Excelsior Hotel Ernst
Old-world grand hotel with genuine heritage — mahogany paneling, marble bathrooms, reproduction antiques — but not stuffy. The staff actually seem to enjoy working there, and the dining program is genuinely ambitious.
Book a Cathedral View Suite or Excelsior Suite to wake up facing the illuminated Gothic facade — it's worth the upgrade
Why It Matters
Cologne's oldest continuously operating luxury hotel (est. 1863), directly opposite the UNESCO-listed Cologne Cathedral. Member of The Leading Hotels of the World. Home to taku, a Michelin-starred East Asian restaurant, and Hanse Stube, celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026. Family-owned without interruption — a rare distinction in modern hospitality.
Cologne's definitive grand hotel, the Excelsior Hotel Ernst has sat directly opposite the Cathedral since 1863. Family-owned by the Kracht-Roulet family for over 160 years, it's the only 5-star hotel in the city center, and it operates like it knows that. Statesmen, artists, and business titans have passed through its doors; today it still delivers the full grand-hotel experience, with two serious restaurants (one Michelin-starred), a mahogany piano bar, and rooms that actually feel proportionate to the price.
Where You'll Stay
10 room types available
Cathedral View Suite
Over 40 sqm looking directly at the Gothic facade of Cologne Cathedral — you watch the sun rise over it every morning and the illuminated spires at night. Elaborately designed with an adjoining salon. For people who've visited Cologne before and know exactly what they want.
40 sqm
Classic Double Room
Around 30 sqm of discreet luxury — twin or double bed, an inviting seating area, and a vintage desk. Described by the hotel as exuding 'an air of discreet luxury with subtle design features.' Stone's throw from the cathedral and Old Town.
30 sqmClassic Single Room
The entry-level single faces the quiet inner courtyard — a smart call for light sleepers who still want the best-in-Cologne address. Classic, elegant furnishings in harmonious colors. Perfect for solo travelers who don't need the cathedral theater.
Deluxe Room
32 sqm rooms in the Hanseatic wing, which takes its cues from Cologne's Hanseatic past. Light and elegantly furnished, with a nod to the luxury of cruise liners. Seating area and impressive natural stone bathroom. Timeless, harmonious furnishings.
32 sqmExcelsior Suite
The top room in the house. Around 80 sqm directly beside the cathedral — wake up next to the Gothic facade, enjoy the spectacularly illuminated building at night. A stylishly composed collection of hand-picked rarities and unique design pieces. Spacious living room, separate bedroom, lavish marble bathroom, and a jacuzzi. This is the room that earns the hotel's reputation.
80 sqmExecutive Suite
Around 60 sqm with a separately designed living room and bedroom. Large natural stone bathroom, some with jacuzzi. Can be configured with private meeting facilities using the latest technology. Equally good for extended business stays or private retreats.
60 sqmGrand Deluxe Room
32 sqm with views of well-known Cologne landmarks. Lovingly chosen carpets, spacious armchairs, and a marble bathroom. Located centrally in the hotel with easy access to the cathedral and main train station.
32 sqmGrand Superior Room
Modern twist on the classic grand-hotel aesthetic. City centre views, luxurious elegance with contemporary accents, comfortable bed, seating area, stylish desk, and a bathroom with natural stone walls. Good choice for guests who find the traditional decor a touch dated.
Junior Suite
Around 43 sqm in the hotel's Dom wing. Double or twin beds plus an open living area. Spacious bathroom, and some units have a direct view of Cologne Cathedral. Comfortable upgrade from the standard rooms without going full-suite.
double or twin · 43 sqmSuite
Spacious suites with individual touch and a real sense of timelessness. High-end finish gives each its own character. Designed as a relaxed retreat right next to the cathedral, combining luxurious elegance with unique personality.
The Property
Eat & Drink
5 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
The Excelsior Afternoon Tea served daily 2pm–6pm. Steinway pianist Robin Meloy Goldsby performs live Friday–Sunday (selected holidays). €76 per person including champagne and pot of tea. Advanced booking required (24 hours minimum).
Each spring (April 14 – June 24, 2026) the Hanse Stube dedicates a significant part of the menu to white asparagus — a Rhineland obsession. Served lunch (12pm–2pm) and dinner (6pm–10pm). Standard menu pricing applies.
Celebrated guest chefs cook alongside Lars Wolf at the Hanse Stube and the grand banquet halls. Carefully selected wine and sommelier partners, live music. October 11, 2026 at 4pm. Tickets via the hotel's e-guma shop.
Annual Michelin-starred kitchen party where guest chefs from top restaurants across Germany cook at various stations alongside Mirko Gaul. Sommeliers present exclusive wines. Live music from DJ Basti M. The 15th edition runs September 20, 2026 at 6:30pm. 20% off room rate when booked alongside event (quote 'taku Kitchenparty').
An exclusive evening dedicated to Australian winter truffle. Mirko Gaul presents a five-course menu with freshly shaved truffle finished tableside at each course. October 10, 2026, 7pm. Includes aperitif, menu, wine pairing, water and coffee.
Guided floral wreath creation with in-house florist Ali Pourkhalili followed by a traditional Afternoon Tea with champagne. May 31, 2026, 2pm–5:30pm. €175 per person.
Cooking classes for children offered as part of the hotel's family-friendly programming. Available alongside other kids' amenities including babysitting and family packages.
Selected Thursday evenings from 7pm — live piano music in the mahogany-paneled Charles Bar. Free entry, no reservation needed. 2026 dates: September 17, October 22, November 19, December 17.
For six weeks in summer (June 24 – July 18, 2026), taku relocates to the historic neoclassical Villa Bodinus at Cologne Zoo. A 5-course menu by Mirko Gaul served on the terrace under the open sky on warm evenings. Tickets include aperitif, five-course menu, water and coffee.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Eight stylishly equipped function rooms for weddings, meetings, presentations, and private dining. Include the Blauer Saal, Gabelin Saal, Salon Severin, Pantaleon, and Spiegel Salon.
Babysitting or child care services available. Kids' cooking classes, kids' parties, and family packages are offered.
Round-the-clock reception and front desk.
Laundry and dry cleaning services available.
Three multilingual concierges providing first-class service including sightseeing arrangements, personal shoppers, VIP limousine transfers, restaurant reservations, personal trainer bookings, and wellness treatment arrangements.
Hotel terrace available; also used for seasonal pop-up Flower Café summer courtyard events.
Dogs and cats allowed in guestrooms. Size limitations may apply.
Patisserie creations available fresh from the display counter daily. Gift vouchers purchasable for Afternoon Tea, Hanse Stube dinners, and hotel stays via the online e-guma shop.
Rooms are equipped with soundproofed windows — helpful given the cathedral square location with its tourist and train station foot traffic.
Allergy-friendly rooms available with hypoallergenic bedding.
Complimentary internet access throughout the hotel including public areas and guestrooms.
Valet parking available for hotel guests only at €35 per 24 hours.
24-hour fitness area on the 5th floor with Matrix Onyx premium training equipment. Separate yoga mat room for stretching and personal routines.
Fifth-floor exclusive retreat for hotel guests. Steam sauna, dry sauna, and quiet lounge. Open daily 7am–9pm.
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