Adina Apartment Hotel Cologne Review: LGBTQ+ Couple's Stay

Table of Contents

• Why the Adina Apartment Hotel Cologne Caught Our Attention
• Our Three-Night Stay in MesseCity
• The Apartment Experience: Space That Actually Feels Private
• Pool, Sauna and Gym: Wellness Without Weird Vibes
• Other Side Bar'n'Kitchen: When You Can't Be Bothered
• Staff and Inclusivity: The Details That Matter
• Location: Perfect for Arenas, Quick to Queer Cologne
• Who This Hotel Is Actually For
• Adina Apartment Hotel Cologne for LGBTQ+ Travellers: The Real Story
• Quick Reference Guide
• FAQ
• Final Thoughts: Would We Book Again?

Why the Adina Apartment Hotel Cologne Caught Our Attention

The receptionist handed us both key cards without pausing. "You're on the fourth floor. Pool is on the ground floor, open until 22:00. Enjoy your stay, gentlemen." Three sentences. Zero awkwardness. Exactly what every same-sex couple wants when checking into a hotel.

We chose the Adina Apartment Hotel Cologne for a concert weekend at LANXESS Arena, wanting proper apartment facilities rather than another cramped hotel room. Cologne has brilliant gay-friendly hotels in the Old Town near Heumarkt, but after weeks of travel we craved space, a kitchen, and somewhere quiet to return to after nights exploring the city's vibrant LGBTQ+ scene.

This review covers what actually matters for queer travellers considering the Adina: staff attitudes, apartment comfort, wellness facilities, location trade-offs, and whether spending €145-195 per night for aparthotel space beats standard hotels closer to Cologne's gay bars.

Our Three-Night Stay in MesseCity

We arrived on a Friday afternoon in October, rolling suitcases through MesseCity's quiet business district. The Adina sits between Deutz train station and the Rhine, surrounded by office blocks and convention centres rather than medieval churches and cobblestones.

Check-in took under five minutes. The lobby felt modern and corporate in a Scandinavian-minimalist way. Other guests included business travellers with laptop bags, families with small children, and at least two other same-sex couples we spotted throughout our stay.

The real test came that first evening. We mentioned our plans to visit Schaafenstraße, Cologne's main LGBTQ+ nightlife street near Heumarkt. The receptionist immediately pulled up tram routes on his computer, circled the station on our map, and recommended taking line 1 directly to Heumarkt. "Have a brilliant night, guys. The area is fantastic."

No weird energy. No performative inclusivity. Just genuine helpfulness from someone who clearly understood his job was making guests comfortable, regardless of who they loved.

The Apartment Experience: Space That Actually Feels Private

Our one-bedroom apartment measured roughly 45-50 square metres. Proper space. The layout worked brilliantly: separate bedroom with king bed, living area with sofa and TV, full kitchen, bathroom with both shower and tub, small balcony overlooking the courtyard.

The kitchen came properly equipped. Full-size fridge-freezer, dishwasher, oven with four-ring hob, microwave, kettle, toaster, and enough pots, pans, plates, glasses and cutlery to actually cook. We made breakfast every morning using supplies from the nearby REWE supermarket (five minutes walk). Coffee, toast, fruit, yoghurt. Total cost for three days: €23 versus €66 for hotel breakfast buffets.

💡 TIP: The washer-dryer combo unit sits in the bathroom. European combo machines never match separate units, but we washed and dried three loads over three days without issues. Detergent pods available at reception for €2.50.

Storage exceeded typical hotel offerings dramatically. Proper built-in wardrobe with hanging space and shelves, drawer unit, luggage rack, coat hooks. We unpacked completely for the first time in weeks. Revelation.

The desk setup handled remote work comfortably. Good lighting, multiple plug sockets, stable wifi averaging 45 Mbps download. One of us worked mornings while the other explored Cologne, never feeling cramped.

Soundproofing impressed us most. Despite the interior courtyard location, we heard nothing from neighbouring apartments. Windows blocked street noise effectively. Blackout curtains worked properly, keeping the room pitch black until we opened them.

Build quality felt solidly mid-range. IKEA-adjacent furniture, neutral greys and whites, clean lines. Everything functioned but nothing particularly stood out aesthetically. The Adina Apartment Hotel Cologne delivers comfort and utility rather than Instagram-worthy interiors.

WORTH IT? Yes for couples wanting actual living space. The apartment layout means you never feel on top of each other. Privacy feels complete. No thin walls or awkward hallway encounters with judgemental neighbours.

