The Best Spa and Wellness Hotels to Book in Cologne, Germany

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

While the rooms and restaurant are of good standard, it’s the 3,500sqm (37,700sqft) spa area that really stands out at Mauritius Hotel & Therme. It’s hard to believe that a hotel located in the Aldstadt (Old Town) can really offer seven saunas, two steam baths, three whirlpools, an indoor pool and a Dead Sea salt outdoor pool. All this for just €5 (£4.25) per day to guests of the hotel. Make the most of the leafy rooftop terrace in the summer months – it boasts views of the cathedral spires.

From single rooms to a penthouse suite, the Savoy offers elegant comfort at every level, whether you’re staying for just a night or lodging for longer. Enjoy the panoramic views of the city from the Skylounge roof terrace, take tea in the Fireplace Lounge or meet with friends in the popular Divas Bar and Restaurant. Don’t leave without spending an afternoon in the opulent spa. Treatments come from all over the world – we recommend the Hawaiian Lomi-Lomi massage for full body relaxation.

Entering this hotel feels almost like being in a lavish shopping arcade with a glistening glass-roofed entrance. Despite its size and appearance, Maritim Cologne is tranquil and airy inside. Book one of the 454 rooms with a view of Cologne Cathedral or the River Rhine. After a day pounding the pavements, retreat to their indoor pool with a sauna and steam room waiting for you afterwards. As one of Germany’s best known, and trusted, hotel chains, you can be sure of a comfortable stay.

Although not located in the centre of town, the Dorint An der Messe has great transport links to all of Cologne’s highlights. The spa here is light and bright, so relish the sun streaming in through the floor-to-ceiling windows, hire a bathrobe and slippers and relax into the 650sqm (7,000sqft) wellness area that comes complete with a pool, Finnish sauna and a salt grotto. Finish the day with a cold Kölsch in the cosy, pub-style bar.

The Vitality spa at the Ameron is well-equipped for working up sweat in the sauna and the gym. And if you fancy some fresh air, the hotel is close to the forest park for a long evening walk or early morning run. Being centrally located, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from, but the hotel’s own Cantinetta Trattoria & Bar offers good authentic Italian food and a wide-ranging wine list. We recommend you try the Neapolitan pizza.

Literally a stone’s throw from majestic Cologne Cathedral and the Museum Ludwig, and just a few minutes from the River Rhine, you couldn’t ask for a better location. The in-house German restaurant, the Mondial 1516, offers a good variety of traditional and regional dishes and you can sit back with a splendid view of the cathedral while you sip your local Kölsch beer. That’s after you’ve rested your weary muscles in the intimate spa, complete with sauna, steam room and relaxation room.

Relax into your day with a coffee in bed – Nespresso machines come as standard at the Steigenberger. The hotel is close to all of the key sights in Cologne, as well as the green spaces of the Aachener Weiher and the inner green belt, if you fancy a jog along one of the trails. Feel like joining a yoga class? Top studio Karma Cologne is just a five-minute walk from the hotel. There are also electric car charging points on site, plus pet-friendly suites are available.

If you want to explore the cultural capital of the Rhineland while on your daily run, just ask the friendly staff at the Radisson about #BluRoutes. These safe, scenic routes will take you on an exploratory adventure around the surrounding neighbourhoods, taking in many of the best city sights. Back at the hotel, head to the steam room or Finnish sauna to unwind. The central location and modern design of the Radisson make any trip to Cologne a pleasure.

This is an updated rewrite of an article originally by Marion Kutter.