Excelsior Suite 205, living room.
HOTEL OF THE MONTH, GERMANY
Treats and tradition Excelsior Hotel Ernst in Cologne combines special treats and modern amenities with traditional ambiance. TEXT: CORNELIA BRELOWSKI I PHOTOS: EXCELSIOR HOTEL ERNST
The privately owned, five-star grand hotel of the highest standards opened its doors for the first time more than 150 years ago. Ever since, it has blossomed as a much sought-after attraction within the industry. Set right in the city centre of Cologne, it is situated opposite the world heritage site of the imposing Cologne Cathedral, the most-visited building in Germany. The Excelsior Hotel Ernst is the only Cologne hotel carrying the ‘Leading Hotels of the World’ title. With 195 staff for 137 rooms and suites, the highest service standards are guaranteed. 60 | Issue 50 | May 2017
The hotel offers 12 individual event rooms, the ‘taku’ Michelin-star restaurant with modern East Asian cuisine, as well as the classic ‘Hanse Stube’ restaurant and, last but not least, the much regarded afternoon tea service, unmatched in Germany and inspired by star pastry chef Pierre Hermé. Despite its traditional background, you will experience modern service features at Excelsior Hotel Ernst, like for example the ‘SuitePad’, a digital concierge service with free internet access for all rooms and suites.
The Excelsior Hotel Ernst opened its doors on 16 May 1863 through Royal Court Restaurateur Carl Ernst, both builder and owner until he sold the then called Hotel Ernst eight years later. It was purchased in 1871 by Friedrich Kracht who had just fled from wartime Belgium. After his death, his wife and son Carl took over the hotel management only four years later. In 1890, one year after his marriage, his mother passed the sole management on to him and his sister Hermine Brinkhaus. However, Hermine Brinkhaus left the jointly founded GmbH (sales company) shortly afterwards and Carl Kracht remained as sole proprietor of the enterprise. To guarantee the utmost comfort to its guests from politics, royalty and industry, the ‘Hotel Ernst’ was sub-