Cost: €145-195 per night depending on season and events at LANXESS Arena or Koelnmesse
When to go: Weekdays typically cheaper; prices spike during major trade fairs
How to book: Direct through Adina website or booking platforms
Getting there: 3 minutes walk from Deutz/Messe U-Bahn station (lines 1 and 9)
Don't miss: Using the kitchen to save money on breakfast
Skip if: You want boutique style or Old Town location

Pool, Sauna and Gym: Wellness Without Weird Vibes

The wellness area sits on the ground floor near reception. Indoor pool, Finnish sauna, small gym. Open 06:00-22:00 daily with no booking required.

We used the facilities twice, both times post-concert around 21:00. The pool measures roughly 12 metres by 6 metres, heated comfortably to around 28°C. Not designed for serious swimming but perfect for unwinding tired legs after walking kilometres around Cologne's Old Town.

The first evening, we shared the pool with one family. Parents supervised two young children at the shallow end while we floated at the deep end. Everyone minded their own business. The second evening, we had the entire space to ourselves.

⚠️ MISTAKE: We initially assumed the sauna closed earlier than 22:00 like many hotel wellness areas. Wrong. Full access until closing time meant we could properly relax after late dinners.

The Finnish sauna holds 6-8 people maximum. Clean, well-maintained, properly hot at around 80-85°C. We found it empty both visits. Changing rooms include showers, toilets, and lockers. Pool towels provided, though slightly thin.

Here's what matters for LGBTQ+ travellers: wellness spaces sometimes carry uncomfortable vibes. Unwanted attention, judgemental stares, overly cruisy atmospheres, or heteronormative family dominance. The Adina Cologne avoided all of this completely.

The atmosphere felt genuinely relaxed. Mixed-gender changing rooms mean couples can shower together without separating. Nobody batted an eye at two men in the sauna together. Staff presence remained minimal but professional.

The gym offered basics: treadmill, cross-trainer, exercise bike, some free weights, bench press setup. Enough for maintenance workouts but not serious training. We skipped it entirely, preferring to walk everywhere in Cologne.

WORTH IT? Yes. The pool and sauna became our favourite Adina Apartment Hotel Cologne feature. Having somewhere to genuinely unwind after days exploring or evenings at LANXESS Arena made the slightly higher aparthotel rates worthwhile.

Cost: Included in room rate
When to go: Early mornings or post-21:00 for quietest access
How to book: No booking required, just head down
Getting there: Ground floor near main entrance
Don't miss: Late evening sauna sessions when empty
Skip if: You need a full-service spa or serious gym equipment

Other Side Bar'n'Kitchen: When You Can't Be Bothered

The ground-floor restaurant operates as "Other Side – Bar'n'Kitchen," serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks. We ate there once for breakfast and twice for evening drinks before heading to the Old Town.

Breakfast Buffet

€22 per person felt steep but delivered quality. Continental spread covered breads, croissants, cold cuts, cheeses, smoked salmon, yoghurt, fresh fruit, cereals, plus hot items like scrambled eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans.

Coffee came from an automatic machine. Decent enough but not barista-level. Orange juice tasted fresh rather than from concentrate. Service remained attentive without hovering.

We skipped breakfast the other two mornings, making coffee and eggs in our apartment. Much cheaper and equally satisfying. But the buffet suited our first morning when we couldn't be bothered shopping.

Evening Food and Drinks

Menu prices climbed higher than expected. Mains ranged €18-28 for burgers, pasta dishes, salads, steaks. Nothing revolutionary, just competent hotel restaurant food.

We used the bar twice for pre-night-out drinks. Cocktails ran €9-12, wines €7-11 per glass, beers €5-7. The gin and tonic came properly made with Fever-Tree tonic and fresh lime. The space felt comfortable and modern without much personality.

Service remained consistently friendly. No reservations needed even on Saturday evening. Most guests seemed to be other hotel residents rather than locals.

💰 COST: MesseCity lacks interesting restaurants nearby. We walked or took trams to the Old Town most evenings, eating near Heumarkt before hitting gay bars. Having the apartment kitchen reduced pressure to eat out constantly, saving considerable money over three days.

WORTH IT? Depends. Breakfast is good but expensive. Evening drinks work well for convenience. Skip dinner and explore Cologne's brilliant food scene instead.

Cost: Breakfast €22pp, mains €18-28, cocktails €9-12
When to go: Breakfast 07:00-11:00 weekdays, 07:00-12:00 weekends
How to book: Walk in or call ahead for large groups
Getting there: Ground floor, accessible from lobby
Don't miss: Pre-night-out cocktails at the bar
Skip if: You want authentic Cologne cuisine or budget dining

Staff and Inclusivity: The Details That Matter

We've stayed in supposedly "gay-friendly" hotels where staff clearly felt uncomfortable with same-sex couples. The Adina Apartment Hotel Cologne simply treated us like any other guests, which is exactly what we wanted.

