World Class Experiences
Praise
Long Cologne’s number one grand hotel, the Excelsior Hotel Ernst has presided over Cathedral Square since 1863, a fixture in the heart of the city center. Over the last century and a half the stately old building has hosted all manner of VIPs passing through Cologne, from statesmen on down, and today finds it very much in fighting form.
Guide Michelin, October 2025Awards
Reader’s Choice Awards 2025
Readers of Conde Nast Traveller (UK edition) vote for their top hotels and resorts worldwide.
Conde Nast Traveller (UK)
Hotel Collection/Reward Program
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Hotels Own Introduction
A Legacy at the Foot of Cologne Cathedral
For more than 160 years, the Excelsior Hotel Ernst has welcomed guests directly opposite Cologne Cathedral, in the heart of the Old Town. This grand hotel cherishes a tradition of hospitality shaped by guests who arrive with the highest expectations—of the house, of their stay in Cologne, and of its culinary craft.
A Grand Hotel with Heart and Soul
Time is a true luxury, and here it unfolds gently. In 133 rooms and suites, you’ll discover what it means to step away from the demands of everyday life and savour moments of complete ease.
Culinary Excellence, Every Moment
From the refined French haute cuisine of the Hanse Stube to the award-winning East-Asian inspirations at taku, dining at the Excelsior Hotel Ernst is a celebration of taste. Enjoy exquisite patisserie and afternoon tea in the Wintergarten, or end the day with curated wines and crafted cocktails at the Charles Bar—always accompanied by warm, attentive service.