AG Reviews: Ruby Ella, Cologne

I recently visited Cologne on what I dubbed my ‘Ancestral Adventure’. Having never visited before, despite my ancestors and surname coming from there, I decided it was finally time to go and see what the city was like. When researching hotels I struggled to find one that was in a central location, modern and luxurious, and well-priced. All I could find were ridiculously old-fashioned and tired hotels for ridiculous prices. Then I stumbled across a gem. Step in, Ruby Ella Cologne.

Location

Nestled right in the heart of the Belgian Quarter, just steps away from Friesenplatz u-bahn station which gets you to the major attractions within minutes, Ruby Ella effortlessly combines modern elegance with a soothing ambience. I arrived during the Cologne Pride parade (and suddenly it made sense why every hotel was either sold-out or stupidly expensive), and the hotel was absolutely buzzing. Situated slightly back from the main road through the other side of a courtyard, it felt tranquil compared to the chaotic fun happening outside.

The hotel’s location was handy for both walking and public transport. It was an easy 20-minute walk to Cologne Cathedral or just 5-minutes on the u-bahn, and its proximity to cultural landmarks, shopping districts, and public transport made exploring the city a breeze. The lush green parks nearby add a touch of nature’s serenity, making it an ideal retreat for every type of traveler.

Arriving at Ruby Ella

I was wowed when I walked into the lobby – it very much felt like a Moxy hotel: super cool and trendy, but luxurious, with a bit of a rock vibe. Built on the site of the studio that once hosted Germany’s most popular talk shows, Ella’s roots are well and truly star-studded and the design of  the hotel very much reflects the history of the site.

But then it went downhill when I went to check-in. It was 40-degrees celcius as Germany was in the middle of a heatwave, I had been wandering around all day in the heat and was hungry, thirsty, and absolutely exhausted. It was 4pm, and given it was an hour past the time I could check-in, I was looking forward to getting my keycard and going to my room to shower and freshen up so I could go out and get some food.

Unfortunately I got to the check-in desk and, after being asked to check-myself in using the self-check-in service and finding out it wasn’t working for me, was told my room wasn’t ready, and no one could tell me exactly when it would be ready. They blamed Pride and the full hotel for the delay, but an hour past the check-in time I would expect to be able to get into my room. They asked me to wait in the bar along with a few other guests whose rooms weren’t ready. 45-minutes later, I finally got the keycard.

But thankfully, after the slightly rocky start, Ruby Ella redeemed themselves.

My ‘Lovely’ Room

Entering my room (yes, the room category actually is called ‘Lovely’) was like entering a haven of comfort. The soft modern design created a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere that instantly put me at ease. The plush bedding (very European with two separate duvets), thoughtfully placed lighting, and a tastefully designed workspace showcased the hotel’s commitment to both aesthetics and functionality. I also adored the fact that every switch was labelled, and room instructions were clearly written (in a fun font, of course) in the inside of the roomy wardrobe. This made it so much easier to figure out what each switch was for, and what time breakfast was in the morning.

The room is definitely not ideal for any plus-size travellers, as the space to walk around the end of the bed is incredibly narrow, and the towels are tiny too – slightly ironic given they bill themselves as offering ‘Lean’ luxury – but, if you’re searching for a modern hotel that’s close to the city centre and well-priced, this is perfection. By the large window was a cosy chair where I loved sitting in the sunshine and reading my book each afternoon, during my hour of downtime between sight-seeing and Kölsch-drinking.

The one thing that really did stand out in the room, was the bathroom. It reminded me of the bathroom at Paramount House Hotel in Sydney, in that it was in the room itself rather than being a separate space. I’m sadly not a huge fan of bathrooms that are in the bedroom itself – I love a separate bathroom – but perhaps I’m just not cool enough to appreciate it. The glass shower did have a curtain that gave some privacy, but it still felt a bit odd.

Food & Beverage

Although I didn’t try the hotel’s restaurant and bar (with just 3 days in the city I wanted to really experience the local restaurants and bars), I did wait there while my room was being prepared. I really loved the style of the space and it had a super fun vibe, but it also offered a diverse menu that catered to a range of tastes. The other bonus is that the bar is 24-hours, meaning you can go and grab a drink any time of the day or night!

‘Lean’ Luxury

The Ruby Hotels pride themselves on providing a ‘Lean’ luxury experience – luxury, without the fuss and uneeded extras. With so many hotels now forcing travellers to pay resort fees and whatnot, it was a refreshing change to know that the price I had paid was the absolute final price. Ruby focuses on streamlining things behind the scenes and doing away with the things you don’t need and claim that this innovative approach saves them and you money, without compromising on comfort. And to be fair to them, I got exactly what the hotel promised within my room rate: a great night’s sleep, a powerful shower and top-notch connections – both to the city and the WiFi.

A Gem in the Heart of Cologne

In a city known for its historical charm and vibrant energy, Ruby Ella Cologne stands as a gem that offers a sanctuary of tranquility. Its prime location, well-priced rooms and soothing room design make it a destination in itself. Whether you’re a solo traveler seeking relaxation or a couple exploring the city’s romantic offerings, this hotel is a must-stay. My time at Ruby Ella Cologne was a delightful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle, and I’d definitely stay there again or try another Ruby hotel. So, if you’re seeking a blend of modern sophistication and serene comfort, look no further than Ruby Ella Cologne.