Hotel Eigelstein 

We had only one night in Köln, en route to a wedding and I picked this hotel because of the reasonable reviews combined with the great location- just a 4 or 5 min walk from the main train station (Köln hbf) and not much further to the cathedral and the old town, which is very pretty. Brushed up on some German because the reviews are right: you will need at least the basics as the staff do not really speak english. Everyone working there was very friendly and helpful. Breakfast was an impressive spread of meats, cheese, smoked salmon, bread, fruit, pastry etc. I would certainly stay again for a short visit but it was too noisy at night for a light sleeper like me! Just normal amounts of city noise and not the hotel's fault. Take earplugs for sure if you are also a light sleeper. The hotel kindly provided some for me (I think because I had asked for a quiet room room when i booked online?) The hotel is not in a fancy area but I didnt feel unsafe. It seemed like a run down ish bit of town with lots of takeaways and bars which probably explains the noise! Everything was basic but clean and tidy.