Hyatt Regency Cologne

With neighbors that include the Cologne Cathedral, Hohenzollern Bridge, and the city's Old Town, the Hyatt Regency's exterior stands out for its modern glass atrium walls, smooth stone blocks, and manicured greenery. Inside, the polished-wood ceiling and walls, gray marble floors, and glass-lined staircases signal it's a Hyatt, but topiary trees and high-back canary-colored chairs stand out against the beige-and-black color scheme. Some parts of the hotel are designed to look urbane and professional, while others are more relaxed and family-friendly. The Glashaus Restaurant, with its glass-paned ceiling and subtle decor, shifts the focus from the modern interior to the Gothic architecture that dots much of Cologne's cityscape. The hotel's bars have a little more fun, riffing on a German pub interior with stained-wood walls and large-screen TVs. A terrace with picnic tables, umbrellas, and a gravel-lined deck serves as a beer garden. 

Deutz, the neighborhood that's home to the Hyatt Regency Cologne, was first established by the Roman Emperor Constantine as a military encampment around 310 AD. In 1888, the section was incorporated into the larger city and is now home to numerous government offices. The Hyatt Regency's position on the far side of the Rhine gives it superb views of Cologne's notable buildings, including the gothic Kolner Dom (or Cologne Cathedral), one of Germany's most-visited sights. Walking to the cathedral takes 13 minutes. The Koelnmesse, which hosts 75 trade fairs and 2,000 conferences each year, is about a 12-minute walk from the hotel, or a five-minute cab ride. Cologne Bonn Airport is about a 15-minute drive from the hotel, or a 20-minute train ride.

Renovated in 2011 by Hirsch Bedner Associates, the 306 guest rooms at the Hyatt Regency Cologne range from Standard Kings with underwhelming courtyard views to Suites with panoramic views of the Rhine and living room-size seating areas and kitchenettes. Perks include free Wi-Fi, newspapers, snacks, bathrobes, and coffeemakers (Suites have Nespresso-style machines). Regency Club Rooms come with free breakfast and snacks. The contemporary decor is in muted tones of chocolate brown, gray, and beige. Polished-wood nightstands sit beside the beds, which are framed by tufted headboards topped with reading lights. Executive Suites have separate rooms with sofas, dark-wood bookcases, dining room tables, chandeliers, and flat-screen TVs. Guests report that beds are comfortable and not too cushy. Bathrooms are spacious, lined with polished marble and outfitted with designer toiletries, bathrobes, and hairdryers. Many of the rooms have been updated since the hotel's 2011 renovation, but not all -- guests have complained about peeling wallpaper and stained seating in some.

Hyatt Regency Cologne guests can get free massages at the hotel's Puls Fitness Club & Spa, which includes a gym with treadmills, stationary bikes, and weights, a sauna, and a 40-foot (12-meter) indoor four-lane lap pool. Located in the hotel's atrium, the Glashaus Restaurant serves regional and international fare, including sushi, against magnificent views of the Cologne Cathedral. A hotel deli next door serves traditional smoked meats. Breakfast is available, but is not included in standard rates. The Hyatt's Schalsick Bar stocks more than 60 types of whiskey, and has a terrace with a beer garden atmosphere. For business travelers and event planners, there are plenty of rooms for meetings and celebrations, ranging from VIP boardrooms to a ballroom with a grand piano and fireplace. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout.