Will be traveling in June-July of this year and wondered if anyone has any recommendations as to centrally-located hotels. I can easily stay in the Hyatt across the river but would prefer to be in the older part of the city and near public transport. Budget is very flexible but room with private bath and preferably air conditioning is/are musts. Convenienec and modern amenities are much more important to me than so-called "charm."
Thanks very much in advance.

Hello from Cologne!
Yes, I am a resident of this city and normally don't stay in hotels but right now I'm researching hotels for a business partner of my DH...

If budget is not much of a concern I think you can have it all: Stay right next to the Dom/ Cathedral, modern amenities and close proximity to public transport. The Dom-Hotel is a Le Meriedien property which has undergone a major refurbishment during last summer. Actually, I think, this is the best hotel in town.

Another suggestion would be the Crowne Plaza Cologne City Center. A modern building in a very good spot to public transport at Rudolfplatz and the nightlife in the area around Friesenplatz. But two tram stops to the Cathedral and Altstadt.
For an idea of prices of other Cologne hotels check out www.hrs.de (has an English version)

If I can be of further assistance...?

Kascha,

Thanks very much for the recommendation! I have looked into staying at the Dom Hotel (which would be less expensive than the Hyatt and obviously closer to the cathedral, etc.) I understand it has recently been renovated.
I am planning to visit the city during the Europride celebration and wanted to be as close to where all those activities are occurring, particularly the parade on the last day which is, I think, 4 July this year.
Again, thanks for taking the time to respond to my post.

We stayed at the Comfort Hotel am Dom, just katty-corner across from the Dom, and a quick walk from the train station. It was nice enough, and about 106 Euro for a double. Had a great breakfast buffet, too.
There are a couple of internet shops near it and across from the Dom.

JonJon,
yes, with the Dom-Hotel you'd be in a perfect spot since a lot of the festivities take place on Alter Markt and Heumarkt and there are a couple of bars close to your hotel that you'd be interested in.
Have fun in Germany's San Francisco!

We were in Cologne in Nov 03 and stayed at the Mercure on Svensen St. (or something like that street name) It was a very good value for the price we paid. This hotel was less then 50 meters from both a bus stop and the underground. There are two Mercures in Cologne, this one and one outside the city.

Thanks so much, Travelnut and JonnyRocket for the additional recommendations for which I am most appreciative...helps make the final decision easier.

You have made a great choice; Cologne is one of Germany's overlooked tourist gems. Make a note to enjoy some glasses of koelsch ("kelsh&quot, a locally-produced beer, at a great bierstube (tavern) near the Dom, a place called "Fruh." The beer is served in special small glasses, and the waiter brings them in a circular metal tray and marks how many you have had on your cardboard coaster. Be sure to see the Deutsches-Romanisches Museum nearby. Some of the most fantastic Roman artifacts north of the Alps on display. Under the city hall are the excavated remains of a Roman praetorium or state house. Fantastic.

I have not stayed there yet, but I've heard that a brand new Intercontinental Hotel opened its doors last year. Read some good reviews and from what I gather it's located close to the Koelner Dom cathedral.
There is also a comparatively new Hilton Hotel in Cologne that sports an icebar, where the counter is made from ice, and some Scandinavian design in the rooms. It's in a converted Post building and should also be centrally located.
I have no first hand experience regarding these places (stayed at the Hyatt), but Kascha, whose advice usually is magnificent, might be able to confirm some of this.