FAQs
Information about our hotel, restaurants and services
General hotel information & arrival
From what time is check-in available?
Your room will be ready for you from 3 pm.
By what time do I need to check out?
Check-out is until 12 noon.
Is an early check-in or late check-out possible?
Subject to availability and prior arrangement, we are happy to offer either of these options.
Do I need to present an ID card or passport?
Guests without German citizenship are required to present a valid passport.
Is Wi-Fi available at the hotel?
Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. You will receive the access details at reception.
Do I need a credit card?
Yes, a valid credit card is required upon arrival.
Are gluten-free or vegan options available at breakfast?
Yes, we offer a selection of gluten-free and vegan products.
When and where is breakfast served?
Breakfast is served from 6:00 am to 11:00 am in the Hanse Stube.
Is breakfast included in the room rate?
This depends on the rate booked. Otherwise, breakfast is 54 EUR per person.
Is there a safe in the room?
Yes, all rooms feature a safe.
Are additional pillows or blankets available?
Yes. Our pillow menu offers a range of options, including neck-support pillows, spelt pillows and hypoallergenic pillows.
Are the rooms quiet?
In particular, our courtyard-facing rooms offer a pleasantly quiet atmosphere.
Is there a minibar, kettle or coffee machine in the room?
Yes, the minibar is included. A kettle is available on request. A coffee machine is part of the standard amenities.
Do you offer luggage storage?
Yes, we are happy to store your luggage free of charge on your arrival and departure day.
What parking options are available to guests?
You can drive directly to the hotel. Upon request, our valet parking service will park your vehicle for you. Alternatively, the ‘Tiefgarage am Dom’ underground car park is available in the immediate vicinity. Due to ongoing renovation work and partial closures, there may be delays and longer walking distances to the hotel at present and for the foreseeable future.
Do you offer laundry or ironing services?
Yes, we offer professional laundry and ironing services. We can also provide an ironing station free of charge.
Do you offer air-conditioned rooms?
Yes, all rooms are air-conditioned.
Do you have accessible rooms?
Yes, some of our rooms are accessible. Please let us know during the booking process if you require an accessible room.
Can Cathedral-view rooms be guaranteed?
A Cathedral view is guaranteed when booking our Cathedral View Suites and Excelsior Suites. Other room categories may also offer a Cathedral view. We are happy to note your request but cannot guarantee it.
Accounting & invoices
How can I obtain an invoice for my stay?
If you require a copy of your invoice, please send a brief written request to finanzabteilung@excelsior-hotel-ernst.de. Our team will process your request promptly and will be happy to provide the invoice.
How can I change the invoice address?
To amend your billing address, please also send a written request to finanzabteilung@excelsior-hotel-ernst.de. We will update the details immediately.
Dining – Hanse Stube
What are the opening hours of the Hanse Stube?
We welcome you for lunch from 12:00 pm and for dinner from 6:00 pm. Last orders are taken at 9:30 pm.
What kind of cuisine do you serve?
At the Hanse Stube, you can enjoy French gourmet cuisine with regional and modern influences. Head chef Lars Wolf and his team combine tradition and innovation to create refined culinary experiences.
Is parking available?
Yes, you can pull up directly outside the hotel and use our valet parking service – our team will take care of your vehicle. However, if you would prefer to park yourself, we recommend the nearby car park, ‘Tiefgarage am Dom’. Please note that, due to refurbishment works and partial closures in the Dom garage, you may currently experience longer waiting times and walking distances between the hotel and the garage, and this will continue until further notice.
Can I bring my dog?
For hygiene reasons, dogs are not permitted in the Hanse Stube restaurant. However, on request, our reception team will be happy to look after your dog while you are dining.
Are children welcome?
Yes, of course – we warmly welcome our younger guests.
Do you offer special children’s menus?
Yes, we have a selection of child-friendly dishes available.
Do you offer vegetarian or vegan dishes?
Yes, we offer both vegetarian and vegan options. Please inform us of any special requirements when making your reservation.
Up to what group size can I book without prior arrangement?
Reservations are possible for up to nine guests. For groups of 10 or more, our Events Team will support with the planning.
Do you offer à la carte or set menus?
We serve both our signature menu (4–6 courses) and a selected à la carte menu.
Does the restaurant have an outdoor area?
Yes, our charming courtyard is available during the summer months.
Do you offer takeaway or delivery?
Unfortunately, we do not offer a traditional takeaway or delivery service. However, we can arrange exclusive caterings for you.
Can dishes be adapted for allergies or intolerances?
Yes – please let us know in advance.
Which payment methods are accepted?
Cash, credit cards, room charge, and vouchers.
Do you offer vouchers?
Yes – you can purchase value vouchers, restaurant vouchers, overnight stay vouchers and afternoon tea vouchers online or directly at the hotel.
Is the restaurant accessible?
Yes.
Is a reservation required?
We recommend making a reservation.
Can I book online?
Yes, conveniently via our website.
