Went to Koln (aka Cologne) June 11-12 and stayed in Hotel Karsten based on several site's reviews. I was not disappointed at all. In fact I was pleasantly surprised. I drove and foun d the location easily. The hotel is intimate, very clean and offers good amenities (free internet, kitchenette) that would be much more elsewhere The room was large and had a sweet balcony with a garden view (requested). The garden is lovely with trees and rose bushes, birds and all the right sounds and atmosphere for a weekend getaway. Before I get romantic let me say this hotel was the deal of the weekend for me-and I shop a lot! Good area, quiet and warm reception. Friendly staff and breakfast in an airy solarium surrounded by birds and trees! I couldn't have written a more perfect setting. Dinner was at DaNicos just around the corner and I got a warm reception there as well.
I only had one night in Karsten but it left an impression. For the price I paid, I got waay more than I expected! Big spotless room, cozy furnishings, great surroundings and good hearty breakfast with a smile. All for so much less than 100 Euros I got dinner as well!

Although a distance from the hub of Koln, I would go to Hotel Karsten again in a second - and skip the city!

We stayed here because we had a connecting flight the next morning and wanted to be near the airport. It was really perfect. The service was friendly, the airport shuttle service was great, breakfast was delicious and the room was just fine. As a bonus, there was a great Italian restaurant right around the corner. We'll stay at this hotel again.

To me, the difference on appreciating a hotel are the services.
This guys are really customer-oriented. It was no problem for them to wake up 5 AM to prepare the breakfast and take me to the airport with their shuttle. And the shuttle was included in the already low fare. What else can a traveler want?
I really recommend this hotel for catching an early flight from Cologne airport.

This friendly, family-run hotel is close to the motorway, which suited us perfectly, although it's in a suburb, rather than central Cologne. Our room was bright and airy, with a balcony overlooking the garden. The place had a very comfortable and relaxing feeling to it. The proprietors were so friendly and welcoming, and made us feel really at home. Breakfast (continental style, but with eggs prepared to your preference) was served in the pretty, sunny dining room. The hotel is just off the local high street, where you can find a range of restaurants (although we liked Ristorante Antica Roma so much we went there all 3 nights of our stay!)