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In an amazing location overlooking the bay of Cologne this hotel surely knows how to fascinate all its visitors – be it a city break to Cologne, a business trip or a wellness weekend.
Summary of reviewsAlthoff Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg is a stunning hotel located on a hill with a beautiful view of Cologne's skyline. Guests have described the location as "fantastic," "unique," and "exceptional." The hotel offers a picturesque spot both inside and outside for taking memorable photos. The breakfast is often described as delicious, excellent and of high quality with a large selection and variety of dishes. The hotel's two great restaurants are also highlighted. The rooms are spacious, well-equipped and beautifully decorated, offering a tasteful ambiance with good lighting and effective blackout curtains. The hotel's cleanliness is highly praised with the wellness area receiving high marks for cleanliness. The staff is super friendly and professional, providing amazing service and helping to create a fantastic experience. The spa is relaxing and enjoyable with the sauna area being noted as good or very good. The pool is also praised for its beautiful Art Deco design. The hotel is considered one of the most spectacular grand hotels in the country with impressive architecture and grandiose rooms that will make you feel like royalty. Overall, Althoff Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg is a true luxurious and classy place to stay, delivering guests an unforgettable experience of a lifetime.
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The Althoff Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg has a rich and varied past, steeped in historical significance. It began its journey in the late 17th century when Prince-Elector Johann Wilhelm II commissioned its construction as a "Maison de Rétraite". Influenced by the grandeur of Versailles and Winchester Castle, this breathtaking location atop the Bensberg mountain terrace overlooks the cathedral city of Cologne, embodying a blend of majesty and tranquility. Initially intended as a hunting lodge for Johann Wilhelm's second wife, Maria-Luisa of the Medici family, the plan was revised to create an impressive castle after the prince-elector's visit to Versailles. The scale of the castle astounded visitors of the era, among whom was Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
However, the castle bore witness to an unfortunate twist of fate. After the prince-elector's death in 1716, without ever having graced his "Rhenish Versailles", his widow returned to Italy, taking along all the artists, plasterers, and painters who were contributing to the castle's completion. As a result, the building remained unfinished, subsequently serving as a military hospital, cadet school, boarding school, and refugee center across different periods. In 1997, a significant turn of events transpired when the Aachener & Münchener life insurance company purchased the dilapidated building. With an investment of 75 million Euros, they transformed the historical edifice into an internationally renowned luxury hotel. In 2000, the Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg opened its doors, thus, inaugurating a new chapter in its illustrious history.
Winchester Castle and Versailles served as architectural models when Prince-Elector Johann Wilhelm II of Duesseldorf requested the construction of his “Maison de Rétraite” at a oustanding place of the Bensberg mountain terrace with a stunning view of the cathedral city of Cologne.
Althoff Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg's rejuvenating spa uses the 4 elements to put guests at ease. Fire, water, air and earth symbolise the different massage treatments offered, and they all contribute to the balance of guests' health, happiness, energy and overall well-being. Engaging all the senses, guests' mind, body and spirit will be relaxed and invigorated. This hotel's spa also includes a fitness centre, sauna and an indoor pool with a starry sky view, for further relaxation.
All children are welcome, children up to 12 years stay for free when using existing beds.
Pets are allowed, some charges may be applicable.
Facilities for disabled guests and a lift are available.
Set in a grand Baroque palace with fantastic gardens, this 5-star hotel features award-winning cuisine and a 1000m² spa with a pool.
Hotel with EV Charging Stations