Every interaction felt straightforward. Housekeeping knocked before entering, respected our do-not-disturb requests, and left the apartment spotless. They even folded the tea towels into neat triangles, which made us laugh.

Reception staff answered questions helpfully and quickly. When we asked about LGBTQ+ nightlife recommendations, one receptionist pulled up saved Google Maps listings on his phone. "My colleague is gay and these are his favourites. Connection Club is apparently brilliant on Saturdays."

This might sound mundane, but for queer travellers it matters enormously. Staff felt naturally inclusive and knowledgeable rather than performatively so. The hotel attracts business travellers, families, straight couples, and same-sex couples without treating any configuration as unusual.

We saw at least three other same-sex couples during our stay. Two male couples and one female couple. Nobody blinked. The environment felt genuinely welcoming.

One minor complaint: front desk closes at 23:00 with night security taking over. Late check-ins after concerts required advance arrangement. Not a problem for us since we called ahead, but worth noting if you plan very late arrivals after flights or events.

Location: Perfect for Arenas, Quick to Queer Cologne

MesseCity sits between Deutz train station and the Rhine, about 2.5 kilometres southeast of Cologne Cathedral. The immediate surroundings skew heavily towards business hotels, office blocks, and convention centres. LANXESS Arena sits 12 minutes walk north. Koelnmesse sprawls 5 minutes walk east.

The Old Town, where Cologne's LGBTQ+ bars cluster around Heumarkt and the famous Bermuda Triangle nightlife area, sits 15 minutes away by tram or taxi. We used the nearby Deutz/Messe U-Bahn station constantly. Line 1 runs directly to Heumarkt. Line 9 connects to Cologne Cathedral and central shopping.

Getting Around

Single tram journey: €3
Day pass: €9.10
Three-day pass: €24.30
Taxis from Old Town gay bars: €12-15

We bought three-day passes immediately and used trams constantly. Cologne's public transport runs efficiently and feels safe even late at night. Trams back from Schaafenstraße ran past midnight on weekends.

💡 TIP: Download the KVB app before arrival. Buy tickets directly on your phone rather than fumbling with ticket machines after cocktails.

The location makes perfect sense if you're attending events at LANXESS Arena (we saw Rammstein, which was extraordinary) or Koelnmesse trade fairs. It makes less sense if you want to stumble home from Am Hahnentor bars at 3am.

We appreciated having a quiet neighbourhood to return to after nights exploring the Old Town. First-time visitors prioritising location might prefer staying closer to Heumarkt, but the tram connection proved easy enough that we never regretted the MesseCity location.

Supermarkets sit within five minutes walk. REWE stocks everything needed for apartment cooking. The Rhine riverbank offers pleasant evening walks. But MesseCity itself lacks atmosphere. You'll spend your time elsewhere.

Who This Hotel Is Actually For

Book the Adina Apartment Hotel Cologne if you:

• Want proper apartment facilities including full kitchen and washer-dryer
• Are attending events at Koelnmesse, concerts at LANXESS Arena, or trade shows
• Value privacy and quiet over central location buzz
• Appreciate having pool and sauna access without weird vibes
• Are travelling as an LGBTQ+ couple who wants zero check-in awkwardness
• Need somewhere to work comfortably with good desk space and reliable wifi
• Plan to explore Cologne during days and return to a peaceful base
• Are staying 3+ nights and want to save money cooking some meals

Skip this hotel if you:

• Want boutique style or design-forward interiors
• Prefer staying within stumbling distance of gay bars and nightlife
• Are looking for romantic Old Town cobblestone atmosphere
• Travel solo and want social hotel scenes with communal areas
• Are on a tight budget (apartments cost €145-195 versus €80-120 elsewhere)
• Hate modern business hotel aesthetics
• Only have one night in Cologne and want maximum location convenience

Adina Apartment Hotel Cologne for LGBTQ+ Travellers: The Real Story

Is the Adina Apartment Hotel Cologne Gay-Friendly?

Yes, genuinely. Not performatively rainbow-flag-waving-during-Pride-month friendly, but actually-treats-queer-couples-like-normal-humans friendly.

Germany ranks among Europe's most progressive countries for LGBTQ+ rights. Same-sex marriage became legal in 2017. Anti-discrimination laws protect sexual orientation and gender identity. Cologne specifically has one of Germany's largest and most visible gay scenes, centred around Heumarkt and Schaafenstraße.

