The Excelsior Hotel Ernst provides individualized services to respond to the uniqueness of every guest and employee. As Grand Hotel in the heart of Cologne, hotel actively participates in urban life and is committed to art and culture.
HISTORY
Carl Ernst, "Royal Restorer of the central station", was builder and owner of the Hotel Ernst in the city center. The opening ceremony took place on May 16th 1863.
In 1871, after as little as eight years, he sold the Hotel Ernst to Friedrich Kracht. Friedrich Kracht moved from Belgium to Cologne to manage the hotel but he died four years later.
His wife and his son Carl took over the management of the house. In those days, the Grand Hotel was already the first choice of prominent guests.
In 1889, Carl Kracht went to Zurich where he married Emma Pauline Baur. The Swiss hotelier family Baur possessed both the well-known Baur au Lac and Savoy Baur en Ville in Zurich.
In order to offer the utmost comfort to guests from politics, industry and nobility, between 1908 and 1910 the hotel was rapidly pulled down and reopened as five-star Grand Hotel Excelsior Hotel Ernst.
The suffix excelsior comes from Latin and means "the very sublime / excellent". It highlights the main idea always to offer its guests every possible luxury.
In March 1958 Erico Geweyer, who accompanied the house for 13 years as Managing Director, followed. In a short time during the German "economic miracle" Erico Geweyer succeeded in building a growing reputation of the house and brought back the tradition of hospitality to new prosperity.
1972, after Erico Geweyers death in March 1971, Mr Siegfried Breuning became successor. Under his leadership numerous renovation and modernization projects were executed in close collaboration with Charles Kracht.
Public spaces in the reception area, the conservatory and the Piano Bar were renovated and good, modern conference rooms were created.
1991, Charles Roulet, who had returned to Germany after a successful career in the U.S. hoteliers, assume Charles Kracht position in the administrative board at the hotel.
Thus became a great-grandson of Carl Kracht the lead on the administrative board of the traditional house.
After the sudden death of Siegfried Breuning in November 1994, Charles Roulet took over the acting head of the hotel till Manfred Brennfleck was appointed as the new director in June 1995.
In September 2000, on the sixth floor an exclusive health and spa area with modern fitness equipment, a dry and steam sauna, experience showers and a relaxation room for hotel guests was established.
In early 2002, an ultra-modern business center with all the communication capabilities of global world was established to respond to the needs of today's business traveler.
Following the resignation of Manfred Brennfleck, Robert A. Schaller led interim from June 2003 to May 2004 the fortunes of the house, before Wilhelm Luxem took over the leadership of the traditional hotel.
Following the motto "Tradition & Innovation" once again the rejuvenation of the Grand Hotel was pushed. In 2005 the cathedral side facade has been extensively restored. In 2006 the renovation of the facade of the Hanseflügel.
In the fall of 2009, the renowned publisher “Busche” elected the Asian restaurant taku as “the foreign restaurant of the year” and the Excelsior Hotel Ernst as “Hotel of the Year 2010”.
In November 2011, the restaurant taku was awarded with its first Michelin star for its authentic East Asian cuisine.
The personal note combined with modern facilities characterizes the special ambience of rooms and suites.
The rooms and suites with view of the famous Cologne Cathedral create an unforgettable event.
The Excelsior Hotel Ernst offers you in all 140 rooms and suites a high standard and High-class materials.
Discreet elegance, precious materials, valuable antiques and a harmonic coloring give each suite character.
In the lavish Excelsior Suites with direct view on the famous Cologne Cathedral luxury has highest priority.
Due to their open and appealing design both Excelsior Suites create a unique living experience. Noble materials, subtle color elements and ornamental upholstery harmonize in a perfect symbiosis.
Enjoy the well-known Excelsior Hotel Ernst Afternoon Tea inspired by Pierre Hermé in the spacious living room while surveying the hustle and bustle in front of Cologne Cathedral.
You can also complement the Excelsior Suites with additional bedrooms.
The Executive Suites with their timeless design offer much space and privacy to live and work.
The large suites with separate sleeping and living area are completed by the spacious marble-tiled bath with Jacuzzi and rain shower.
A walk-in closet makes not only women´s hearts beat faster. Some suites have a separate meeting space guaranteeing relaxed meetings and conferences in a private setting.
