AMERON Cologne Hotel Regent

The Ameron Hotel Regent makes a stylish first impression with clean lines and patterned fabrics. The polished lobby has glossy cream floors, a splendid shiny gold-and-gray matte front desk, and elegant seating areas with bookshelves, tufted couches and chairs in tans, browns, and grays, and original framed artwork. The on-site Italian restaurant, Cantinetta Osteria and Bar, contrasts dark woods and cream-colored contemporary chairs and table settings. Fresh flowers on each table and hanging artwork of pale drawings adds up to a lovely ambience. Next door is the trendy gold bar with brown leather swivel stools and a row of gray velour love seats next to the windows. The hotel draws mostly business travelers attending conferences and trade shows, but also gets a good share of couples, especially on weekends. 

Set outside the city center, the Ameron is a 15- to 20-minute trip on public transportation to the heart of Cologne. Tram lines are 150 feet from the hotel. There's a park within a four-minute walk, which attracts joggers and cyclists, but there aren't many restaurants or cafes on surrounding streets -- the area is mostly office buildings. Guests could trek 20 minutes on foot to the hipster neighborhood of Ehrenfeld, which is known for its street art, hip shops, and nightlife scene. Cologne/Bonn Airport is a 27-minute drive from the hotel. 

While not as boldly decorated as public spaces, guest rooms are pleasant, either done up in a cool color palette with gray armchairs and curtains, soft purple accent walls, and dark striped pillows, or displaying a warmer vibe of red-and-yellow striped curtains and yellow settees. All have wooden floors, white bedding, pale yellow padded headboards, and streamlined IKEA-style laminate furniture. Amenities in all rooms include free high-speed Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, coffeemakers, flat-screen TVs, safes, and mini-fridges, which guests can stock with items from the hotel’s Smart shop at the reception. Smart Premium Rooms include such extra perks as free minibars, Tassimo coffeemakers, bathrobes and slippers, and free parking; some have views of Cologne Cathedral. Streamlined bathrooms have dark-gray counters and tiles, mirrors with LED lights, and walk-in glass showers. White Company toiletries and hairdryers are provided. 

Though the Ameron Hotel Regent has a full range of amenities, some are limited in size and service. The gym, for example, is small, with only a handful of cardio and weight machines, along with free weights. The spa consists of a relaxation area with loungers, showers, a Finnish sauna, and a tanning bed, which requires a fee. The restaurant, Cantinetta Osteria and Bar, serves modern Italian-style cuisine, but it can get crowded in the evening (there aren't many other restaurants in the area) and at breakfast. Breakfast comes with a hefty fee, and room-service hours are limited, and also incurs a fee. The hotel's biggest draw is its extensive event space, which includes five fully equipped meeting rooms, and such business services as free high-speed Wi-Fi and express check-in. On-site garage parking is available for a fee.