The Adina Apartment Hotel Köln LGBTQ+ experience felt completely unbothered throughout our three-night stay. Staff never hesitated or showed surprise at two men booking one bed. We held hands walking through the lobby. We kissed goodnight in the lift. Zero reactions beyond polite smiles.

This matters more than rainbow marketing. Real inclusivity means being treated identically to straight couples rather than being tokenised or othered.

Safety Tips for LGBTQ+ Travellers in Cologne

Cologne feels overwhelmingly safe for queer travellers. We saw multiple same-sex couples holding hands in the Old Town, around the Cathedral, and throughout MesseCity without any negative reactions.

General safety considerations:

• MesseCity after dark feels very quiet but not unsafe. Well-lit streets, regular police presence near the station
• The area between Deutz/Messe station and the hotel has minimal foot traffic after 22:00 but we never felt uncomfortable
• Late-night trams back from the Old Town gay scene run regularly and feel safe
• Cologne's gay bars around Heumarkt operate openly with street-level entrances, unlike some European cities requiring buzzer entry

Transport safety:

• Taxis accepted credit cards without issues. Drivers showed zero concern about two men together
• U-Bahn stations remained well-lit and busy until midnight on weekends
• The walk from Deutz/Messe station to Adina takes under three minutes, well-lit throughout

Areas and situations to consider:

• MesseCity itself lacks street life after business hours, which feels slightly eerie rather than dangerous
• We never experienced any homophobia or negativity anywhere in Cologne
• Germany's excellent LGBTQ+ protections mean hotels, restaurants, and businesses cannot legally discriminate

Emergency contacts:

• Germany emergency number: 112
• Cologne police: 0221 229-0
• Rubicon Cologne offers LGBTQ+ support services

The reality? We felt completely comfortable being visibly queer throughout Cologne. The Adina Apartment Hotel MesseCity Cologne location adds another layer of privacy for couples who want it, while remaining close enough to the gay scene to participate fully.

Quick Reference Guide

Money & Costs

Currency: Euro (€)
Cards: Widely accepted everywhere including trams via contactless
ATMs: Multiple options within 5 minutes walk of the hotel
Budget breakdown for two people:

• Apartment: €145-195 per night
• Breakfast in: €8-12 (supermarket supplies)
• Lunch: €15-25 per person
• Dinner: €30-50 per person
• Tram day pass: €9.10 each
• Cocktails in gay bars: €7-10 each
• Total daily: €150-250 depending on dining choices

Getting Around

From Cologne-Bonn Airport:

• S-Bahn S13 to Deutz station: 15 minutes, €3.20
• Taxi: 20-25 minutes, €35-45
• Uber: Similar pricing to taxi

Best method: U-Bahn lines 1 and 9 from Deutz/Messe station reach everywhere. Walking works for LANXESS Arena and Rhine riverbank.

Apps: KVB for tickets, Google Maps for routes

When to Visit

Best months: May-September for warm weather and outdoor café culture. July for Cologne Pride (Christopher Street Day).

Worst months: December-February can be grey, cold, and wet. Christmas markets partially compensate.

Pride dates: Cologne Pride typically runs first weekend of July with 1.2 million attendees.

What to Pack

• Layers for unpredictable German weather
• Comfortable walking shoes (cobblestones everywhere in Old Town)
• Adapter for UK/European plugs (Type F)
• Swimwear for hotel pool
• Smart-casual for better restaurants
• Rain jacket year-round
• Reusable water bottle

Language & Culture

Key phrases:

• Guten Tag (GOO-ten TAHK) - Hello
• Danke (DAHN-keh) - Thank you
• Bitte (BIT-teh) - Please/You're welcome
• Entschuldigung (ent-SHOOL-dee-goong) - Excuse me
• Wo ist die Toilette? (voh ist dee toy-LET-teh) - Where is the toilet?

Cultural norms:

• Tipping: Round up or add 5-10% in restaurants
• PDA: Cologne feels very open. We saw multiple same-sex couples kissing publicly
• Punctuality matters in Germany
• Quiet hours (Ruhezeit) typically 22:00-07:00 in residential buildings

LGBTQ+ notes: Cologne hosts one of Germany's largest Pride celebrations. The gay scene centres around Heumarkt and Schaafenstraße near the Old Town.

Must-Try Experiences

1. Cologne Cathedral - UNESCO World Heritage Site, climb 533 steps for Rhine views
2. Heumarkt gay bars - Start at Pints for cocktails, move to Connection Club for dancing
3. Rhine riverbank walk - Especially at sunset between Deutz and Hohenzollern Bridge
4. Cologne Pride in July - 1.2 million people, 80+ parade trucks, Europe's political heart of LGBTQ+ activism
5. Belgian Quarter shopping - Independent boutiques and cafés south of the ring road

FAQ

Is Adina Apartment Hotel Cologne LGBTQ-friendly?

