Hotel Ahl Meerkatzen, Cologne ➤ Reviews, Rooms & Prices 2026

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Hotel Ahl Meerkatzen Cologne Interior photo

Hotel Ahl Meerkatzen Cologne Exterior photo

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Key details

About the Hotel

Mathiasstrasse 21, Cologne, Germany, 50676

Steps from the Rhine river

Guest rating

5.9

6.9

/10

1.0

Loved by Hotel Ahl Meerkatzen guests

Helpful staff
Comfortable beds
Good breakfast
Central location

"Rather impressive historical building (over 750 years old) with black panelling and faded portraits, well-appointed, comfortable, bright, warm."

Christina from United Kingdom

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"The Hotel is like Dr Who's Tardis; you walk in a small door and then come to a really nice wood paneled reception and great breakfast area."

Jonathan from Australia

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"This is a heritage hotel, offering good value, a convenient location with a helpful staff."

Anonymous

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Location

The hotel is centrally located in Cologne's Old Town, just 1.9 km from Hauptbahnhof Köln and 14.5 km from Köln-Bonn Airport. Nearby attractions include the Cologne Cathedral and the Rhine River, both within walking distance. Public transportation is easily accessible, with main stations and routes close to the hotel.

Rooms

Rooms at Hotel Ahl Meerkatzen accommodate up to four guests and include amenities like a large double bed and a private bathroom. Each room is equipped with a desk, cable TV, and sound-proofed windows for a restful stay. The hotel offers various room categories, including Family Rooms which provide additional space for families.

Dining

A daily breakfast buffet is prepared fresh each morning to invigorate guests for the day ahead. The hotel is in proximity to several dining options, including Restaurante il Tartufo and SushiWoMo just steps away. Guests can find additional dining options at nearby venues such as Gentle Bears Bar and Deck.

Meeting Facilities

The hotel provides meeting and banquet facilities for guests needing professional space. Ideal for small gatherings or business functions, these areas support a variety of setups. The hotel's central location adds convenience for local and traveling attendees.

Family-Friendly Amenities

Rooms accommodate families comfortably with options for additional beds, allowing up to four occupants. The hotel prioritizes a family-friendly environment, promoting a safe and friendly atmosphere for all guests. Nearby attractions and public parks enhance the experience for families exploring Cologne.

Highlights

Location: Centrally located in Cologne's Old Town

Rooms: Family Rooms accommodate up to four guests

Dining: Daily breakfast buffet prepared fresh

Facilities: Meeting and banquet facilities available

“This established hotel offers a glimpse into Cologne's past with its unique, though timeworn, decor. You'll find it well-situated for exploring the city center and main attractions. For short stays, the hotel presents a practical option given its location and price.”

Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel

Location: Great

8.2/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

DiningGenerous Breakfast

The free breakfast was beyond expectations! Plenty of options to choose from to start the day well.

Carlos from Spain

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Room FeaturesComfy beds!

The beds were very comfortable, ensuring a good night's sleep after a long day of travel.

Emily Carter from United Kingdom

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Media & EntertainmentBest Internet!

The internet speed was the best I have experienced in any hotel in Germany, a lovely surprise.

David from Canada

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BedroomCozy and Warm

The room was bright, warm and comfortable, making my stay enjoyable even in the winter months.

Ingrid from Sweden

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Select your room type

Hotel Ahl Meerkatzen offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Queen Room

2 persons

205 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Single Room

2 persons

205 sq. feet

1 Single bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Double Room

2 persons

205 sq. feet

2 Single beds

Shower

Heating

room details

Quadruple Room

2 persons

325 sq. feet

4 Single beds

Shower

Heating

room details

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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Facilities

Hotel Ahl Meerkatzen offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
Pets allowed
Security
Luggage storage
Allergy-free rooms
Lift
Vending machines
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key access

Dining

Special diet menus

Business

Fax/Photocopying

Children

Cots

Room features

Heating

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Hotel Ahl Meerkatzen Location

