25hours Hotel The Circle

This hotel stands out for its unique and quirky design, particularly its captivating space-themed ambiance that extends from the lobby to the guest rooms. Its signature feature is the vibrant rooftop bar and restaurant, offering stunning panoramic views of the city, including the Cologne Cathedral. The hotel's central location makes it an excellent choice for sightseers and couples seeking a memorable getaway, while its well-equipped co-working spaces and convenient amenities also cater well to business travelers. Families will appreciate the engaging lobby activities and spacious accommodations. To enhance your stay, guests recommend utilizing the complimentary minibar and free bike rentals, and for the best views, consider requesting a room on a higher floor. Be aware that the popular rooftop dining areas often require advance booking due to high demand.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of appealing facilities designed to enhance the guest experience. The rooftop bar and restaurant are consistently highlighted for their exceptional views and lively atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a sauna with city views, though some noted issues with bathrobe availability. A fitness center is also available, described by some as basic but functional. The hotel provides free Wi-Fi throughout, ensuring connectivity. A standout feature is the complimentary minibar in rooms, a welcome touch for many, though some guests mentioned it was not always refilled daily. The expansive lobby serves as a hub of activity, featuring a co-working space, typewriters, an arcade machine, a record shop, and even ping-pong and table football for entertainment. Additionally, free bike rentals are a popular amenity, allowing guests to explore the city with ease.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest rooms are widely praised for their unique and stylish design, often featuring a distinctive space theme that many find appealing. The beds are consistently described as very comfortable and large, ensuring a restful night's sleep, though some noted that twin mattresses were pushed together. The open bathroom concept, with the shower and sink integrated into the main room and a separate toilet, is a prominent design choice; while many appreciate its modernity, some guests found it lacked privacy or contributed to noise from water dripping. Room cleanliness generally receives positive feedback, with many describing rooms as spotless, though a few reviews mentioned occasional dust, stains on furniture, or inconsistent housekeeping. Some guests also noted a lack of sufficient storage space or a traditional closet, and some found the lighting in rooms to be too dim.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining options receive considerable praise, particularly the breakfast served in the rooftop restaurant. Guests consistently highlight the wonderful variety and high quality of the breakfast buffet, which includes numerous vegan options and offers a stunning view of Cologne. While many found the breakfast experience excellent, some noted it could be crowded or that service was occasionally slow. The NENI restaurant is highly recommended for its delicious Israeli/Levante cuisine and pleasant ambiance, complemented by the same impressive city views. The Monkey Bar on the rooftop is a popular spot for evening drinks, known for its lively atmosphere and good cocktails, though it can become very busy, making it challenging to secure a table, especially on weekends.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a superb central location, making it an ideal base for exploring Cologne. Guests appreciate its walkable distance to many key attractions, including the Cologne Cathedral, the Rhine River, and the Old Town, typically within a 15 to 20-minute stroll. The hotel is also conveniently situated near public transportation, with an U-Bahn station just a few minutes away, providing easy access to other parts of the city. While the immediate area is generally quiet, some guests noted ongoing building work nearby, which could occasionally cause noise during the day. Parking is available on-site, though it is often described as expensive and operates on a first-come, first-served basis, with some guests experiencing difficulties accessing it due to the ongoing construction.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Many guests highlighted the warm welcome and professional demeanor of the front desk team, who are often commended for their willingness to assist with requests and provide local recommendations. The check-in process is generally described as efficient, though some guests reported longer wait times during peak hours. While overall housekeeping is positively reviewed, a few guests noted inconsistencies in room cleaning or daily servicing. The staff's commitment to providing a pleasant experience is a recurring theme, with many guests feeling well-cared for throughout their stay. However, a small number of reviews mentioned instances of staff appearing overwhelmed or less responsive, particularly during busy periods.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of significant building work occurring around the hotel, which can impact noise levels and access to the main entrance and parking areas. The hotel maintains a very pet-friendly policy, providing amenities like dog beds and bowls for furry companions. A unique and highly appreciated feature is the complimentary minibar in each room, stocked with various beverages and snacks, though guests may need to request refills. The hotel also offers free bike rentals, allowing for convenient city exploration. The lobby is designed as a vibrant, interactive space, featuring a co-working area and various retro-themed activities like typewriters and an arcade machine. Some guests noted the absence of hair conditioner and a kettle or coffee machine in the rooms, which need to be requested from the front desk.