All suites of the Excelsior Hotel Ernst are marked by a high level of luxury in a typical Grand Hotel: a living area, a separate sleeping area as well as a spacious bath.
Thanks to the sophisticated architecture all suites mirror luxurious elegance. Noble upholstery in gentle pastel shades makes the inviting atmosphere perfect.
The suites with view of the famous Cologne Cathedral are equipped with all these small amenities which definitely make you feel at home.
A high class décor made up of precious materials and strong colors creates a harmonic unity.
Wake up every morning with the view of the imposing gothic cathedral, Germany´s most visited landmark and world heritage site.
All Junior Suites situated in the Hanse wing display a unique combination of the living and sleeping area. Owing to the modernly inspired design of the Junior Suite, an outstanding flair awaits you.
Equipped with a walk- in closet, the Junior Suites additionally offer a large natural stone bath with rain shower.
The Junior Suites located towards the calm side street and are equipped with all these small amenities which definitely make you feel at home.
A high-class décor made up of precious materials and strong colors creates a harmonic unity.
Situated in the Hanse wing, stylish and innovatively designed rooms impress through the symbiosis of noble fabrics and materials in warm beige and earth tones.
Relax after a exhausting day in the marble-tiled bath with large bathtub and rain shower or enjoy a short break in the comfortable sitting area of the Deluxe room.
The impressive Grand Deluxe Rooms utilize their unique and individual design to stunning effects.
Through the simple elegance in harmonic and vibrant colors such as burgundy red, matt orange and royal dark blue or the soft color palette of cream and stone grey.
All Grand Deluxe Rooms are furnished with precious carpets, spacious desks and inviting armchairs.
Aesthetic photographs of famous landmarks in Cologne decorate the walls and reflect the diverse facets of the city with local charm.
The new Grand Superior rooms provide a luxurious and versatile space on 32 m² – each showcasing a unique contemporary design. The use of subtle and bold colours creates a relaxing and stimulating space, ideal for both business and individual traveller.
They feature most comfortable beds, an intimate seating area and modern workspace. The exclusive living is rounded off by their elegant bathrooms, using high-quality natural stone.
The Superior Rooms are designed more spaciously and individually than the single rooms. The large marble baths complete the exclusive ambience.
A cozy sitting area in warm and harmonic colors as well as an antique desk reflect discreet luxury.
The harmonic colors of the Superior Rooms create a home décor which invites to linger.
Subtle design and simple clarity contribute to a comfortable ambience.
In the spaciously designed rooms a small seating accommodation and antique desk await you.
The marble-tiled or natural stone baths complete the cozy surrounding.
In the Executive Suites with a timeless intérieur and the inviting Excelsior Suites with an imposing view of the Cologne Cathedral the Excelsior Hotel Ernst puts great emphasis on the highest level of luxury.
For each booking of these suites, incomparable hospitality fulfilling even the most sophisticated wishes awaits you – all combined in a unique Suite Experience.
The two restaurants taku and Hanse Stube promise culinary magic moments. Let team invites you to relax and to enjoy yourself at the elegant Piano Bar.
Seasonal culinary highlights combined with traditional service and exquisite cuisine await you throughout the entire year.
For the first time in Germany, a selection of Pierre Hermé, the famous French pastry chef, creations are now available exclusively at the Excelsior Hotel Ernst for Afternoon Tea.
Taste Pierre Hermé’s world famous macarons, a pleasure to eyes and palate which you will never forget.
The harmonic ambience and the stylish design of the hotel lobby and wintergarden accompany the Afternoon Tea at the Excelsior Hotel Ernst. Enjoy a pot of tea from the large tea selection.
The charming team of the Piano Bar around Tea Master Gold Andrea Helbig will be pleased to advice you concerning the choice of your favorite tea.
In addition, a selection of sweet and savoury Afternoon Tea Classics, which accomplish the classic tea ceremony, is served: scones with clotted cream and marmalade, small sandwiches with smoked salmon, cucumber, cream cheese or ham, English crumpets and small brownies.
GENTELMAN AFTERNOON TEA
Smoky whiskey, a harsh port wine note and angostura signify the “Royal Gents Fizz”, an exceptional creation of Francois Reichel, chef de bar at The Piano Bar.
