The taxi from the airport was 25 EUR. Not very far from the center and the Rhine river, close (2 min walk) to the MARITIM hotel, where I attended a conference. Reservation and check-in without any problems. Rooms small but clean. Breakfast included in my price of 95 EUR, and good. My room was absolutely quiet (as requested). Internet (WLAN) was about 10 EUR per 24h. Unfortunately they were not able to give me a 15 min (!) later check-out, which I would have badly needed.

6 of us stayed here the first weekend in June 2005. Very reasonable room rates for the quality of hotel (£30 per night each in a twin room). Great location for 6 guys out for a weekend in Cologne's Bars and cafes, just around the corner from the Alter Markt. Cheap minibar in room. Very clean. Pleasant and efficient staff.

Stayed in the Esser for a last minute weekend break. A rather austere, dull looking hotel from the outside. We stayed in a double room at the back of the hotel which overlooked a yard which seemed to shared by private flats surrounding the hotel. We were kept awake, (and complained) by some people across the way who seemed to be celebrating a birthday on the roof garden of a flat next door with very loud music, laughing and general noise! The room was small, but clean with a minibar with small bottles of water, beer and bars of chocolate (payable on departure)! We had a pleasant breakfast in the restaurant room which looked out onto a main road. I would recommed the Esser for a short stay - it being a short walk to the river Rhein and attractions of the city. The staff were very helpful and speak English very well!