Senats Hotel

Senats Hotel stands in Cologne’s Altstadt-Nord, between Cologne Cathedral and St. Maria im Kapitol. The listed ensemble took shape in 1959 and 1961, designed by architects Wilhelm and Rudolf Koep. Brick infills sit within concrete frames, while balustrades draw on Cologne’s coat of arms.

A preserved ground-floor colonnade keeps the original street-facing design visible. The site became part of the Laurenz Carré redevelopment, which combines restored historic buildings with newer construction. A six-storey hotel building now surrounds a green atrium and connects with the older structure. Nearly 3,000 square metres of additional space joined the original 8,000 square metres. Street-level shops and restaurants bring commercial activity into the block.

Inside, etched glass by Hanns Kirchner, a hand-painted ceiling, wrought-iron railings and stone floors retain distinctive period details. The former Senate Hall now houses a restaurant, after hosting dances and gatherings during Cologne’s 1960s carnival season. A lounge bar, conference area and breakfast restaurant sit alongside updated guest facilities. Cologne City Hall, Alter Markt, the Roman-Germanic Museum and the Farina Fragrance Museum are nearby, with the Rhine and main station also within walking distance. The cathedral rises approximately 300 metres away, while Cologne Central Station lies about 500 metres from the entrance.