TRANKGASSE 1-5 / DOMPLATZ | 50667 COLOGNE | GERMANY
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Cologne, the vibrant metropolis on the banks of the mighty Rhine, is a city where history, openness and an unmistakable zest for life come together to create one of Germany's most captivating destinations. Famed around the world for its magnificent Gothic cathedral, the city welcomes both residents and visitors with the warmth and generosity for which the Rhineland has long been celebrated. It is this genuine spirit of hospitality—and the infectious joie de vivre of the people of Cologne—that continues to draw millions of travellers each year, perhaps most famously during the city's legendary Carnival celebrations.
Culture, history and contemporary urban life exist here in effortless harmony. Whether exploring the iconic Cathedral, attending a performance at the Philharmonie or the Opera House, discovering one of the city's many museums, or wandering through the lively Old Town with its abundance of restaurants, cafés and traditional taverns, Cologne offers an endlessly rewarding blend of experiences.
Nestled at the foot of the magnificent Cathedral stands one of the city's most distinguished landmarks: the elegant «Excelsior Hotel Ernst».

Since opening its doors in 1863, this luxurious grand hotel has remained an institution for discerning travellers from around the world. Its long-standing reputation for excellence has been recognised with numerous prestigious accolades, firmly establishing it among Germany's finest hotels.
With an unwavering understanding of the expectations of its international clientele, the hotel has long occupied a leading position within German luxury hospitality. Behind its magnificent historic façade lies an atmosphere of timeless elegance, creating a welcoming home from home for guests from across the globe. As a proud member of «The Leading Hotels of the World» and the «Selektion Deutscher Luxushotels», the Excelsior Hotel Ernst continues to set the benchmark for luxury hospitality in Cologne.

Join us as we explore one of the city's most celebrated addresses and discover the timeless elegance, impeccable service and exceptional experiences that have defined the Excelsior Hotel Ernst for more than 160 years.

We wish you a most enjoyable stay.

Warm regards,

Martin V. Sampedrano Gonzalez
Editor

A Grand Hotel at Heart – Since 1863

With its unrivalled location at the foot of Cologne Cathedral, its rich heritage and its consistently acclaimed service, the «Excelsior Hotel Ernst» ranks among Europe's most distinguished luxury hotels and gastronomic destinations.
Deeply respectful of its traditions while embracing the expectations of the modern traveller, the hotel exemplifies the finest standards of luxury hospitality. Under the leadership of General Manager Georg Plesser and his dedicated team, every aspect of the guest experience is shaped by genuine passion, meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to service that continues to impress discerning travellers and industry critics alike.
Personalisation lies at the heart of the Excelsior experience. Every stay is thoughtfully tailored to the individual, ensuring that guests feel recognised, valued and genuinely cared for throughout their time at the hotel.
Despite its illustrious history, the Excelsior Hotel Ernst remains firmly focused on the future. Its elegant public spaces, guestrooms and suites are continually refined to reflect contemporary standards of comfort and sophistication while preserving the timeless character that has defined the property for more than a century and a half. Here, style and elegance are not merely aesthetic qualities—they are a way of life.
Guests enjoy an unrivalled location in the very heart of Cologne. Separated from the Cathedral Square by little more than a quiet street and a handful of steps, many rooms offer captivating views across the forecourt of the magnificent Gothic cathedral, allowing guests to watch the vibrant rhythm of city life unfold beneath their windows.

Rooms & Suites

Elegant, luxurious and equipped with every modern comfort, the Excelsior Hotel Ernst offers a collection of 142 beautifully appointed guestrooms and suites. Guests may choose from a variety of accommodation categories, each reflecting the hotel's enduring commitment to refined luxury. Thoughtful touches such as complimentary refreshments from the in-room minibar and a daily shoe-shining service further enhance the guest experience.
The hotel's collection of 49 single rooms and 70 double rooms, measuring up to 35 square metres, is divided into three distinct categories. Superior Rooms offer additional comfort with inviting sitting areas and enjoy views towards Marzellenstraße, the peaceful inner courtyard or Dompropst-Ketzer-Street. Their enhanced furnishings and elegant interiors provide a noticeable step up from the Classic accommodation.
Brighter in character and more contemporary in style, the Deluxe Rooms are among the most spacious guestrooms within the hotel and are located in the elegant Hanse Wing. Inspired by the timeless sophistication of classic ocean liners—a subtle tribute to Cologne's proud Hanseatic heritage—these rooms combine light, luxurious fabrics, fine woods and generously proportioned natural stone bathrooms to create an atmosphere of understated elegance.
Complementing its exceptional guestrooms, the Excelsior Hotel Ernst also offers a distinguished collection of 34 luxurious suites, each individually designed to provide an elevated residential experience in the heart of Cologne.

