In the heart of Cologne, Hotel Ahl Meerkatzen offers a warm welcome with a free breakfast buffet and in-room WiFi. Relax with helpful staff, luggage storage, and an elevator at your service.
Düsseldorf (MGL-Düsseldorf - Mönchengladbach) - 40 min drive
Düsseldorf Intl. Airport (DUS) - 61 min drive
Cologne (QKL-Cologne Central Train Station) - 14 min walk
Köln Dom/Central Station (tief) - 16 min walk
Cologne Central Station - 16 min walk
Heumarkt U-Bahn - 4 min walk
Severinstrasse U-Bahn - 7 min walk
Poststrasse U-Bahn - 10 min walk
Restaurants
Gangnamstyle Korean BBQ * Bulgogi • Bar - 4 min walk
Hafenterrasse - 4 min walk
Mangal Döner - 5 min walk
11 Burgers - 3 min walk
Supasalad - 5 min walk
About this property
Hotel Ahl Meerkatzen
Hotel Ahl Meerkatzen puts you just a 5-minute drive from Cologne Cathedral and LANXESS Arena. Free perks include WiFi and buffet breakfast daily between 6:30 AM and 10:30 AM. Also, this hotel is just a 5-minute drive from Cologne Trade Fair Grounds. Fellow travelers say great things about the helpful staff. The property is just a short walk to public transportation: Heumarkt U-Bahn is 4 minutes and Severinstrasse U-Bahn is 7 minutes.
At a glance
DONE
Hotel size
38 rooms
Arranged over 5 floors
DONE
Arriving/Leaving
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Contactless check-in available
Early check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out time is noon
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability
DONE
Special check-in instructions
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
DONE
Required at check-in
Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 18
DONE
Children
Children (4 years old and younger) stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding
DONE
Pets
Pets allowed (dogs only)*
Service animals welcome
WIFI
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Free WiFi in rooms
LOCAL_PARKING
Parking
Offsite parking within 1148 ft (EUR 22 per day)
DONE
Other information
Smoke-free property
Property amenities
Food and drink
Free buffet breakfast 6:30 AM–10:30 AM on weekdays and 7:00 AM–11:30 AM on weekends
Traveling with children
Children stay free (see details)
Services
24-hour front desk
Laundry service
Luggage storage
Facilities
1 building/tower
Built in 1264
Safe-deposit box at front desk
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible
Elevator
Room amenities
Be entertained
Television
Cable TV channels
Home comfort
Heating
Sleep well
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Alarm clock
Free crib/infant bed
Bed sheets provided
Freshen up
Private bathroom
Shower only
Free toiletries
Towels
Stay connected
Desk
Free WiFi
More
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
Special features
Awards and affiliations
Eco-Certified Property
This property participates in GreenSign Hotel, a program that measures the property's impact on one or more of the following: environment, community, cultural-heritage, the local economy.
Fees & policies
Mandatory fees
You'll be asked to pay the following charges by the property at check-in or check-out. Fees may include applicable taxes:
An effective city/local tax rate of 5.35 percent will be charged
Optional extras
Early check-in can be arranged for an extra charge of EUR 15.00 (subject to availability)
Late check-out can be arranged for an extra charge of EUR 15.00 (subject to availability)
Pets
Service animals exempt from fees
Pets are allowed for an extra charge of EUR 25 per pet, per night
Parking
Parking is available nearby and costs EUR 22 per day (1148 ft away)
Policies
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit on site.
This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards and cash.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express
Cashless transactions are available.
Also known as
Altstadt Köln
Köln Novum Hotel
Novum Ahl Meerkatzen Köln Altstadt
Novum Ahl Meerkatzen Köln Altstadt Cologne
Novum Hotel Ahl Meerkatzen Köln Altstadt
Novum Hotel Ahl Meerkatzen Köln Altstadt Cologne
Novum Hotel Köln
Novum Hotel Köln Altstadt
Hotel Ahl Meerkatzen Hotel
Hotel Ahl Meerkatzen Cologne
Hotel Ahl Meerkatzen Hotel Cologne
Novum Hotel Ahl Meerkatzen Köln Altstadt
Frequently asked questions
Does Hotel Ahl Meerkatzen offer free cancellation for a full refund?
Yes, Hotel Ahl Meerkatzen does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.
Are pets allowed at Hotel Ahl Meerkatzen?
Yes, dogs are welcome. There's a charge of EUR 25 per pet, per night. Service animals are exempt from fees.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Hotel Ahl Meerkatzen?
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime. There's a charge of EUR 15.00 for early check-in (subject to availability). Check-out time is noon. Late check-out is available for a charge of EUR 15.00 (subject to availability). Contactless check-in and check-out are available.
What's the area around Hotel Ahl Meerkatzen like?
Hotel Ahl Meerkatzen is in Innenstadt, a short 4-minute walk from Heumarkt U-Bahn and 14 minutes' walk from Cologne Cathedral.
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Reviews
Hotel Ahl Meerkatzen Reviews
6.6
Good
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
7.0
Cleanliness
7.2
Location
7.4
Staff & service
6.2
Property conditions & facilities
Popular mentions
Breakfast
Room
Service staff
Location
Food
Bathroom
Coffee
Christmas markets
Restaurant
Train station
Reviews
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Dec 5, 2025
Location was perfect for me! Room was very small, but adequate.
Donald
Donald, 5-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Nov 14, 2025
Good experience overall. Check in process was quick and easy. The breakfast was very nice as well (everything was fresh and tasty). The staff were friendly and helpful. My room was a good size.