Mathiasstrasse 21, Cologne, Germany, 50676

Map view

Mathiasstrasse 21, Cologne, Germany, 50676

City landmarks

Church

Cologne Cathedral

2700 ft

Square

Domplatte

2700 ft

Museum

Ludwig Museum

2700 ft

Museum

Wallraf-Richartz Museum

2700 ft

Museum

Museum of Applied Art Cologne

4700 ft

Museum

Farina Fragrance Museum

2700 ft

Church

Gross St Martin

2700 ft

Museum

Roman-Germanic Museum

2700 ft

Bridge

Hohenzollern Bridge

4800 ft

Church

St. Maria in der Kupfergasse

4700 ft

Church

Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Cologne

4700 ft

Church

Basilica of the Holy Apostles

3500 ft

Church

St. Maria Himmelfahrt

3700 ft

Fountain

Jan von Werth Fountain

2000 ft

Museum

Museum of East Asian Art Cologne

1.5 mi

Public Building

Cologne City Hall

2700 ft

Museum

Kolumba

4700 ft

Church

Saint Gereon's Basilica

4700 ft

Landmark

Dom Treasury

3200 ft

Square

Heumarkt

2700 ft

Museum

NS Documentation Centre of the City of Cologne

4700 ft

Nearby

Museum

Cologne Chocolate Museum

1200 ft

Rheingasse

Overstolzenhaus

500 ft

Church

St. George's Church

800 ft

Church

St. Maria Lyskirchen

800 ft

Harbour

Rheinauhafen

1200 ft

Fountain

Fastnachtsbrunnen

1600 ft

Church

Church of St Maria im Kapitol

1200 ft

Am Schokoladenmuseum 1A Rheinufer

Malakoffturm

1100 ft

Holzmarkt 65

Der Tauzieher

1100 ft

Restaurants

My Lord Bar Cafe

200 ft

Muehlenbach 57 Altstadt Süd

La Piazza

1500 ft

Hohe Strasse 3

L'Osteria Koln Guerzenich-Quartier

1500 ft

Martinstrasse 1

Krua Thai

1000 ft

Heumarkt 25 Bahnhaltestelle Heumarkt

Stadt TREFF

1500 ft

Guerzenichstr. 30 Nähe Heumarkt

Pommes Imperium

1400 ft

Heumarkt 59

Dinea

2500 ft

Hohe Strasse 41-53 41-53

Piccolo Milano

1700 ft

Steinweg 1

Canape

1600 ft

Heumarkt 73

Explore Cologne

Cologne Cathedral

10 minutes' walk

Iconic Gothic cathedral known for its stunning architecture and twin spires. Free entry and guided tours available.

Cologne Chocolate Museum

5 minutes' walk

Interactive museum dedicated to cocoa and chocolate production. Offers tastings and workshops on selected days.

Ludwig Museum

10 minutes' walk

Modern art museum featuring works by Picasso, Warhol, and Lichtenstein. Special exhibitions throughout the year.

Roman-Germanic Museum

10 minutes' walk

Museum showcasing Cologne's Roman history with artifacts and immersive exhibits. Free admission on certain days.

Biking along the Rhine

10 minutes' ride

Scenic bike paths along the Rhine River offer stunning views and a chance to see local wildlife. Rentals nearby.

Relaxing at Hermannplatz Park

18 minutes walking

A serene city park perfect for picnics or leisurely strolls, providing peace not far from the bustling city center.

Kayaking on the Rhine

20 minutes' drive

Thrilling kayaking experiences available to adventurers. Rentals and beginner lessons offered at local water sports centers.

My Lord Bar Cafe

1 minute' walk

Cozy cafe offering a variety of coffee, pastries, and light bites. A great spot for breakfast or a quick lunch.

La Piazza

6 minutes' walk

Authentic Italian restaurant featuring handmade pasta and wood-fired pizza. Family-friendly with a welcoming atmosphere.

Krua Thai

4 minutes' walk

Delightful Thai eatery known for its fresh ingredients and bold flavors, catering to vegetarian and gluten-free diets.

L'Osteria Koln Guerzenich-Quartier

6 minutes' walk

Vibrant restaurant famous for large pizzas and a lively atmosphere. Reservations recommended for busy periods.

Cologne Philharmonic

15 minutes' walk

Reputable concert hall hosting classical music performances. Check the schedule for family-friendly matinees.

Brauhaus Früh am Dom

10 minutes' walk

Traditional beer hall with live music and a lively atmosphere. Popular for its local Kölsch beer and hearty German dishes.

