Excelsior Hotel Ernst: Unforgettable experiences in the heart of Cologne

With its elegance and classy design, the five-star luxury Excelsior Hotel Ernst is an exceptional place. Situated directly in the centre of Cologne, opposite the famous Cologne Cathedral, the Grand Hotel poses as the perfect starting point for exploring the city. Furthermore, one can spend some rather enchanting holidays here.

Having been family-owned since 1863, the Excelsior Hotel Ernst combines traditions with modernity. As Cologne’s only member of the ‘Leading Hotels of the World’ luxury hotel collection, it seems no wonder that the hotel offers luxurious living comfort and the city’s highest service standards in its 140 rooms and luxury suites. The hotel’s exceptional holiday packages and deals further attract many visitors as these turn the famous Cologne Carnival, New Year’s Eve or Christmas into even more phenomenal experiences than they already are.

An enchanting Christmas break

Cologne has numerous Christmas markets and thus poses as the perfect city to get into that special Christmas feeling; and a stay at the festively decorated Excelsior Hotel Ernst will also convince the last remaining Christmas grouch that the festive season is not that bad. When visitors book the hotel’s special Christmas package, they can look forward to a glass of homemade, hot spiced wine as a welcome treat in the atmospheric hotel lobby with its luminous Christmas tree. In the rooms, a delicious greeting from the hotel’s own patisserie awaits guests and another highlight is the rich Excelsior breakfast.

The hotel’s Christmas market stand. Photo: © Excelsior Hotel Ernst

The ballrooms and the restaurants will further cater for exceptional culinary Christmas treats. For example, on 24, 25 and 26 December 2016, the Hanse Stube will serve a special menu with the likes of lobster ravioli with crustacean foam or Christmas goose with raisin-apples. In the taku restaurant, on the other hand, visitors will be able to indulge in Asian Christmas treats, such as wan-tans filled with brown crab. Speaking of culinary treats: do not miss the Excelsior Hotel Ernst’s very own, traditional Christmas stollen – a traditional pastry with a secret recipe that has been passed down for generations and is kept in the hotel safe. Every year, hotel owner Charles Roulet personally travels from Switzerland to Cologne to taste the stollen and to announce the start of the production. Head to the Dom Christmas Market to taste this famous delicacy at the hotel’s stand (no. 92), while taking in the smell of spices and Christmas flavours all around.

Celebrating the new year in style

For those who seek to end the year with glitz and glamour, the Grand Hotel also offers a breathtaking New Year’s Eve dinner package. The unique hotel atmosphere, sparkling champagne, music and dance in the elegant ballrooms will surely perfect the last night of the year. After enjoying a champagne drinks reception with canapés in the magnificent hotel lobby and winter garden, the Hanse Stube and the ballrooms will serve an exclusive six-course gourmet-menu by head chef Tobias Koch and his attentive service team.

At the taku restaurant, the Michelin-star awarded head chef Mirko Gaul will prepare an exotic firework of East-Asian cuisine in seven courses.
Listen to lively jazz and swing music from the ‘20s to the ‘60s, as well as modern pop songs by the Marcus Suikiennik trio featuring Daniel Basso and Mirko van Stiphaut – a perfect setting to hit the great ballroom’s dancefloor between the courses.

An overnight stay in one of the elegant rooms and suites will complete the package to ensure a perfect start to the year of 2017 – first-class service, an exclusive brunch on New Year’s Day and late check out included.

Champagne reception. Photo: © Excelsior Hotel Ernst

Experience the world-famous carnival

Every year, the entire city of Cologne is in an exceptional state when celebrating the ‘fifth season’. The Carnival Sunday is famous for parades through the streets of Cologne that are organised by local schools and the city’s districts, watched by hundreds of thousands of people. Known for its colourful and imaginative costumes, this parade will make sure every child experiences unforgettable hours. From the Excelsior Hotel Ernst grandstand, the little ones are adequately supplied and can enjoy the best views. Of course, adults can also look forward to unforgettable days. The ‘Rose Monday’ (27 February 2017) with its big, colourful parade is the climax of the carnival. From the Excelsior Hotel Ernst, one can exclusively enjoy the parade from the hotel’s grandstand and choose from many great ‘carnival in Cologne’ packages for between 25 February and 1 March 2017. How about combining two overnight stays at the luxurious hotel, while enjoying the breakfast buffet in the morning before heading to the grandstand where drinks, warm blankets, a cake buffet, international delicacies and much more cater for the ultimate carnival experience?
The Rose Monday parade can also be watched privately from the hotel’s luxurious view rooms, while three buffets, beer, champagne and wine are offered. This luxurious room with a view costs 900 euros per window.

excelsiorhotelernst.com

All packages are valid upon request and availability and include the minibar, use of sauna and fitness area, complimentary internet access through mobile devices, as well as service and VAT.

For reservations and more information, please call +49 221/270 -3164 or email info@excelsior-hotel-ernst.de

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF