Hotel Ahl Meerkatzen Cologne Interior photo

Hotel Ahl Meerkatzen Cologne Exterior photo

Key details

About the Hotel

Mathiasstrasse 21, Cologne, 50676

Close to the River Rhine

Guest rating

5.8

6.9

/10

1.0

"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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"Internet speed was the best experienced in any hotel in Germany, which was a lovely surprise."

Jonathan from Australia

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"I love the medieval vibes of the hotel, and upon research, the hotel has been in service since the 12th century."

Jan Kelvin

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3-star historic hotel in Cologne's Old Town

Location

Novum Hotel Ahl Meerkatzen is centrally located in Cologne's Old Town, just 1 km from the iconic Cologne Cathedral and the Altstadt district. Public transportation and the main train station are within easy reach, facilitating travel around the city. The proximity to the Rhine River allows for leisurely strolls and outdoor activities nearby.

Room Options

The hotel offers various room categories accommodating up to four guests, designed with bright decor and ample natural light. Each room includes a large double bed, a sitting area, and a private bathroom with modern amenities. The family rooms provide extra space with additional bedding options suitable for families.

Dining

A fresh breakfast buffet is served daily, featuring a range of options including gluten-free and vegan selections. Guests can also explore local dining at nearby restaurants such as Ristaurante il Tartufo and Gentle Bears Bar, both conveniently located steps from the hotel. The breakfast service promotes a nourishing start to the day for all guests.

Nearby Attractions

Guests can enjoy visits to cultural highlights like the Cologne Philharmonic Hall and the Wallraf-Richartz-Museum, both within a short distance from the hotel. The Musical Dome Cologne hosts a variety of performances, enriching the local cultural experience. This central location serves as a strategic hub for exploring Cologne's diverse attractions.

Highlights

Location: Centrally located in Cologne's Old Town

Room Options: Family-friendly rooms up to 4 guests

Dining: Fresh daily breakfast buffet

Business: Meeting and banquet facilities

Select your room type

The hotel provides a selection of rooms—doubles, family rooms, and suites—with perks like free cancellation, breakfast options, and great value deals

Queen Room
2 persons
205 sq. feet
1 Queen-size bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Quadruple Room
2 persons
325 sq. feet
4 Single beds
Heating
Shower
room details
Single Room
2 persons
205 sq. feet
1 Single bed
Heating
Shower
room details

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Amenities & services

Real traveler stories and honest reviews—no glossy ads, just authentic feedback to guide your booking

General

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

Guest Parking

No parking available.

Services

Housekeeping

Dining

Packed lunches
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, 50676

Map view

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

Church

St. Maria in der Kupfergasse

4700 ft

Church

Saint Gereon's Basilica

4700 ft

Museum

Farina Fragrance Museum

2700 ft

Church

Gross St Martin

2700 ft

Museum

Roman-Germanic Museum

2700 ft

Landmark

KoelnTriangle

4800 ft

Bridge

Hohenzollern Bridge

4800 ft

Landmark

Cologne Philharmony

2700 ft

Church

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

4700 ft

Theatre

Haenneschen Theatre

2700 ft

Church

Basilica of the Holy Apostles

3500 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

Church

Church of St Maria im Kapitol

1200 ft

Harbour

Rheinauhafen

1200 ft

Fountain

Fastnachtsbrunnen

1600 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 Awaits

Cologne Cathedral

10-minute walk

Gothic masterpiece and UNESCO site, renowned for its stunning architecture and twin spires. Entry is free.

Cologne Chocolate Museum

5-minute walk

Interactive exhibits about chocolate's history and production, plus tastings. A delight for chocolate lovers.

Ludwig Museum

10-minute walk

Modern and contemporary art collection, featuring works from Picasso to Warhol. Notable for special exhibitions.

Wallraf-Richartz Museum

10-minute walk

Art museum housing Dutch and German masterpieces from the medieval to the 19th century. Engaging guided tours available.

Rheinauhafen

5-minute walk

Waterfront area with modern architecture, perfect for walks, dining, and art galleries. Great for a leisurely experience.

Cologne City Cycling

10-minute ride

Biking tours around the city are available for thrill-seekers. Rentals and guided options are within reach.

Volksgarten

18-minute walk

Relaxing urban park with lush greenery, ideal for picnics or a peaceful afternoon stroll away from the city bustle.

My Lord Bar Cafe

1-minute walk

Charming cafe with a cozy atmosphere, featuring local dishes and excellent coffee. Perfect for a quick bite.

La Piazza

6-minute walk

Italian eatery renowned for its pizza and pasta. Casual vibe with outdoor seating; reservations recommended in peak season.

L'Osteria Koln Guerzenich-Quartier

6-minute walk

Family-friendly Italian spot famous for generous portions of pizza and pasta. Great for casual dining or family gatherings.

Club Bahnhof Ehrenfeld

10-minute drive

Vibrant nightlife spot with live music events ranging from jazz to rock. A popular gathering point for locals and visitors alike.

Cologne Philharmonic

10-minute walk

Prestigious concert hall hosting classical music performances and concerts. Ideal for an elegant evening out.

Getting around town

City Centre
Cologne 6 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

What past guests shared about their stay

Review score

Based on 3 verified reviews

7.7 /10

Very good

100%

Recommend

Cleanliness

6.3/10

Comfort

6.1/10

Facilities

5.7/10

Free Wi-Fi

6.3/10

Location

8.0/10

Staff

7.2/10

Value for money

6.6/10

based on 297 reviews

3/5

George from United Kingdom

Business traveller

Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 17, 2026

8.5/10

Central Stay with Charm

perfect location immediate assistance convenient breakfast

The location worked perfectly for exploring the area it allowed easy access to many attractions. The staff offered immediate assistance. I also appreciated the breakfast it provided a convenient start to each day.

The decor was somewhat dated in certain areas updating the furnishings would .

Location

9/10

The hotel has a position central to transport links and a vibrant cityscape it is close enough to major attractions and easily accessible by foot offering an immersive experience into the city.

Facilities

8/10

Staff members were always available to help with directions or questions this demonstrated a commitment to guest satisfaction. I could leave luggage after checkout this allowed more exploration time.

Dining

9/10

Breakfast included options providing a reasonable start to the day. I found an amazing italian restaurant across the street from the hotel and enjoyed the bonus of proximity.

Rooms

8/10

The room was clean with a comfortable bed this created a restful environment. It provided sufficient space for a weekend it met all basic needs without unnecessary extras.

0 Helpful

Grayson from United States

Business traveller

Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 20, 2025

8.5/10

Central Stay With Helpful Staff

helpful staff good breakfast historic charm

The staff was very helpful with directions and local tips. Breakfast included a good variety. The location was close to the train station, so transportation was convenient. The building had some historic charm.

My room faced the street and street noise was audible throughout the night.

Service

9/10

The front desk provided prompt service. Staff members were available to answer questions. They offered assistance with luggage storage and taxi arrangements, which i appreciated.

Location

8/10

The hotel is near many shops and restaurants. It is close to public transport links. The central area offered convenient access to the main attractions. It was beneficial.

Rooms

8/10

My room had a comfortable bed. It featured basic furnishings. The room had a desk and chair. The bathroom included a shower and toiletries, and these were clean.

Facilities

9/10

Breakfast service included both hot and cold items. There was fresh coffee, bread, and fruit. The breakfast area had ample seating and a relaxed atmosphere. This was welcome.

0 Helpful

Christine from France

Single

Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 05, 2025

6/10

mixed feelings About this stay

hot water unavailable

The breakfast was good. It provided a decent start to the day.

I encountered an issue With the hot water. There was no hot water available during my entire stay, I reported this issue, and was told that it would be fixed the next day, but it never was.

0 Helpful

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