Complemented with champagne it is the new attendant to the Gentleman Afternoon Tea – a unique experience.
The Gentleman Afternoon Tea is the perfect opportunity to leave the all-day business behind and discover new tastes.
The powerful champagne cocktail refines the Afternoon Tea inspired by Pierre Hermé not only for gentleman, but for all those who like drinks with a strong taste.
15.00h - 18.00h
Only a few times a year Mirko Gaul gives a small group of guests a half-day cooking class.
You may look over the shoulder of star chef Mirko Gaul and his team, whilst you are preparing typical dishes from the Asian cuisine instructed by the professionals.
Specially themed cooking courses throughout the year give you the great opportunity to discover the different facettes of the Asian cooking art.
Afterwards, you will enjoy your self-made meals at restaurant Taku together with the other participants. The friendly Taku service team will serve corresponding drinks.
You may also impress your friends and family with your knowledge of the far Eastern cuisine.
Every participant will receive Taku apron for the professional look and his personal culinary book, where you can look after your latest recipes.
The restaurant Hanse Stube is well-known for its elegant and friendly atmosphere. Due to its excellent cuisine, the Hanse Stube was several times awarded a prize and has become famous in Germany.
Since decades people from Cologne, as well as international guests have been enjoying innovative French cuisine combined with regional influences.
Restaurant manager Andreas Wengel and his team provide excellent service quality and indulge their guests fulfilling their wishes.
Culinary delectation demands corresponding wines and therefore Jonathan Martinez, head sommelier, helps you to make the right choice, regarding the versatile wines offered in the wine cellar of the Excelsior Hotel Ernst.
While designing the interior, Count Pilati underlined the restaurant’s tasteful character with mahogany panelled and inviting niche tables.
The two side rooms, Spiegelsalon and Fischsalon, offer privacy for small banquets. In summer, you can have lunch or dine at the Mediterranean patio.
Gourmets appreciate kitchen team around Executive Chef Tobias Koch for its accuracy and ingenuity. The team draws its inspiration from regional influencse to combine it with French cuisine.
For your lunch break, the restaurant offers a specially developed business lunch concept. If you have only a short lunch break, which should be balanced and healthy, team serves your lunch in three courses within 59 minutes.
12.00h - 14.30h
18.00h - 22.00h
The Gürzenich Orchestra and the Excelsior Hotel Ernst have designed a programme for your Sunday.
First you attend the Sunday matinée of the Gürzenich Orchestra in the Kölner Philharmonie. After the concert, you will enjoy the Piano Brunch at the Excelsior Hotel Ernst.
This arrangement includes first-category concert tickets and the Piano Brunch with soft drinks, coffee specialities, selected white wine, red wine and beer.
The Piano Brunch is a gourmet event.
Every Sunday, you travel around the culinary world of the Excelsior Hotel Ernst accompanied by live piano music.
Together with the Live Sushi Station and Sushi chef you will discover taku's specialties.
The Hanse Stube will carve the Sunday roast before your eyes, squeeze lemon juice on your oysters and explain the cheese selection.
The Excelsior Hotel Ernst pâtisserie offers delights and the chocolate fountain provides different sorts of chocolate and fresh fruit.
12.00h -15.00h
The Excelsior Hotel Ernst and the Cologne Philharmonic Hall, as social venues in Cologne, are affiliated with each other for many years.
They pursue the common goal to offer unforgettable memories to their guests.
Expand the musical enjoyment of your concert visit with a culinary note during the new Präludium Dinner at the Excelsior Hotel Ernst.
Four thematically matched components will be served in a box at the same time before the concert in order to get you in the right mood.
If you enjoy the Präludium Dinner, you will also receive the program of the evening complementary on presentation of the concert ticket at the foyer of the Cologne Philharmonic Hall.
1 GUIDE MICHELIN STARS
16 GAULT MILLAU POINTS
Michelin star-awarded cuisine just opposite the famous Cologne Cathedral. Taku, awarded with one Michelin star, welcomes you with a masterpiece of authentic East Asian cuisine.
Head chef Mirko Gaul knows how to elicit the finest flavours out of basic Asian recipes by developing elegant and genuine interpretation of Asian cuisine.
At the restaurant taku in Cologne, you enjoy an atmosphere of timeless elegance and modern.