Getting around

City Centre

Cologne6 min · 1700 ft

Airports

Koln/Bonn (CGN)23 min · 9.5 mi

Dusseldorf (DUS)73 min · 30.0 mi

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-23:59

Check-out

until 12 pm

Guest Parking

No parking available.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.

Breakfast

All visitors are offered a buffet breakfast for a fee.

Pets

Pets are allowed on request.

Number of floors:

Number of rooms:

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Hotel Ahl Meerkatzen from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

Hotel Ahl Meerkatzen enjoys a convenient location close to the city center and the train station, making it easy to explore Cologne on foot. Guests appreciate the decent breakfast offered. While some found the decor a bit old-fashioned, they also found the rooms clean and the beds comfortable. Its proximity to the Cologne Cathedral and the Aldstadt, with its squares, cafes, bars, and ice cream shops, is often highlighted.

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Review score

Based on 673 verified reviews

5.7/10

Guest rating

42%

Recommend

Location

8.2/10

Staff

7.4/10

Facilities

5.7/10

Comfort

6.2/10

Pros

Great location

Comfy room

Friendly staff

Clean bathroom

Cons

Noisy area

Poor condition

based on 297 reviews

3/5

Evelyn from Canada

Single

Single Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:January 20, 2026

9.0/10

Fantastic Experience!

delicious breakfastkind personexcellent locationclean room

The breakfast was AMAZING!!! I really liked the black woman at the reception. She really helped me with everything and I appreciated it!!!! She was always available to help with any questions I had!!! Thank you so much!!!! My room was Room 19 with the baby. The location is probably the best asset of this place. The room was very simple but clean. The breakfast was rather basic but still good.

I found this totally unacceptable.

Dining

9/10

The breakfast includes a selection of fresh pastries, cereals, and fruits. Hot beverages are available, including coffee and tea. There is also juice. The dining area is bright and clean.

Location

10/10

The hotel has proximity to public transport options and nearby tourist attractions. The area is quiet. It is away from the busier streets. The hotel is close enough to the city center.

Facilities

8/10

The hotel building is a historical one with displayed artifacts on the walls. The check-in process was quick and easy for me. This hotel has some character.

Rooms

8/10

My room was a good size and simple. The beds are comfortable for rest. The rooms are clean. That is great.

Service

10/10

Everyone at the front desk was friendly and helpful. The staff went out of their way to try and help me. Room service was good, very nice woman.

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Questions of the users

About Hotel Ahl Meerkatzen

Are all accommodations equipped with private bathrooms for guests?

22 December 2024

Yes, every room features a private bathroom for your convenience.

Is there complimentary Wi-Fi available in the guest rooms along with breakfast offerings?

12 January 2025

Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi service is available throughout the hotel, and the price includes a breakfast buffet.

Is there a midnight check-in option, and how accessible is the hotel from the airport using public transport?

15 February 2025

Check-in is available 24/7, and the journey from the airport to the hotel takes about 45 minutes using public transport. Simply take a train to Köln main station and then tram 5 to Heumarkt.

Does the hotel have a restaurant on-site, and will it be operating during the Christmas holiday?

10 March 2025

No, there is no restaurant at the hotel.

Are there any parking options nearby, and what are the costs associated with it?

18 April 2025

While the hotel does not offer its own parking, public garages are available nearby. The recommended Tiefgarage Waidmarkt charges approximately 22 EUR for 24 hours and is only a 5-minute walk away.

Are kettle appliances or slippers offered in the guest rooms?

30 May 2025

Unfortunately, kettles and slippers are not provided in the rooms.

What currency is accepted for payment at the hotel?

14 June 2025

The hotel accepts payments in Euros (EUR).

Can guests opt to skip room cleaning in exchange for a drink voucher?

22 July 2025

Yes, guests can choose to forgo room cleaning and receive a voucher redeemable for select drinks at the bar.

What is the breakfast serving schedule and pricing?

31 August 2025

The breakfast buffet is served daily from 06:30 to 10:00 and is priced at 16.50 EUR. Options include continental, gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian choices.

What popular attractions are within walking distance from the hotel?

9 September 2025

Notable sites such as the Cologne Cathedral and the Wallraf-Richartz Museum are just a short stroll away, making the hotel an excellent base for exploring the area.