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EMPTYJET RecommendEMPTYJET levelsEMPTYJET PreferredTop band of the EMPTYJET ranking: strongest multi-source evidence of a true luxury standard. The properties we fly clients to most often.EMPTYJET RecommendSecond band: well-established luxury properties with consistent evidence across independent references.EMPTYJET ApprovedThird band: properties that pass the EMPTYJET luxury gate but with fewer or narrower references. Still a deliberate selection, not a directory.EMPTYJET rank #821

Excelsior Hotel Ernst

Trankgasse 1-5 / Domplatz, Köln, 50667, DE · Cologne, Germany

  • 91.5/100La Liste19 Aug 2026

Best for

  • city breaks
  • food & wine
  • business
  • couples

About Excelsior Hotel Ernst

Excelsior Hotel Ernst, established in 1863, is located in central Cologne. The property features 133 rooms and a strong culinary focus, including Hanse Stube for French gourmet dining with a Rhineland twist, TAKU—an East Asian inspired Michelin-starred restaurant, and Wintergarten for patisserie and tea. Charles Bar offers champagne, wine, cocktails, and a cigar lounge with live music. Guests have access to eight meeting rooms and a knowledgeable concierge team.

The hotel has been recognised in the La Liste Top 1000 Hotels for 2026, with a rating of 91.5/100. Its location near Cologne Cathedral places guests close to the city's key attractions.

Why it stands out

EMPTYJET lists Excelsior Hotel Ernst as an EMPTYJET Recommend property for its central Cologne location, historic legacy since 1863, multiple acclaimed dining options including a Michelin-starred restaurant, and recognition in the La Liste Top 1000 Hotels for 2026.

Key facts

Keys
133 rooms
Opened / renovated
1863
Check-in / out
15:00
Type
City, Historic, Business

Amenities

Verified 19 Aug 2026

Dining

  • Fine diningevidence: French gourmet restaurant with a Rhineland twist
  • MICHELIN-starred restaurantevidence: East Asian inspired Michelin starred restaurant
  • Multiple restaurantsHanse Stube; TAKU; Wintergarten
  • BarCharles Bar Champagne, wine, cocktails and cigar lounge with live music

Services

  • Conciergeevidence: And our concierges will be more than happy to share all their knowledge
  • Meeting roomsevidence: Eight stylishly equipped function rooms are available

Dining

Verified 19 Aug 2026
Restaurant
Hanse Stube — French gourmet with a Rhineland twist
Restaurant
TAKU — East Asian inspired Michelin starred
Restaurant
Wintergarten — Patisserie, tea-room, drinks & fine food
Bar
Charles Bar

Awards & affiliations

  • La ListeTop 10002026

Location

50.9417, 6.9564 · approximate

Position is approximate (area); exact coordinates are pending verification.

Sources+
  • EMPTYJET seed catalogueSeed4 fields
  • Official hotel websiteOfficial11 fields
  • WikidataEncyclopedia5 fields