A bridge with a gothic cathedral in the background.

Cologne Hotel Guide - Cheap Hotels in Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia

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Check availability on Cologne Cheap Hotels

Tonight
9 Oct - 10 Oct
Tomorrow
10 Oct - 11 Oct
This weekend
9 Oct - 11 Oct
Next weekend
16 Oct - 18 Oct

Our top choices for Cologne cheap hotels

1. URBAN LOFT Cologne

URBAN LOFT Cologne
Old Town Cologne
€96
includes taxes & fees
1 Nov - 2 Nov
URBAN LOFT Cologne

2. Station Hostel For Backpackers

Station Hostel For Backpackers
Old Town Cologne
United States
kenneth
€59
includes taxes & fees
11 Oct - 12 Oct
Station Hostel For Backpackers

3. Maternushaus

Maternushaus
Old Town Cologne
United Kingdom
Hannah
Maternushaus

4. Erft Apartment

Erft Apartment
Kerpen
United Kingdom
Jason
€62
includes taxes & fees
15 Oct - 16 Oct
Erft Apartment

5. DJH City-Hostel Köln-Riehl

DJH City-Hostel Köln-Riehl
Nippes
United States
Samantha L.
€93
includes taxes & fees
11 Oct - 12 Oct
DJH City-Hostel Köln-Riehl

6. Sunday Hotel Köln Brühl Junior Suite

Sunday Hotel Köln Brühl Junior Suite
Brühl
United States
Anonymous traveller
€142
includes taxes & fees
4 Nov - 5 Nov
Sunday Hotel Köln Brühl Junior Suite

7. GZ Hostel Bonn

GZ Hostel Bonn
Stadtbezirk Bonn
United Kingdom
Matthew William
€70
includes taxes & fees
15 Oct - 16 Oct
GZ Hostel Bonn

8. Vegas Hotel

Vegas Hotel
Zentrum
United Kingdom
debbie
€72
includes taxes & fees
14 Oct - 15 Oct
Vegas Hotel

9. Max Hostel

Max Hostel
Stadtbezirk Bonn
Canada
Dr. Vipin
€65
includes taxes & fees
3 Nov - 4 Nov
Max Hostel

10. BaseCamp Bonn - Hostel

BaseCamp Bonn - Hostel
Stadtbezirk Bonn
United Kingdom
Clare
€81
includes taxes & fees
17 Oct - 18 Oct
BaseCamp Bonn - Hostel
View all properties

Find out more about Cologne

Discover cheap things to do in Cologne (and vicinity)

For budget-conscious travellers exploring the greater Cologne area, there are several captivating points of interest that offer both charm and value. Start your adventure at the iconic Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom), where entry is free and the stunning Gothic architecture can be admired from the outside or inside. Just a short walk away, the Old Town (Altstadt) is a maze of picturesque streets lined with vibrant houses, where you can soak up the local atmosphere and enjoy affordable street food such as delicious currywurst or pretzels from kiosks. The Rhine River promenade is perfect for a leisurely stroll, where you can enjoy scenic views without spending a penny. For a bit of cultural enrichment, visit the Museum Ludwig on a Thursday evening when entry fees are reduced, allowing you to explore contemporary art at a bargain. Families will love the Flora Botanical Garden, a free entry spot where kids can run freely while parents relax amidst beautiful flora. Staying in the Ehrenfeld district offers a unique experience with its hip vibe, where you can find budget-friendly hotels and enjoy eclectic cafés and shops. The area is known for its artistic spirit, making it an exciting base to explore the city while keeping your expenses in check.

Find the best cheap hotels in Cologne (and vicinity)

For those looking to explore Cologne on a budget, these hotels offer excellent amenities and great value without compromising comfort. Here are some top picks for budget-conscious travellers.K-Apart Hotel & Boardinghouse

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: With an impressive review rating of 9.4, the K-Apart Hotel & Boardinghouse is a top pick for budget-savvy travellers. Guests can take advantage of free WiFi and toiletries, and self-parking options are available, making it a straightforward choice for those arriving by car. The hotel also offers kitchen facilities, including a refrigerator and stovetop, allowing travelers to prepare their own meals and save on dining costs.
  • Other amenities: Beyond its budget-friendly amenities, this hotel features a terrace for relaxation, electric kettle and espresso maker for added convenience, and a garden area to enjoy the outdoors. Daily housekeeping ensures that travelers return to a clean space, while family-friendly amenities, such as free amenities for children, make it suitable for those travelling with loved ones.
  • Nearby attractions: University of Cologne - 7 km, RheinEnergieStadion - 8.8 km, Neumarkt - 9.1 km

Holiday Inn Express Köln-Mülheim by IHG

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: Another fantastic budget option, Holiday Inn Express Köln-Mülheim consistently receives positive feedback from guests, earning a review rating of 8.4. This hotel offers essential amenities like free WiFi and a daily complimentary breakfast, perfect for guests looking to enjoy a hearty start to their day without spending extra.
  • Other amenities: In addition to its value-for-money offerings, the hotel features self-parking and daily housekeeping for added convenience. Guests can also enjoy nearby golf activities and the comfort of cribs available for free. The welcoming atmosphere and thoughtful amenities ensure a comfortable stay for all who choose this hotel.
  • Neighborhood: Mülheim
  • Nearby attractions: Palladium - 1.5 km, Claudius Therme - 4.5 km, Cologne Trade Fair Grounds - 4.9 km