The hotel’s Junior Suites, ranging in size from 32 to 43 square metres, offer an elevated level of comfort with a wealth of thoughtful touches. Combining elegant sleeping and living areas, several feature walk-in wardrobes, while others command magnificent views of the imposing façade of Cologne Cathedral—an unforgettable backdrop to any stay.
The hotel’s nine Classic Suites embody timeless sophistication. Some are furnished with original Louis XV antiques and offer up to 48 square metres of beautifully appointed living space. Separate sitting and sleeping areas create an atmosphere that feels both refined and wonderfully residential.
For business travellers seeking complete privacy, the hotel’s two spacious Business Suites provide an ideal setting. Measuring 68 square metres each, they comprise a separate bedroom, living room and dedicated meeting room, allowing guests to conduct confidential discussions without leaving the comfort of their suite. Conference tables equipped with six laptop connections and a large plasma screen ensure that presentations and meetings can be held with ease.
Among the hotel’s most prestigious accommodations are the magnificent Excelsior Suites. Here, classical elegance is expressed through opulent decorative details, handcrafted furnishings, sumptuous fabrics and exquisite hardwood finishes. The luxurious marble bathrooms, complete with steam rooms and whirlpool baths, provide ample space for moments of indulgent relaxation, while pale natural stone and expansive mirrors create an atmosphere of understated sophistication.
Available with either one or two bedrooms, the Excelsior Suites are further distinguished by charming French balconies accessible from both the living room and the bedroom. Overlooking Cologne Cathedral and the rooftops of the city, they offer a uniquely memorable perspective and an unmistakable sense of place.
Inspired by the contemporary elegance of the Deluxe Rooms, the Executive Suites provide an even more spacious residential experience. Offering up to 90 square metres of accommodation, they feature separate living and sleeping areas, generous bathrooms with freestanding whirlpool baths and walk-in rain showers. All six suites are equipped with air conditioning, in-room safes, partially walk-in wardrobes and a host of additional amenities, ensuring an uncompromising level of comfort for even the most discerning traveller.

Gourmet Cuisine

Stepping into taku is rather like entering an entirely different world. The Excelsior Hotel Ernst's celebrated Asian fine-dining restaurant embraces a strikingly minimalist aesthetic, offering a refreshingly contemporary counterpoint to the timeless grandeur of the historic hotel that surrounds it.
Soft Far Eastern melodies drift gently through the dining room, creating an atmosphere of quiet sophistication. The restaurant's visual centrepiece is an elegant glass water feature set seamlessly into the floor, lending the space an almost meditative sense of calm.
Yet beautiful surroundings alone are never enough to satisfy truly discerning diners. At taku, it is the seamless interplay between gracious, intuitive service and exceptional culinary craftsmanship that elevates the experience to an altogether different level.
Attentive hosts guide guests effortlessly through the evening, while, behind the scenes, the kitchen produces dishes that are as visually captivating as they are exquisitely balanced in flavour. The carefully curated menu takes diners on a journey across Asia, harmoniously combining the refined elegance of Japanese cuisine with the richer traditions of China and the vibrant, aromatic flavours of Thailand and Vietnam.
An expertly assembled wine list provides the perfect accompaniment, complementing the cuisine with equal finesse.
It is therefore hardly surprising that taku has earned an outstanding reputation not only among hotel guests but also with Cologne's discerning local clientele, who return time and again for its distinctive atmosphere, impeccable service and consistently exceptional cuisine.

Providing a striking contrast to taku is the hotel's legendary fine-dining restaurant, Hanse Stube. Set within an atmosphere of timeless elegance, it has long been one of Cologne's most celebrated culinary addresses, welcoming both hotel guests and local gourmands to enjoy refined French cuisine infused with carefully considered regional influences.
Here, Executive Chef Joschua Tepner interprets classical French haute cuisine through a contemporary Rhineland lens, transforming everything from a business luncheon to an intimate family dinner into a memorable gastronomic occasion. The impeccable service complements the culinary experience with effortless professionalism and genuine warmth.
The restaurant's distinguished interiors, created by renowned designer Count Pilati, celebrate the understated sophistication of a traditional grand hotel. Rich mahogany panelling, intimate alcove seating and elegant furnishings create a welcoming ambience, while two private dining rooms, a magnificent mirrored salon and the charming Fish Salon provide discreet settings for private celebrations and exclusive gatherings.

The Excelsior Hotel Ernst has long been renowned for its exceptional culinary experiences, hosting an impressive calendar of gourmet events and seasonal dining occasions throughout the year. Among the most cherished is the celebrated Piano Brunch—arguably one of the most elegant ways to spend a Sunday in Cologne.
Accompanied by live piano music, guests embark on a culinary journey through the hotel's diverse gastronomic world. Highlights from taku include a live sushi station and a carefully curated selection of warm Asian specialities, while Hanse Stube showcases the breadth of its own cuisine with traditional Sunday roasts, the finest oysters, exquisite lobster creations, artisanal cheeses and beautifully prepared seasonal vegetables.
Served every Sunday from 12 noon until 3.00 pm (with a seasonal summer break), the brunch is available in three carefully curated options, allowing guests to tailor the experience to their own preferences.
Whether following an indulgent meal or simply pausing for afternoon tea or coffee, the elegant Piano Bar offers a wonderfully relaxed retreat. As evening falls, a resident pianist fills the room with gentle live music, creating an atmosphere of timeless sophistication in which guests can effortlessly lose track of time.
The attentive bar team serves an extensive selection of classic and contemporary cocktails alongside original signature creations, while wine enthusiasts will discover a thoughtfully curated cellar featuring exceptional vintages from some of the world's finest wine-growing regions.

A Lasting Impression

For me, the Excelsior Hotel Ernst is one of the finest examples of traditional luxury hospitality. Privately owned—a genuine rarity in today’s hotel landscape—it has long been, and remains, a true institution.
Its privileged position in the heart of Cologne, with commanding views of the Cathedral, is matched by an experience of exceptional refinement. From the classically elegant façade dating back to 1863 and the sumptuous interiors to the hotel’s outstanding culinary credentials, every element speaks the language of exclusivity without ever losing sight of warmth, charm and genuine hospitality.
It is a place of comfort and character at the heart of a city celebrated for its tolerance, humour and infectious joie de vivre—qualities that rightly make Cologne one of Germany’s most appealing places to live and visit.
For those without an address of their own in the city, the Excelsior Hotel Ernst offers a most welcoming home from home. I am already looking forward to my next stay.

Photography: Excelsior Hotel Ernst