Courtyard By Marriott Cologne Köln

Hey there, fellow traveler! Let me tell you about this gem of a hotel I stumbled upon in the heart of Cologne - the Courtyard by Marriott. Now, I know what you're thinking, "Oh great, another boring business hotel." But hold your horses, my friend, because this place is anything but ordinary.

First Impressions

So, picture this: You've just stepped off the train at Köln Hauptbahnhof, and you're ready to explore the city. You make your way to the Courtyard, and as you approach, you notice something unusual. The hotel has a giant, shiny, golden pig perched on its roof. I mean, who expects to see a porker keeping watch over their hotel? It's like the hotel's saying, "Welcome to Cologne! Here, have some bacon with your breakfast."

Now, I know what you're thinking, "That's all well and good, but what's the hotel like inside?" Well, let me tell you, the Courtyard doesn't disappoint. It's like walking into a cozy, modern living room. The lobby's all warm woods and plush sofas, with a fireplace crackling away in the corner. It's like they've taken the typical hotel lobby and given it a big ol' hug and said, "Here, have a seat, relax."

Rooms with a View

Now, let's talk rooms. I stayed in one of their city view rooms, and let me tell you, the view was stunning. You could see the Cologne Cathedral, the Rhine River, and the whole city sprawled out before you. It was like having a personal tour guide, but without the chatty commentary (which, let's be honest, can get a bit much sometimes).

The rooms themselves were comfy and spacious, with all the usual suspects - a big, fluffy bed, a desk for working (or, let's be real, Netflix binging), and a bathroom that was practically a spa. I mean, who needs a fancy restaurant when you've got a rainfall shower head, am I right?

Food and Drink

Speaking of food, the Courtyard's got a couple of dining options that'll make your taste buds do a happy dance. There's the Bistro Restaurant, which serves up a mix of international and local dishes. I had the Himmel un Ääd (which is basically a fancy way of saying "heaven and earth" - it's a traditional Cologne dish made with apples and potatoes), and let me tell you, it was divine.

And then there's the Goose & Duck Bar. Yes, you read that right. This place is dedicated to all things goose and duck. They've got goose burgers, duck tacos, even goose confit. It's like they took every duck and goose recipe they could find and said, "Let's put 'em all on one menu!" It's weird, it's wonderful, and it's definitely worth a visit.

Exploring Cologne

But enough about the hotel (though, let's be real, it's pretty great). The Courtyard's location is perfect for exploring Cologne. You're just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the Old Town, the Cathedral, and the Rhine River. It's like the hotel's saying, "Here's your base camp, now go out and have an adventure!"

And if you're feeling lazy (hey, we all have those days), the hotel's got a gym and a pool that'll help you work off that goose burger you had for lunch. Win-win, right?

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it - the Courtyard by Marriott Cologne. It's a hotel that's as warm and welcoming as a big hug from an old friend. It's got a golden pig on the roof, for crying out loud! What more could you want?

But seriously, if you're looking for a hotel that's comfortable, stylish, and in a fantastic location, you can't go wrong with the Courtyard. It's the kind of place that'll make you feel right at home, even when you're a million miles away. So, go on, give it a try. I promise, the golden pig will be waiting to greet you.

And hey, if you see him, tell him I said hi. He's probably missing me (I mean, who wouldn't?).