Do you offer seasonal dishes?
Yes, our menus change regularly.
Do you have a lunch menu or business lunch?
Yes, including recommendations as well as two- or three-course options. You can find the current menu on our website.
Do you have a wine list and wine pairings?
Yes, our sommelier will be happy to recommend suitable wines.
Can I book the Hanse Stube for private celebrations?
Yes, the Fisch and Spiegel salons are available.
Do you offer special menus for public holidays?
Yes – for example at Christmas, New Year’s Eve and Easter.
When does the goose season start?
Traditionally on 1st November.
Is there a dress code?
We recommend smart casual.
Can I reserve a specific table?
We will do our best to accommodate your wishes; however, we cannot guarantee a particular table.
Dining – Restaurant taku
What does “taku” mean?
“Taku” is the Japanese word for “house”.
What cuisine do you serve?
At taku, you can enjoy modern Asian cuisine with a focus on innovative degustation menus.
Do you offer a tasting menu?
Yes, our concept is based on multi-course tasting menus, with the option of wine or non-alcoholic pairings.
Do you offer vegetarian menus?
Yes, but we do not offer vegan menus.
Do you cater for allergies or intolerances?
Yes – please let us know when making your reservation.
How can I make a reservation?
Online via our website or by telephone on +49 221 2703909.
Is there a dress code?
Smart casual.
Where is taku located?
At the Excelsior Hotel Ernst, directly opposite Cologne Cathedral.
Is parking available?
Yes, you can pull up directly outside the hotel and use our valet parking service – our team will take care of your vehicle. However, if you would prefer to park yourself, we recommend the nearby car park, ‘Tiefgarage am Dom’. Please note that, due to refurbishment works and partial closures in the Dom garage, you may currently experience longer waiting times and walking distances between the hotel and the garage, and this will continue until further notice.
Is the restaurant accessible?
Only partially. Please contact us in advance.
Can I purchase vouchers for taku?
Are children welcome at taku?
Yes. However, the menu is recommended from around age 12; for younger guests, we are happy to prepare a separate dish.
Are dogs allowed in the restaurant?
No. Our team will be happy to look after your dog during your visit.
Do you host private celebrations?
Yes – we can tailor events to your requirements.
Charles Bar
Is there an outdoor area?
Yes, the Charles Bar has its own courtyard.
What are the opening hours?
Daily from 12:00 pm to 1:00 am.
Can I make a reservation at the bar?
Reservations are only available for afternoon tea in the Wintergarten.
Do you have a cigar lounge?
Yes, and it has a high-quality selection. It is also available to non-resident guests.
Can cigars be purchased on site?
Yes.
Do you offer cocktail classes or tastings?
Yes, by request.
Do you offer snacks or bar food?
Yes, a selection of small dishes and snacks is available.
Vouchers
Do you offer vouchers?
Yes, both value and experience vouchers are available online in our voucher shop and at the hotel.
Can vouchers be personalised?
Yes, vouchers can be personalised.
Spa, Fitness & Wellness
Do you have a fitness or spa area?
Yes. On the 5th floor you will find our 24-hour fitness area, as well as a sauna and relaxation area (6:30 am–9:00 pm).
Do you offer spa or beauty treatments?
On request, massages and beauty treatments can be arranged either in your room or externally.
Arrival, parking & mobility
Is there parking available at the hotel?
You can drive directly to the hotel upon arrival. Our valet will be happy to park your vehicle for you. Alternatively, we recommend the ‘Tiefgarage am Dom’ underground car park in the immediate vicinity. Please note that renovation work may currently cause restrictions, delays and longer walking distances.
Where can I charge my electric car?
The nearest charging stations are located at Johannisstraße 74 and Domstraße 55–73, around 5 minutes from the hotel.
What is the height restriction for the underground car park?
The maximum entry height is 1.90 m.
Do you organise transfers?
Yes, our Concierge team can arrange private transfers, limousine services and airport transfers.
How far is the Excelsior Hotel Ernst from Cologne Cathedral?
100 m.
How far is Cologne Central Station (Hauptbahnhof)?
150 m.
Concierge Services
Can I order flowers?
Yes, our concierge will be happy to place the order for you.
Can you arrange tickets for events?
Yes – including last-minute or special tickets, subject to availability.
Do you offer city or cathedral tours?
Yes, we can arrange guided tours of Cologne or Cologne Cathedral tailored to your requirements.
Do you organise medical or pharmacy services?
Unfortunately, we are not permitted to provide or arrange medical services. However, our concierge team will be happy to assist by providing contact details for nearby doctors’ surgeries, clinics or pharmacies.
Careers & training
How can I apply?
All current vacancies can be found online. Please send your application to personal@excelsior-hotel-ernst.de.
Do you offer apprenticeships?
Yes, in hotel operations, restaurant service, the kitchen and patisserie, as well as dual study programmes.
Do you offer internships?
Yes. Please send your application, stating your preferred start date, to personal@excelsior-hotel-ernst.de.