Hyatt Regency Cologne

Stayed here for a couple of days in December. I liked the location, it’s next to the Rhine and you can walk to the shops and main square and the Dom, minutes away. It’s also peaceful here and like décor in my room, nice white unstarched soft sheets and cozy. Whether you’re inside or looking out from the windows, it’s beautiful would like to come back someday in the spring when it’s not as cold. The service was top notch, not California smiley but attentive. I liked that. I also really appreciated the spotless bathroom similar to the cleanliness I notice when visiting Japan. I wanted to buy my fave German chocolate brand, Leysieffer, and wanted to know the closest store in Cologne. The hotel staff member helping me at the front desk gave me a map (that’s standard) and when I was ready to go, he said they can get car service to take me there. Freakin’ nice! No Hyatt took me to my next step as quickly. Nothing beats anticipating and exceeding customer expectations. But then again this is Germany where everything is super efficient and everything works the way it’s supposed to.
Since there weren’t that many bars close to the Hyatt, having drinks at the hotel bar was convenient, and of course, not cheap. German beer, served in tall cylindrical glasses is super yummy, especially the more malty Mühlenkölsch. In Mainz and Cologne, almost all beer is made by Kölsch and the varieties run the spectrum from very hoppy to very light with a hint of sweet (and actually went really nicely with fish). Never thought I’d appreciate German beer. I did this trip.
Tip: Ask for a room on the river side to take advantage of the water, bridge and Cathedral views. Because this hotel is along the Rhine, it’s a great to run in the morning along the river instead of using the ellipticals in the hotel gym.
Visits: 1

I can think of no other reason to travel to Cologne than Interzume. This was the reason I was in the area for a quick one night stay recently.
My boss and I arrived at the hotel at 11am. We were told our rooms weren’t ready yet, but that they would call us when they were. Finally at 3pm, they were ready… we kept asking and checking but apparently they are very strict about their 3pm check-​in time. This was very annoying! I was even more upset after I found out another colleague bribed them with 10Euro and got his room hours earlier than we did. Grr!
Also, I was told my bags would be in my room when I finally was allowed to go to it. Nope, I waited 15min. and went back downstairs to retrieve my luggage, which was apparently finally on its way to my room. I was so frustrated by this point, I just gave up.
This hotel is up-​to-​date, modern, and clean. It is located right off the Rhine River so you can get a great view is you get a room on the Rhine River side.
Since we got in our rooms so late, we just decided to work for a few hours and then have dinner at the hotel. The service at the restaurant was not good… we had to actually flag someone down to take our drink order and then again for entrees. I suggest deciding what you want quickly so that you can get both drink and food order taken care of quickly and in one transaction. I ordered the Waldorf Salad to start with; this wasn’t a Waldorf salad at all, it was a squirt of cheese smeared on a plate with some cranberries and no walnuts, in a word it was awful. I had veal for my entrée and enjoyed the dish very much. After we finished eating we again had to wait 10min before we could find someone to flag down for our bill; annoying!
The room was clean and modern and I was a lucky one who got a river view so that was cool. Flat screen TV, fresh linens, and a clean restroom all made the stay pleasant. The mattresses were a bit too firm and I didn’t sleep at all the night I was here; I tossed and turned all night. I’m particular about my mattresses, but this was not good.
I would suggest staying at this hotel for Interzume only because it is within walking distance to the space. Otherwise I think I would rather have been at the Marriott across town where a few of my other colleagues stayed.