5* Cologne stay at a countryside castle with a Michelin restaurant

• Luxurious living: Enjoy a taste of the high life at Althoff Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg, a sophisticated, five-star stay set in the tranquil surrounds of Cologne’s lush countryside. Housed within a former castle, this elegant abode oozes polish and prestige at every turn, from Michelin-starred dining and elegantly appointed guestrooms to superb spa services.
  
  

• High-end dining: The main event here is the dining, with two-Michelin starred restaurant Vendôme showcasing a dazzlingly inventive menu crafted by head chef Joachim Wissler. Guests can expect a host of refined, gourmet dishes, all sprinkled with Jochim’s signature creative flair. There’s also an Italian trattoria and upscale Sunday brunch restaurant featuring slightly less formal fare.
  
  

• Superb accommodation: Rooms and suites feature a delightful blend of contemporary and classic interiors - think plush, jewel-toned fabrics, Baroque-style décor and sleek leather upholstery. With views of Cologne Cathedral, the Bergisches Land or the castle’s expansive grounds, you’re sure to be dazzled, whatever the vista.

How to get there

The hotel is 15 kilometres from Cologne Bonn Airport, taking around 15 minutes by car. Public transport will take around an hour and require some walking.

Good to know

Entry requirements

The passport, visa and health requirements at the time of booking can be viewed on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website for UK citizens, and on the Department of Foreign Affairs website for IE citizens. It is your responsibility to ensure that you and all members of your party are in possession of all necessary travel and health documents, and in compliance with any other immigration/entry requirements before you travel, including whether your passport must be machine readable or which visas/waivers may be required for entry, such as ESTA for USA travel and/or ETIAS for EU travel. Please also be sure to check the validity of your passport and allow up to 10 weeks for passport renewals.