Cologne legends. Famous hotels glorified by history or celebrities

Excelsior Hotel Ernst Excelsior Hotel Ernst is a hotel with the history of more than 130 years. This hotel has been operating since 1863, when the court restaurateur finished the building. Several years later, he sold the house to the Kracht family that has been taking care of the building since then. During its long history, the grand hotel has always attracted rich and famous guests. German Kaiser Wilhelm I watched the opening ceremony of Cologne Cathedral from the window of his room at Excelsior Hotel Ernst. After World War I the hotel was completely destroyed and rebuilt, and in 1986 famous designer Graf Pilati renewed the hotel’s design. Having entered the hotel, guests will find themselves in a wondrous place with the 19th-century atmosphere.

Althoff Schlosshotel Lerbach Castle-hotel Althoff Schlosshotel Lerbach is one of the best and most luxurious hotels in Germany. The history of the hotel starts from 1384, when it was first mentioned in documents. Century after century, the hotel changed many owners and was used as a home for elderly people and even as a kindergarten. Later, during the World War II, the building was used as a sanatorium, and in 1989 it was rented by a TV company that used the house as a studio for the evening news. Nowadays, the castle is a privately owned hotel that is liked by its numerous guests.
Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Dom Hotel Koeln One of the oldest and most famous hotels in Germany, Dom Hotel Koeln , starts its history in 1857. The hotel has always been a traditional place to stay for aristocrats, manufacturers and rich merchants. The history of Dom Hotel Koeln was full of difficulties as it was reconstructed many times, but the challenges couldn’t prevent the hotel from keeping its original atmosphere and splendor. Therefore, there’s nothing strange that even nowadays the hotel is regularly chosen by many famous people. In different years, Dom Hotel Koeln greeted Kaiser Wilhelm II, composer Jacques Offenbach, dancer and spy Mata Hari, famous actress Sophie Loren, and Sir Peter Ustinov, whose favorite bar was later named after him. Dom Hotel remains the most famous hotel in Cologne.

Hotel Viktoria When describing iconic and historic hotels in Cologne, it would be a mistake not to include Hotel Viktoria . It is located in a beautiful historic building, which previously hosted the Museum of Music. Halls, which were previously used to exhibit priceless items, are now turned into rooms, while the original décor has been as much preserved as possible. All rooms feature beautiful music related pattern on the walls and magnificent paintings. The design includes genuine antique furniture, which makes Hotel Viktoria even more appealing.