COLOGNE - Does anyone know a good hotel near the train station that has rates under $200?
Feb 6th, 2008, 05:30 PM
#21
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Noe: You missed the connecting tunnel (under the elevated plaza) which connects the train station to the square in front of Sofitel via Trankgasse. On the positive side, you had a better view over the plaza as you schlepped your rolling suitcase.
Glad you like that Sofitel too, I stay at that particular hotel more often than at the Hyatt or Renaissance even though I carry their loyalty cards. The rooms are on the smaller side but the arrangement made them look smart. I was mostly impressed by their service. After a long convention, I came back to hotel and the hospitality lady manager personally delivered a surprise room service carrying a plate of cheeses and fruits with a bottle of fine Riesling. The other plus is the terrific breakfast buffet and service.
Glad you like that Sofitel too, I stay at that particular hotel more often than at the Hyatt or Renaissance even though I carry their loyalty cards. The rooms are on the smaller side but the arrangement made them look smart. I was mostly impressed by their service. After a long convention, I came back to hotel and the hospitality lady manager personally delivered a surprise room service carrying a plate of cheeses and fruits with a bottle of fine Riesling. The other plus is the terrific breakfast buffet and service.
Feb 6th, 2008, 06:51 PM
#22
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DAX, we found a lower route from the train station to the Sofitel that had tons of vehicular traffic and I thought was lacking in the sidewalk department. If there's another tunnel, then we missed it.
We're going back to Berlin (3rd time since last March) next month. I was hoping to spend Easter Sunday in Cologne and attend Mass in the Dom, and even had our reservations at the Sofitel, but I couldn't get our flights to work with Dusseldorf. So we will be in Berlin at the cathedral there - and the Sofitel Gendarmenmarkt.
We are in loyalty programs for several chains, which I guess makes us not very loyal! Our September trip was 9 nights of Sofitel hotels, so we have their card.
We're going back to Berlin (3rd time since last March) next month. I was hoping to spend Easter Sunday in Cologne and attend Mass in the Dom, and even had our reservations at the Sofitel, but I couldn't get our flights to work with Dusseldorf. So we will be in Berlin at the cathedral there - and the Sofitel Gendarmenmarkt.
We are in loyalty programs for several chains, which I guess makes us not very loyal! Our September trip was 9 nights of Sofitel hotels, so we have their card.
Feb 6th, 2008, 07:22 PM
#23
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Noe: I'm not a good church goer, but I have to say that easter mass at the Cologne cathedral was a real highlight(guilt lifting), better than mass at the Louvre for me personally (german vs french). Are you planning to attend easter service at the protestant Berliner Dom or the catholic double storied church in Berlin?
Feb 6th, 2008, 07:50 PM
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We're Catholic, so that's what we seek out on our trips. We've found that some of the services that we've attended while traveling have been real highlights for us. We went to Christmas Eve Mass two years a the Dom in Regensburg. Hearing the boy choir - the Domspatzen - was otherworldly.
My husband and I were at Mass at the Dom in Cologne in September and loved it. The new Gerhard Richter stained glass window is stunning and was drawing quite a crowd. Here are some links:
http://www.spiegel.de/international/...502271,00.html
http://www.wired.com/culture/art/magazine/15-08/pl_arts
In Berlin we will attend the "teacup" church - the 2 level St. Hedwig Catholic cathedral. We've been there several times before. Even though the shape/configuration is unsuited to Catholic liturgy, I've found the experience satisfying. The odd modern globe lights somehow complement the architecture. The chapels downstairs are quite interesting, and the Stations of the Cross are striking.
My husband and I were at Mass at the Dom in Cologne in September and loved it. The new Gerhard Richter stained glass window is stunning and was drawing quite a crowd. Here are some links:
http://www.spiegel.de/international/...502271,00.html
http://www.wired.com/culture/art/magazine/15-08/pl_arts
In Berlin we will attend the "teacup" church - the 2 level St. Hedwig Catholic cathedral. We've been there several times before. Even though the shape/configuration is unsuited to Catholic liturgy, I've found the experience satisfying. The odd modern globe lights somehow complement the architecture. The chapels downstairs are quite interesting, and the Stations of the Cross are striking.
