Few hotels anywhere have a shell like this one. The Wasserturm is a massive round brick water tower in Cologne’s Altstadt-Süd, built in the nineteenth century and once described as the tallest water tower in Europe, which was converted into a hotel decades ago and relaunched in 2021 as part of Hilton’s Curio Collection. Inside, the curved walls and high ceilings give the 88 rooms and suites unusual shapes and a lot of character, and no two feel quite alike. The hotel has three bars and restaurants, with breakfast served in the lounge and winter garden, and the Bar Botanik on the 11th floor, about 35 metres up, is one of the city’s nicest rooftop spots, with views over the rooftops to the cathedral spires. The Tapps spa has a gym, a sauna and treatment rooms. It is calm, discreet and stylish, and it feels a world away from the crowds around the cathedral.
Location and getting around: the hotel is on Kaygasse, in a residential pocket of Altstadt-Süd between Neumarkt and the Severinsviertel. The Poststraße and Neumarkt tram and U-Bahn stops are a few minutes’ walk away, the Romano-Germanic Museum’s temporary home in the Belgian House is close, and the cathedral is about twenty minutes on foot or a short tram ride. The Chocolate Museum and the Rheinauhafen are within walking distance to the south-east.
Rooms: because of the tower’s round form, no two room shapes are quite the same, and the higher floors have the best outlooks over the city. Suites give you more space and are a good choice for a special occasion. Interiors mix warm, contemporary furnishings with original brickwork.
Who it suits: couples, design lovers and travellers who want a quieter base with a strong sense of place, within reach of both the old town and the Belgian Quarter’s restaurants and bars.
Good to know: breakfast is often charged separately, and the rooftop bar is popular, so arrive early on a fine evening. Ask about parking when you book. Hilton Honors members can earn and use points here.
Why stay here
- ✓Historic water tower building
- ✓Bar Botanik rooftop bar on the 11th floor
- ✓Lounge and winter garden breakfast
- ✓Tapps spa with sauna
- ✓Gym and treatment rooms
- ✓Individually shaped rooms and suites
- ✓Hilton Honors points
- ✓Quiet residential setting
Good questions
What is special about the Wasserturm Hotel Cologne?+
It is set inside a historic brick water tower once described as the tallest in Europe. The round shape gives its 88 rooms and suites unusual layouts and lots of character.
Does the Wasserturm Hotel have a rooftop bar?+
Yes, Bar Botanik is on the 11th floor, about 35 metres up, with views over the city. It is popular on fine evenings, so arrive early.
How far is the Wasserturm Hotel from the cathedral?+
The cathedral is about twenty minutes on foot or a short tram ride from Poststraße or Neumarkt. The Belgian Quarter and the Chocolate Museum are also within reach.
