URBAN LOFT Cologne — Attraction in Cologne

This is an OK hotel. I would probably say that, except for the location, it isn't great value for what they charge. To preface the following, this is from a North American and not a European perspective, so I offer these comments in that spirit with an understanding that I'm used to different norms when travelling in hotels.

The rooms are immaculately clean. No worries there. The urban basic, however, is incredibly small while still being expensive. I wouldn't recommend for two people. If you really want to stay here as a couple, upgrade to a larger room or find somewhere else with bigger rooms. The hotel is also in a good location. Highly walkable to major attractions in Cologne.

The A/C didn't really work in the way we expected in both of the rooms that we got. I'm still not sure if they were malfunctioning, or if it only works when it's quite hot out. We were here in April when the temperatures were around 10-12. The room got too hot without opening the window. I'm not sure how well folks fare in the dead of summer. I wouldn't want to experiment.

This isn't a big deal to me, but it might be to others. The room we were in did not have a fridge, a microwave, or any kind of coffee or nespresso. I think the coffee in the lobby is free, which is nice, but if you're the kind of person that wants to just roll out of bed and pop a pod in, you can't do that here. Additionally, there didn't seem to be any ice machines anywhere in the building. So don't bank on keeping any beer or wine cold in your room.

The shower has no door, so if you're a bigger person, water will get absolutely everywhere in the bathroom. The supplied bathmat is like trying to mop up the Mediterranenan sea with a single sponge. I'd suggest asking for additional towels to mop up the bathroom, otherwise you'll be tracking water all over the room.

Finally, both of the rooms that we had were literally right outside the train tracks by Central Köln HBF. So we opened the windows to keep the room cool and were greeted by screeching trains every few minutes. Honestly, you get used to it after a while, but if you're a light sleeper, I'd suggest ensuring you get a room somewhere else in the building or going somewhere else.

In sum, I've stayed in worse places, I've stayed in better places. Just know what you're getting into when you book here. They take the eco-friendly thing very seriously so the rooms lack amenities I'm accustomed to, the lights in the halls are motion sensor and dark until you're right under them, and I also found the hot water in the shower fluctuated wildly. I'm guessing that's related to the...

The self-check-in process was frustrating and inefficient. It required a reservation number, but this was not the reference number provided in the confirmation email. Instead, it was a different number sent in a later email. During the booking process, I received four separate emails, which made it confusing to locate the correct information.

The staff appeared untrained. For example, the key cards were loaded into the machine incorrectly (sideways), which caused the self-service key card system to fail. When I tried to get a second card, even the receptionist—who seemed inexperienced—was unable to make it work.

Prior to my arrival, I contacted the hotel specifically to ask whether a city green permit (Umweltplakette) was required for visiting drivers. I was told that I would definitely not need the permit to access the hotel’s car park. Turns out this is not true.

Additionally, I was charged more for parking than I was originally quoted, because the person who sent me the parking cost quote made a mistake. The hotel also charged my card for the room and then added several unexpected costs, making it a much less economical choice than anticipated.

Check-out update: When I asked about the green eco permit at check-out, both receptionists confirmed it was required—meaning I might indeed be fined. One staff member checked me out, confirming I had paid for everything, including parking, and said goodbye. However, when I tried to exit the car park, the ticket machine said I still needed to pay. I pressed the help button but got no response, so I had to return to reception. There, I was told I had tried to use the entrance ticket instead of an exit ticket. When I asked if she needed to validate my ticket, she tried to check me out again, but her colleague said he had already done so. Eventually, she gave me an exit ticket, but there was no apology for the inconvenience.

Overall, the staff seemed unprepared and uninformed, and the entire experience was disorganized and...

This is my honest review others may not agree!!||Positives:||Can't fault the room - it was basic but that's what we paid for! A comfy bed, it wasn't noisy at all, and the air con worked. The bathroom was clean and modern, it had everything we needed. ||Felt safe in the hotel, you need key cards to access lifts / upper floors. Corridors were clean and most importantly, quiet on a night.||There's a small fitness centre which we used and the roof top terrace was lovely on an evening to sit out on.||Staff were friendly and helpful - Especially the man on the front desk who was very welcoming and friendly. ||Location is great for the city centre and attractions. There's an 'Aldi-like' supermarket next door which is great for drinks / croissants (if you wanted a quick breakfast). ||Negatives:||First impressions weren't great, the street it is on is a bit dodgy and I personally wouldn't feel safe walking back late at night as a lone female/ with kids. Not the hotels fault but it did make me nervous. ||Reception area was nice - on check in, the receptionist was explaining to everyone about the hotel. When it was our turn, we got told to fill in an I pad and all the hotel details were on the back of the key card. A bit disappointed we weren't told everything (and they could speak English - it wasn't a barrier).||There is no tea/coffee in the rooms. It is available for free 11.30pm - 11.30am (yes that's the right way around) in reception. So, if you are like me and need multiple coffees when you wake up, it's a trip to reception 10 times!! I know this is a budget hotel but really tea/coffee should be standard in each room.||Weighing up what I paid for a city centre location and a clean room, the hotel is extremely reasonable and perfect for a few days but I would have struggled with anything longer due to lack...