Holiday Inn Express Köln-Mülheim by IHG

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: Budget-conscious travellers will find the Holiday Inn Express Köln-Mülheim to be a smart choice, with an excellent review rating of 8.4. Guests can enjoy a complimentary buffet breakfast each morning along with free WiFi, setting the stage for a relaxed start to the day. The hotel also offers self-parking and free cribs, ensuring families have everything they need for a pleasant stay.
  • Other amenities: In addition to its budget amenities, the hotel features a nearby golf course for leisure enthusiasts and a beach location for outdoor activities. Daily housekeeping provides added convenience, while the option for connecting rooms suits groups or families looking to stay together. With a sofa bed and amenities for children, this hotel truly caters to those seeking comfort on a budget.
  • Neighborhood: Mülheim
  • Nearby attractions: Palladium - 1.5 km, Claudius Therme - 4.5 km, Cologne Trade Fair Grounds - 4.9 km

Top Cologne Hotel Reviews

Dorint An der Messe Köln

Dorint An der Messe Köln

8/10 Good
"First off, the receptionist at my checking and later in the day was a woman named Joan. She was outstanding and met and exceeded my expectations. I saw her work with a team member to help another customer. Please let Joan know I appreciate her service. My room service meal was not as expected. The food arrived a bit warm (pizza) and my bottle of coke was inoperable as a bottle cap remover was not made available on the tray or in my room. Breakfast was outstanding."
Ronald 1-night trip
Posted 4 hours ago
Dorint An der Messe Köln
Novotel Köln City

Novotel Köln City

10/10 Excellent
"Very tidy hotel with friendly and helpful staff."
Mike 4-night trip
Posted 3 days ago
Novotel Köln City
CityClass Hotel Alter Markt

CityClass Hotel Alter Markt

10/10 Excellent
"This location is perfect for exploring Cologne. We could not have been happier with our choice."
Edward 2-night trip
Posted 4 days ago
CityClass Hotel Alter Markt
Excelsior Hotel Ernst am Dom

Excelsior Hotel Ernst am Dom

8/10 Good
"We dropped off our luggage early. Our rooms were not ready, but of course we did not expect them to be because it wasn't 3:00 pm yet. We went out and came back to the hotel around 3:30. Neither room was ready. Hmmm. The kind man at the front/concierge desk offered us drink vouchers for the wait and promised the rooms would be ready in 15-20 minutes. Okay. We went away and came back about an hour later. Rooms STILL not ready, but the front desk said they would be ready in about 5 min. When we finally did get into our rooms, our luggage, which was supposed to be waiting for us, was not there and we had to call the front desk to ask for it. Our room had robes but no slippers; oddly, our traveling companions' room did have slippers. The rooms were lovely and quiet but the shower sprayed water everywhere. Bar service was wonderful. I'd probably stay here again but honestly was annoyed that our rooms were not ready for over 1.5 hours past check-in time."
Ellen 1-night trip
Posted 5 days ago
Excelsior Hotel Ernst am Dom
AMERON Köln Hotel Regent

AMERON Köln Hotel Regent

8/10 Good
"Lovely hotel, location fine, parking easy. Decent bar area. Only criticism is the self check in desk is a bit inefficient. Had two staff who could have done the check in, in seconds, stood there watching us fumble around. Self check in should exist for when staff aren’t around (late arrivals) or away from the mann check in desk to make more “slots available” during peak times. Having 3 computers and 2 staff telling people how to use the computers and not able to check you in on their own computer is just silly. We also had to queue to check out to get parking validated, which seems like something a computer system you had to use to pay for parking could have done during check in… didn’t ruin the stay but several of our party commented on how woefully inefficient the existing process is."
John 2-night trip
Posted 2 weeks ago
AMERON Köln Hotel Regent

Frequently asked questions

What is Cologne like for travellers on a budget?
Cologne has cheap accommodation options and a variety of places to visit, making it a great choice for a budget-friendly getaway. In addition to its well-known attractions such as Cologne Cathedral and Phantasialand, this destination is home to Flora and Botanical Garden Cologne and Forstbotanischer Garten Köln, which you can enjoy while spending very little.
What's the best place to stay on a budget in Cologne?
Based on reviews, URBAN LOFT Cologne is a popular hotel for our travellers who want a more economical choice, and features free Wi-Fi and laundry facilities. Other good choices to stay on the cheap include DJH City-Hostel Köln-Riehl and Station Hostel For Backpackers.
How many cheap hotels will I be able to find in Cologne?
Expedia has 9 hotels in Cologne that are ideal if you are watching your pennies.
When is the best time for a budget trip to Cologne?
Weather will likely play an important role when you plan your trip to Cologne, but bear in mind that cheaper options are usually available when the weather isn't as good. The hottest months are usually August and July, with an average temperature of 18°C, while the coldest months are January and February, with an average of 4°C. Average annual precipitation for Cologne is 936 mm.
What is there to see and do in Cologne?
Cologne attracts visitors with its abundant cafes and fantastic dining options, and offers plenty to see and do without spending a fortune. You can budget for the top local attractions on your list, such as Cologne Cathedral and Phantasialand, and then make time for other wallet-friendly activities. Explore and snap photos of landmarks like Cologne Triangle, or enjoy the outdoors at Flora and Botanical Garden Cologne and Forstbotanischer Garten Köln.
How can I get to Cologne and get around on a budget?
Scoping out the transportation options in Cologne is a smart way to keep your trip affordable. The most convenient airport is 7.9 mi (12.7 km) from the centre in Cologne - Bonn Airport (CGN). However, if that doesn't suit your budget, you can look into flights to Düsseldorf Intl. Airport (DUS), which is 24.8 mi (39.9 km) away. Take advantage of metro transport at Appellhofplatz Breite Strasse U-Bahn, Neumarkt U-Bahn and Heumarkt U-Bahn.

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