The fourth most populous – and one of the oldest – city in Germany, Cologne resides on the left bank of the river Rhine and is within proximity of both Dusseldorf and Bonn. Originally established as a Roman colony in the first century, the city flourished during the Middle Ages – being located on a major trade route between east and western Europe. Today the city’s economy is supported by insurance and media industries, as well as its blossoming tourist sector and market structure. With five ports on the Rhine, the city also continues to be an important trade hub. Its geographical location and economic prowess means there is a large number of serviced apartments in Cologne to service the many business travellers to the city – and that’s where SilverDoor’s expertise and excellent portfolio of Cologne serviced apartments comes in.
Home to headquarters of some major international companies such as Lufthansa, Gothaer and Zurich Financial Services, Cologne continues to attract additional start-up companies to set up shop in the city, especially digital tech companies. This can perhaps be attributed to the city’s excellent quality of life – performing especially well in the health care index and climate index.
WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT STAYING IN COLOGNE?
Travel in Cologne
Cologne has a good road system, and was in fact the first German city to feature a motorway ring road. The city also features a light railway system (the Cologne Stadtbahn) which offers quick connections both within Cologne and to nearby cities. The city is also served by its shared international airport – Cologne Bonn Airport – meaning direct arrival from most worldwide destinations is easily facilitated.
Shopping in Cologne
Heralded as one of Germany’s best shopping destinations, Cologne has plenty of shops to explore during a corporate stay. The city’s most popular shopping street, Schildergasse, sees 13,000 people passing through every hour – making it the busiest shopping street in Europe. Home to major stores such as Swarovski, Apple and Primus, there is a shop for everyone to explore. The city is also home to plenty of vintage and fashion boutiques, as well as the hugely popular and fashionable Belgian Quarter. The city is perhaps most famous for the Cologne Christmas Market – a truly magical illuminated market beneath the beautiful Cologne Cathedral.
Going Out in Cologne
Despite its seemingly traditional appearance, Cologne is renowned for its lively nightlife. So before returning to one of the many luxurious serviced apartments in Cologne following a day of business, we recommend that visitors sample the city’s nightlife at least once during their stay. A particular favourite is the Ona Mor cocktail bar, featuring incredible mixologists who create some of the best drinks in the country. For those wanting to sample a more traditional German evening, head to one of the city’s many beer halls for a stein of fine German lager and a plate of delicious local cuisine.
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT COLOGNE
When staying in one of our Cologne furnished apartments, it’s important to know a little bit about the history of the city to help with you settle in and also make conversation with your colleagues and business associates. Below are some of the key historical facts and statistics about this impressive town:
- The city’s cathedral is the country’s second largest religious building – and following its completion in 1880 it was the tallest structure in the world
- Cologne has a museum dedicated to chocolate – the Cologne Chocolate Museum
- Cologne is where an Italian expatriate created a fragrance and named it after the city – the French word for it being cologne
- There is a set of guidelines to being a Colognian!
- Cologne has its own beer - Kolsch
WHAT IS A SERVICED APARTMENT?
Serviced apartments in Cologne, like all serviced apartments in our portfolio, provide a perfect base for business travellers away from home. Balancing hotel like services and the benefits of a private rental space, serviced apartments take the stress out of your stay whilst still allowing for plenty of freedom, flexibility and privacy. With housekeeping including as standard, guests can enjoy replenished linens and towels whilst also making the most of a completely private apartment all to themselves. With kitchen space for preparing meals, lounge for relaxing and entertaining, and separate bedroom to separate work from sleep, serviced apartments really do present the best option for corporate travellers who require more space and functionality than a standard hotel suite can provide.
WHY CHOOSE A SERVICED APARTMENT IN COLOGNE WITH SILVERDOOR?
Booking Cologne serviced apartments with SilverDoor ensures guests receive the very best service and support before, during and after their stay. With over 20 years of experience in the corporate apartment sector, we specialize in sourcing properties for clients as efficiently as possible all over the world. As an impartial agent, we also always ensure that our clients receive the very best option in terms of value and suitability to them. Liaising with our trusted property partners, we negotiate the very best rates available for clients so that they don’t have to, and our digitised Orbi system enables them to track guests, confirm reservations, receive digital quotes and bills and much more. For the best rates, service and satisfaction, choose SilverDoor for your business travel needs.
