Family trip to Cologne

We are traveling with 2 young children and want to stay in Cologne while my husband attends a convention in Dusseldorf. We are looking for a place to stay that will accomodate the 4 of us within close walking distance to the train station.

Any recommendations?

Also, is it worthwhile to rent a car or just rely on public transportation?

Thanks!

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No recommendation, but a link

http://www.hrs.com

%26gt; Also, is it worthwhile to rent a car or just rely on public transportation?

That%26#39;s definitely one of the worst relations to use a car for in Germany. You%26#39;ll easily end up needing twice as long by car. And it%26#39;s more expensive.

http://www.vrs-info.de/eng/index.php

D��sseldorf can be reached on VRS tickets (price level 5) albeit it%26#39;s already in the VRR.

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You will probably get better recommendations if you post an approximate price range.

Also, do not rent a car in Cologne. Driving can be stressful and frustrating if you don%26#39;t know where you are going and parking is quite the nightmare (and/or expensive).

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You could also stay in Duesseldorf -- it%26#39;s a very nice city, as well, especially in the warmer summer months.

Don%26#39;t rent a car unless the 4 of you are planning to add a few days%26#39; holiday before or after the trade fair. It%26#39;s just not worth the hassle.

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We stayed at the Marriot because they would guarantee us adjoining rooms. I called them direct b/c US marriott reservations wouldn%26#39;t confirm. It was behind the Dom and the main train station so you would actually walk through the train station to get to the tourist area. (good place to pick up kid snacks and beer for the hotel instead of mini bar) The breakfast at the Marriot was a fabulous spread

My kids loved the Roman Museum, they like stuff like that. I enjoyed eating lunch at the chocolate museum on the water after we visited the museum. One of my sons thought the steps to the tower were cool, the other slept on my lap outside. There are lots of %26quot;street artists%26quot; right outside the Dom- watch your purse, I think its safe but I always feel distracted when I am watching them.

I loved the food at Fruh- and if your kids are into it there is a hard rock cafe.

The show We will Rock you is playing right outside the train station, easy to get tickets.

We didn%26#39;t get to the Zoo but its right there also.

If your kids are young I also love Aquazoo in Dusseldrof near the Messe. Its not an all day thing but it is indoors if the weather is bad.

We did not use our car in cologne at all, mostly just walked.

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Printerpat, in May 2007 we stayed at the Sheraton Four Points, %26quot;behind%26quot; the train station in Cologne. From our room, I think we hade a tiny balcony, we could see the train station, the trains coming %26amp; going, and the cathedral. Great view. We enjoyed our stay - 3 nights.

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