Van der Valk Exclusief starts construction of new four-star superior hotel in the heart of Cologne, next to the Cathedral

With the announcement of the Van der Valk Hotel Köln am Dom, the Dutch hotel group Valk Exclusief is already providing a preview of one of its most important German openings in 2028.

History, hospitality and modern design

Just a five-minute walk from Cologne Cathedral and the central station, a new hotel is rising in the former Deutsche Post mail-sorting centre on Stolkgasse. The building has a rich history that includes Deutsche Post, Deutsche Bahn and the German Architecture Prize. The hotel will be equipped with modern amenities for travel, meetings and relaxation. The interior design will feature subtle details that nod to the building's rich history.

The building, with its characteristic natural stone and glass facade, was designed by the renowned architect Paul Teunissen. For the realisation of the project, Valk Exclusief is working together with experienced partners such as REESE Baumanagement, Ten Brinke, Tecco Technieken, Elektro Klein and Nijboer Interieur. After years of vacancy, the property, which was long an urban eyesore, is being given a new purpose as a high-end four-star superior hotel in this prominent location.

Expansion in Germany

With this new establishment, the Valk Exclusief group is further expanding its presence in Germany, following the successful development of the Van der Valk Hotel Düsseldorf in recent years into a popular destination for both business and leisure guests.

“Cologne is one of Germany’s most dynamic cities. With our new hotel, we want to create a place where business travellers, city breakers and locals alike will feel instantly at home,” says Adriaan van der Valk, director of both the new Hotel Köln am Dom and Van der Valk Hotel Düsseldorf, alongside his wife Willemijn van der Valk. “However, it will be more than just a hotel. We are creating an urban oasis in the heart of the bustling Cathedral City, where sustainability, exceptional gastronomy and a contemporary lifestyle come together.”

Rooms, suites and longstay

The hotel features six floors with a total of 338 stylishly furnished rooms, suites and long-stay apartments. In addition, guests can visit various fine dining restaurants, modern workspaces in the lobby and ten multi-purpose meeting and event rooms for conferences and other gatherings. There will also be an extensive fitness and wellness area with a swimming pool. A particularly striking feature of the hotel will be the publicly accessible rooftop bar, which offers impressive views of Cologne Cathedral. The hotel also has an underground car park with 260 parking spaces.

With approximately 220 jobs and a variety of training and work placement positions, the hotel will also become an important employer in the region. “For us, Cologne represents a major milestone in the further development of our hotel group in Germany,” concludes Adriaan van der Valk. “We look forward to bringing our hospitality and family culture to life here as well.”