EXCELSIOR HOTEL ERNST
Cologne has over 250 hotels and 25,000 beds, so finding a place to sleep should not be a problem. I stayed at the Excelsior Hotel Ernst, conveniently located across the street from the Cologne Dom. This 5-star, 152-room hotel has been in business since 1863. All rooms are decorated with precious antiquities, rich fabrics and beautiful paintings. I was fortunate to score the Excelsior Suite for one night. When I walked through the double door marble hallway entrance I felt like a movie star. The living room was most impressive. The view of the Dom was incredible � breathtaking, actually. In addition, it was a bright, warm room, with comfortable furniture and a plasma flat screen TV. There was also a large desk so I could get some work done. (Wireless internet is available, but it's free only in the 24-hour business center.) The walk-in closet was bigger than some hotel rooms I've seen. Outside the bedroom was a completely complimentary mini-bar �that's one mini-bar you don't feel guilty raiding.

MY BEDROOM
The bed consisted of two mattresses pushed together to form a king. I never understood why many European hotels have two mattresses in rooms that everyone knows will be occupied by couples. I always thought it was because they could make twin beds up for non-couples -- but I realized when I pulled up the twin-size (not king-size) blanket that the idea is for couples to sleep better at night. If your partner tosses and turns, you don't feel it in either the mattress or covers. How clever is that? A bathroom that I wouldn't mind being trapped in was as luxurious as it gets. In fact, it too was large. There was wall-to-wall marble; a shower with two built-in marble seats; strong water pressure; relaxing soft lights � and it doubles as a steam room. To top it off, the whirlpool bath's outer wall was made of thick glass, giving a sexy fish tank affect. The expensive Bvlgari toiletries will make great stocking stuffers. After a good night's sleep, a sophisticated breakfast is included in the rates, which range from E 245.00 ($310) to E 1,850.00 ($2,342.20). Excelsior Hotel Ernst, Trankgasse 1-5/Domplatz,50667 K�ln; tel.: 49-(0)-221-270-32-20. For more click HERE.