-hour airports in Germany.
6. Take a 20 minute train from the airport to the central rail station in Cologne. The cost for a one-way ticket is around $4.
7. Pay a taxi driver to take you into town. The fare will cost around $32, but it may be well worth the money if you can't find the bus stop at the airport, or if you have a lot of luggage.
8. Purchase day passes for the public transportation system if you plan on covering a lot of ground in one outing.

Book a Hotel Room in Cologne, Germany

9. To book accommodations, contact Cologne Tourist Board at 011 ([phone] or visit their Web site (see Resources below).
10. Stay with tried-and-true chains for mid-range hotel accommodations. It's hard to go wrong with a clean room from a major chain in the city center for $100 a night.
11. Seek out overlooked hotels right in the heart of Cologne. There are plenty of basic accommodations in the city, and at only $32 a night, you'll have tons of cash leftover for shopping and exploring.
12. Toss away budget concerns in Cologne. Luxury accommodations are surprisingly affordable in this modern city, even at major hotels. The average rate for a superior room with a full range of business amenities is a manageable $250.

Tips & Warnings

• All phone numbers include the United States international prefix "011." When calling internationally outside the United States, substitute that "011" with "00." All country codes are within parentheses and begin with a "+" sign.
• Watch out for price increases due to festivals. Cologne is known for its abundance of festivals, but you don't want to be stuck paying high prices for your hotel room.