This is a grand hotel in the old European standard and is quite self contained. Although you can venture into Cologne to sightsee, it is a 13 mile trip to do so and the hotel has so much to offer that it is an experience and destination in and of itself. When you arrive by car and find the difficult to find grand entrance, you are dwarfed by the majesty of it all with the extensive grounds and long courtyard. They have valet parking and your luggage and car are whisked away. We were met by the reception manager, Herr Hacke and led to our deluxe double room which was just to the left of the second floor balcony as you look at the hotel entrance. It was a large double with a king size bed with 15 foot ceilings and three large windows that view the cathedral of Cologne in the distance. The hotel, based on our package, had provided an iced bottle of Moet et Chandon Brut Champagne and a bowl of wonderfully ripe nectarines that was replenished for free every day. As one of the other reviewers mentioned, the minibar is included in the price of the room. But before you salivate at that news, the minibar consists of a local beer, carbonated water, Coca-Cola, Diet Coke and Orange Juice. There are no snacks or liquor stocked. The bathroom is all marble to the ceiling and is stocked with upscale toiletries, quality robes and slippers bearing the hotel logo. The breakfast each morning is a very large american (eggs, sausage and bacon) and continental style buffet with cold cuts, cheese, cereals, breads and pastries. The service was very poor for breakfast and I constantly had to track down a waiter to get coffee refills and clear plates. I have only seen a better breakfast at the Hotel Zur Traube in Baiersbronn, which is the best hotel in Germany, in my opinion. The reception bar serves drinks, coffees/teas of your choice and wonderful tortes in the afternoon until 9 PM to include a high tea if desired with all the fixings. At 9 PM, they open the so-called fireplace bar where the atmosphere is like and furnished like an old English Gentleman's club with overstuffed chairs. Live entertainment on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. They also have an extensive cigar selection which drove me, a rabid nonsmoker, out of there. They have two additional restaurants, the Michelin 2 star, Vendome (Joachim Wissler, Chef) and the Enoteca, a upscale Italian restaurant. Forget the Enoteca, run of the mill food and bad service. The Vendome, on the other hand, is the best restaurant that I have ever eaten in and I have eaten in the best throughout Europe. The things that he does with food and flavor combinations is incredible. Fantastic service and a wonderful wine list. It only has 9 tables, so reserve far ahead of time. The Wellness area is way above average. They have a large vanishing edge pool with waterfall that is made out of mosaic to include gold ones. They have large Roman his and hers Steam Baths, Finnish and Dry Saunas as well as a hot tub and 360 degree spray showers with shampoo and bath gels. My wife and I ordered a St Barts massage, facial and manicure. She also got a lipo body pack and pedicure all of which lasted over 4 hours. Very professional and extremely relaxing. I highly recommend this hotel and place near the top of the hotels that I have frequented.