Head Chef Mirko Gaul and his team are creating refined dishes, awarded with one Michelin-star for many years and with 16/20 points at the Gault Millau.
Only a few times a year, Mirko Gaul gives a small group of guests a half-day cooking class.
Look over the shoulder of the head chef and his team, whilst you are preparing Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese and Malaysian meals instructed by the professionals.
Every participant receives on taku-Apron for a professional look and a personal culinary book, where you can look after your latest recipes.
On top of that, Taku offers balanced and healthy business lunch concept. Enjoy business lunch and convince yourself from the high-quality and varied selection.
You can book the whole restaurant exclusively for private and business purposes.
SUSHI WORKSHOP
Most of the time the little tips and tricks are most important for your success in the kitchen. The taku team around Chef Mirko Gaul invites you to a Sushi workshop to the restaurant taku.
With the help of the taku team you learn how to create perfect makis and nigiris.
Lunch12.00h - 14.00hDinner18.30h - 21.30h
The Piano Bar at the Excelsior Hotel Ernst is an insiders’ tip in Cologne.
You can enjoy cocktails, champagne or coffee in The Piano Bar which is located only a few metres from the Cathedral but not affected from city rush.
During the day, the bar team offers coffee and tea specialties as well as pâtisserie and cakes.
In the evening, Bar Manager Matthias Allgaier and his team mix traditional and unique cocktails, while you listen to the sound of the piano.
The menu offers cooked meals even after midnight. The mahogany panelled bar, designed by Count Pilati, provides the right atmosphere to try the wide range of cocktail creations.
11.00h - 01.00h
The piano player plays18.30h - 01.00h
On the sixth floor, you will find the fitness area of the hotel which is exclusively for hotel guests.
If you wish, the concierge will book a session with a personal trainer for you.
Fitness area offers multifunctioning strength training machines, sauna, steam bath and other equipment.
With more than 2,000 years of lived history Cologne has to offer much more than you might imagine to its visitors. The famous Cologne Cathedral is Germany´s most visited sight and world heritage site.
Romanic churches as well as popular museums and landmarks attract many tourists from all over the world.
As a guest on shipboard, you’ll have the best panoramic view of Cologne’s most important tourist attractions.
The building is characterized by an interplay of glass, concrete and wood as well as by its transparent dome, which seems to be very light due to the architect‘s use of large areas of glass.
The history of Cologne Cathedral begins in the Early Christian era.
It was to be the first museum in Cologne to exhibit modern art.
Cologne’s Old Town has a distinctive historical charm. Visitors are drawn by its rustic narrow alleyways lined with traditional old houses.
These 40 hectares of parkland stretch along the river Rhine between the boroughs of Mülheim and Deutz.
KölnSkulptur is a biennial series of exhibitions at Skulpture Park Köln. It was initiated by the park's founders, Dr. Michael and Dr. Eleonore Stoffel.
Cologne offers a variety of shopping streets, each with particular atmosphere and clientele.
Since 1899, the neo-Romanesque synagogue on Roonstraße has been the largest religious and cultural centre for the Jewish communities in Cologne.
The Roman Catholic Church of Cologne invites you to visit the twelve Romanesque churches in Cologne.
Since 1863, Cologne’s most beautiful weddings have been celebrated at the Excelsior Hotel Ernst next to Cologne Cathedral.
This is one of the most spectacular cultural projects in Cologne, involving the creation of a new museum complex on an area measuring about 7,000 m².
Join one of trained Zoo guide and go with him on discovery trip.
Your children will be responsibly taken care of, while you can enjoy a time without any worries – no matter if you join a concert in the evening or find yourself on a shopping tour through the city.
Be assured that your children are in good hands during the whole time.
To make little guests feel themselves at home, team treats them like real VIPs at the Excelsior Hotel Ernst.
With an array of benefits especially for children team sincerely welcomes families with their offspring.
COOKING CLASS FOR CHILDREN
The cooking class for children at the Excelsior Hotel Ernst is based on healthy as well as tasty cuisine. During this course the kids will gain first experience in the kitchen and may stir in the pots like a professional cook.
EXCELSIOR HOTEL ERNST
Trankgasse 1-5/Domplatz50667 CologneGermany