Ruby Ella Hotel Cologne is a modern, design-led hotel on Hohenzollernring 79-83, right beside Friesenplatz, on the western edge of the city centre. It belongs to the Ruby group, which is known for small, smartly designed rooms, plenty of social space and sensible prices, and the idea here is to offer a polished stay without the frills you do not need. There are 186 rooms, all air-conditioned and soundproofed, with a rainfall shower, a flat-screen television, a desk and free Wi-Fi throughout, which suits both leisure visitors and people who need to get some work done. Downstairs there is a bar and lounge, a cafe and a snack bar and deli, so you can have a coffee, a quick bite or an evening drink without leaving the building. The front desk is staffed around the clock, staff speak several languages, and luggage storage helps on arrival and departure days. The hotel is accessible, with lifts and features for guests who use wheelchairs. The neighbourhood is one of Cologne's liveliest, with the bars and boutiques of the Belgian Quarter and the Friesenviertel a few minutes away, and it feels more like living in the city than visiting it.
Location and getting around
Friesenplatz is a minute away on foot and has its own underground station, a couple of minutes from the front door, which links you to the main sights and the central station in minutes. The MediaPark is about nine minutes on foot, Neumarkt about twelve and the cathedral about fifteen, so a stroll along the ring takes you into the heart of the city. Cologne West station is eight minutes away. The airport is roughly half an hour by car, and the LANXESS Arena is a short ride by tram.
The rooms and what to expect
Rooms are compact and clever, with good beds, quiet interiors and a clean modern look. The soundproofing matters here, because Hohenzollernring is one of the busiest streets in the city, and it does a good job of keeping the traffic out. A buffet breakfast is available for a fee, and covered self parking and an electric car charging point are on offer for a daily fee, which is helpful for road trippers.
Pets are not accepted, and the hotel is smoke-free, so check the policies when you book. Check-in is in the afternoon and check-out is before eleven.
Who it suits and what to know: Ruby Ella suits couples, friends and solo travellers who like a bit of buzz, and anyone who wants a modern mid-priced hotel in a neighbourhood with great food and nightlife. It is a little further from the cathedral than the old town hotels, but the walk is easy and the public transport is excellent.
If you want a quiet, traditional stay beside the Rhine, a hotel in the old town may suit you better. Rates rise during trade fairs, carnival and Advent weekends, so check dates when you book.
Why stay here
- ✓186 soundproofed rooms
- ✓Air-conditioning
- ✓Free Wi-Fi in all rooms
- ✓Bar and lounge
- ✓Cafe and snack bar
- ✓24-hour front desk
- ✓Luggage storage
- ✓Electric car charging
Good questions
Where is Ruby Ella Hotel Cologne?+
It is at Hohenzollernring 79-83, beside Friesenplatz, about fifteen minutes on foot from the cathedral and two minutes from the Friesenplatz underground station.
Are the rooms quiet?+
The rooms are soundproofed, which helps on a busy ring road. Ask for a higher floor if you are a light sleeper.
Is breakfast included?+
A buffet breakfast is available for a fee, so check what your rate includes when you book.