Yes, completely. The Adina Apartment Hotel Cologne welcomes LGBTQ+ travellers with professional, unbothered staff and a genuinely inclusive atmosphere. We experienced zero awkwardness at check-in, in public spaces, or using facilities. Staff offered helpful recommendations for Cologne's gay scene without hesitation. Same-sex couples will feel entirely comfortable throughout their stay.

What are the best Cologne hotels near LANXESS Arena for LGBTQ travellers?

The Adina Apartment Hotel Cologne ranks among the top choices near LANXESS Arena for queer travellers. Located 12 minutes walk from the arena, it offers apartment-style privacy with full kitchens and washer-dryers, pool and sauna facilities, and easy tram access (15 minutes) to Cologne's gay bars around Heumarkt and Schaafenstraße. The combination of event proximity and quick access to the LGBTQ+ scene makes it ideal for concert weekends.

Does Adina Hotel Cologne have a pool and sauna?

Yes. The Adina Cologne features an indoor pool (approximately 12 metres), Finnish sauna, and gym. The wellness area opens 06:00-22:00 daily with no booking required. The atmosphere feels genuinely relaxed and non-judgmental, perfect for LGBTQ+ couples who want to unwind without weird vibes. We used both facilities multiple times and always found them calm and welcoming.

Where should LGBTQ travellers stay near Koelnmesse?

For queer travellers attending events at Koelnmesse, the Adina Apartment Hotel MesseCity Cologne offers excellent proximity (five minutes walk), apartment comforts including full kitchens and washer-dryers, pool and sauna access, and quick tram connections (15 minutes via line 1) to Cologne's vibrant LGBTQ+ nightlife around Heumarkt, the Bermuda Triangle area, and Schaafenstraße. The location balances trade fair convenience with easy access to the gay scene.

How far is Adina Cologne from the gay bars?

The Adina Apartment Hotel sits 15 minutes from Cologne's main gay nightlife area around Heumarkt via tram line 1 from Deutz/Messe station (3 minutes walk from hotel). Single journey costs €3, day pass €9.10. Taxis back to the hotel after late nights cost €12-15. The short tram ride means you can easily explore Cologne's LGBTQ+ bars and clubs while returning to a quiet, peaceful neighbourhood.

Are Cologne aparthotels with kitchens worth it for couples?

Yes, especially for stays of three nights or longer. The Adina Apartment Hotel Cologne provides fully equipped kitchens (fridge-freezer, dishwasher, oven, hob, microwave) and in-room washer-dryer units in all apartments. We saved approximately €43 over three days making our own breakfasts versus paying €22 per person for hotel buffets. The kitchen also allows storing drinks and snacks, perfect for pre-drinks before heading to gay bars in the Old Town.

Is MesseCity safe for LGBTQ+ travellers at night?

Yes. MesseCity feels very safe for LGBTQ+ travellers, though noticeably quiet after business hours. The area features well-lit streets, regular police presence near Deutz station, and the short walk (under 3 minutes) from the U-Bahn to Adina Apartment Hotel Cologne never felt concerning. We returned late multiple nights after visiting gay bars in Heumarkt without any issues. Cologne generally ranks as one of Germany's most LGBTQ-friendly cities with strong legal protections and visible queer communities.

Final Thoughts: Would We Book Again?

The Adina Apartment Hotel Cologne delivers exactly what aparthotels should: space, facilities, and comfort without fuss. The experience felt genuinely inclusive rather than performatively so, which matters enormously for LGBTQ+ travellers tired of awkward check-ins or judgemental staff.

We would absolutely book again for another LANXESS Arena concert, Koelnmesse trade fair, or any Cologne visit where we want apartment comforts over traditional hotel rooms. The pool and sauna became our favourite daily ritual. The kitchen saved money and provided welcome autonomy. Staff treated us exactly like any other couple, which is all we ever want.

The Adina won't appear on Instagram as Cologne's most photogenic hotel. MesseCity lacks Old Town romance. But for queer couples wanting space, privacy, and practical facilities near major venues with quick access to Cologne's brilliant gay scene, this aparthotel proves exactly right.

For more LGBTQ+ travel guides and honest hotel reviews, explore our Germany destination coverage, browse our hotel and accommodation recommendations, and discover our LGBTQ+ travel tips. Watch our latest adventures on our YouTube channel.

Travel with us, always with love and a little luxe 🌈✈️