Interesting historical building with many artifacts displayed on the walls. The area is quiet, away from the busy streets.
Dmitri
Dmitri, 1-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
May 31, 2025
Hotel room was basic but clean and with a free breakfast very good value for money.
james
james, 3-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 26, 2025
Lovley little
Great little hotel, lots of character
Breakfast was lovley.
Great location, in walking distance of everything
Gary
Gary, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 13, 2025
Very good location. Very friendly and helpful in hotel.
Conor
Conor, 2-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Jun 24, 2025
Great staff
Good value for money
Mohamed
Mohamed, 5-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 15, 2025
Really cute accommodation with old-style decor. Facilities are good and the staff are nice. The buffet breakfast has a lot of options which is great!
Isabelle
Isabelle, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 11, 2025
Historical Hotel: 5-star
I love the medieval vibes of the hotel, and upon research, the hotel has been in service since the 12th century. I love the location and its proximity to public transport and tourist attractions. The staff were also lovely.
Jan Kelvin
Jan Kelvin, 4-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 11, 2024
Lovely hotel, full of history, very close to centre. Great breakfast and friendly staff.
Nice, comfy rooms. Would stay again.
Sandra
Sandra, 2-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Jul 28, 2025
As we need
Just spend a night. As we expected, the generous free breakfast is beyond. Very old but bed is clean. Good for budget travelers
Verified traveler
1-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
May 28, 2025
We had a comfortable stay the room was clean, the bed was comfortable, unfortunately the carpet was very grubby. The staff were very helpful
Mrs Brenda
Mrs Brenda, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Dec 23, 2023
Basic room but very comfy and central, close to all amenities and surrounded by restaurants
Elaine
Elaine, 4-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Dec 5, 2023
Lovely hotel. Quite close to everything. Very friendly and efficient staff.
Conor
Conor, 2-night trip
Verified
6/10 Good
May 17, 2025
Not bad, would stay again if price was right.
Only one lady with light coloured hair and a guy was friendly, the other 3 ladys i met behind reception were very arrogant and not welcoming. Rooms were dated but fine to sleep in! Hotel itself is quite nice. The breakfast was ok not great needs more options.
Thomas
Thomas, 2-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
May 27, 2025
Close to the centre. Helpful staff. Clean room. Could leave our cases there after checkout. Be aware there is a sex shop next door.
Fran
Fran, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 13, 2024
The rooms are clean. employees are friendly
Seyma Tugce
Seyma Tugce, 3-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Dec 15, 2023
Excellent for the Christmas markets. also the Ramen restaurant across the road is highly recommended. Not sure I can cope with a single bed anymore though (my only complaint).
Ronald
Ronald, 4-night trip
Verified
6/10 Good
Jun 25, 2025
Modest accommodations
Property photos look much nicer than actual hotel. Hotel felt more like a nice hostel. Located next to exotic shops and cinema. Nice weather during my stay so not having air conditioning was not too big of an issue. Restroom plumbing had a poor smell. Accommodations worked but I think it is overpriced for what you get.
Lloyd
Lloyd, 2-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Aug 13, 2024
The place is close enough to the city center and for the train station. It's easy to get by on foot.
For the price and the location is a fair service. Don't expect anything fancy, but the rooms are clean, beds confortable and the breakfast is ok to start off your day of visit.
Verified traveler
4-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Sep 25, 2025
The staff was very sweet and welcoming. Very positive attitude despite the people checking in, in front of us being very difficult. No letting it out on others just very patient and friendly and professional. Wish I could have gotten her name to give the best word on her. Carpet is a little worn as well as some smudges on the walls here and there but you could tell it was from natural wear and tear. Otherwise everything was impeccably clean and the breakfast was very neat and filling. Would gladly stay here again. It was super convenient and walking distance from public transportation and cathedral was a 15 minute walk and you could stroll through the shopping strip or the old square on the way.
Solange
Solange, 1-night trip
Verified
2/10 Poor
Dec 30, 2024
Booked for three nights and stayed one until we found a much nicer hotel. The rooms were very smelly and breakfast was awful. If you don't mind exotic massage shops a sex shop next door and a sex cinema on the other side this may be okay for you.
Linda
Linda, 3-night trip
Verified
4/10 Fair
Jul 28, 2024
Hotel was like a museum the most unattractive hotel reception I have been in,No facilities like cafe bar area. Rooms also dated
Duncan
Duncan, 5-night trip
Verified
6/10 Good
Jun 19, 2025
You get what you pay for our room was clean very basic. Beds where comfy maid came in every day. Breakfast ok nothing special. The guy serving breakfast is the rudest most miserable man ive come accross think he needs to retire. Basil Faulty we called him. If you have not got a sense of humour or easily offended perhaps the area the Hotel in is not for you. There some dodgy looking people about if you return to your hotel after midnight but to be honest no hassle we just laughed. Hotel reception staff very helpful
Ryan
Ryan, 3-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 17, 2024
Good location, 20 minutes walk to central train station and restaurants nearby. Quiet, warm and comfortable.
Only downside was that when we arrived, no one was at reception. We tried messaging the reception's number but the reception does not have WhatsApp so we could only contact them through the Expedia messaging system. Receptionist arrived 5-minutes later.
Nicole
Nicole, 1-night trip
Verified
6/10 Good
May 24, 2024
A full account of our stay.
Checking in in the evening the young man was overly helpful.
The room did NOT look like the pictures, the carpet very dirty as was the one chair in our room. The bedding an towels nice, but we both rolled to the middle, old bed.
Breakfast nice as was the morning staff.
Also NO Wifi the 2 days we were there!
They said…working on it?