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Hotel · Cologne · North Rhine-Westphalia

The Penny Pincher Inn - Cologne

A small, spotless hostel in a quiet corner of Cologne, steps from the old town's market squares and a short walk to the river.

  • 5-minute walk to Lebensraum and Alter Markt
  • Free coffee and tea in the guest kitchen
  • Quiet at night, despite central location
8.8 Great 347 reviews Booking.com 8.8 · 347 reviews

About

The Penny Pincher Inn - Cologne

The Penny Pincher Inn is a six-room hostel on Tempelstrasse, a five-minute stroll from the Lebensraum district and the historic Alter Markt square. It sits in a quiet neighborhood that's still within easy reach of Cologne's main sights, making it a practical base for short city breaks.

The building keeps things simple: mixed dorms and private rooms, a shared kitchen where coffee and tea are free, and a lounge that guests repeatedly describe as the heart of the place. Expect a hands-on, personal atmosphere rather than a big anonymous hotel.

  • Wi-Fi
  • Wi-Fi in rooms
  • Parquet floor

In brief

What works, what to weigh

+

Strengths

3 reasons to book
  • Featured on multiple 'best of' lists — Guests repeatedly call out the spotless rooms and bathrooms, the comfortable beds, and the well-equipped kitchen. The free coffee and tea, plus the arcade games, are recurring perks.
  • Quiet, central location — A 5-minute walk to Lebensraum and Alter Markt, and about 15 minutes to the city centre. Guests note the neighborhood is quiet at night, yet close to shops, restaurants, and transport.
  • Personal, helpful hosting — Marcel is named repeatedly for going out of his way—fixing hot water, giving local tips, and making guests feel at home.

Worth weighing

3 to weigh
  • Small, intimate scale — With only six rooms, the hostel has a limited number of beds. This means it can book out quickly, especially in peak seasons.
  • Reception hours are brief — Check-in is only possible between 15:00 and 18:00. If you arrive outside these hours, you'll need to plan ahead or arrange a late arrival with the staff.
  • No pets allowed — If you're travelling with a pet, this isn't the place—the policy doesn't permit them.

01 — Rooms

Rooms & rates

High season: summer dates usually book out a few weeks ahead.

Quadruple Room Private Bathroom

  • 1 Bunk bed
  • Shower
  • Heating

Bed 4-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room

  • 1 Bunk bed
  • Shower
  • Heating

Bed 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room

  • 1 Bunk bed
  • Shower
  • Heating

02 — Amenities

Services & amenities

Everything included at this stay — the facilities and essentials, at a glance.

Connectivity

  • Wi-Fi
  • Wi-Fi in rooms

Room features

  • Parquet floor
  • Heating
  • Shower

03 — Reviews

What guests say

Recent verified reviews from guests who stayed here.

8.8
Great 347 reviews

Guest-rated 8.8/10 from 347 reviews

Booking.com · 8.8 · 347 reviews
8.8Verified guest

“Marcel is an amazing host and a true Kölsch patriot. The lounge is perfect for relaxing and meeting people. Location is convenient and quiet at night. Everything is immaculately clean. Free coffee in the kitchen is a nice touch.”

8.8Verified guest

“Comfortable beds, polite owner, and an excellent location.”

8.8Verified guest

“Quiet, cosy, and clean for a hostel. The kitchen is excellent—everything you need. I was pleased that the 6-bed room had 2 toilets, 4 sinks, and 3 mirrors. The city centre is 15 minutes away, and lots of shops are within a 2 to 7-minute walk. Full value for money.”

8.8Verified guest

“The staff were very friendly and accommodating, going out of their way to make sure we were comfortable. Common areas were clean and well-maintained. Free coffee and tea were a nice touch. Location was convenient, with stores and restaurants nearby.”

8.8Verified guest

“Comfortable room and an equipped kitchen with everything you need.”

8.8Verified guest

“For the price I paid, the value was exceptional. The room was clean and cozy with a really comfortable bed. Location was perfect—quiet neighborhood but still within walking distance to attractions. Staff, especially Marcel, were incredibly friendly and helpful.”

04 — Location

Getting around Cologne

The property sits in Cologne.

Old Town & Alter Markt: The historic market square is a 5-minute walk from the hostel, lined with restaurants and bars. It's a good starting point for exploring Cologne's old town.

City Centre: The main shopping streets and the cathedral are about a 10-15 minute walk away, with the river and the train station also within easy reach.

Getting Around: An S-Bahn stop is close by, and electric scooters are available for hire, making it easy to cover more ground quickly.

Tempelstrasse 26, Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, 50679, Germany

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05 — Good to know

Policies & conditions

Hotel details are shown for reference. Final rate terms are confirmed on the partner’s site at booking.

Check-in
From 15:00-18:00
Check-out
By 06:00-11:00
Cancellation
Free cancellation on many rates — terms on booking page
Payment
Pay-at-hotel available on many rates; final terms at booking
Pets
Not allowed
Property
6 rooms

06 — Questions

Frequently asked

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is from 15:00 to 18:00, and check-out is from 06:00 to 11:00.

Is breakfast included?

Breakfast isn't mentioned, but the kitchen is available for guests, with free coffee and tea.

Can I bring my pet?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

Are there family rooms?

Yes, there is a Family Room with a private bathroom that sleeps up to four (one bunk bed).

The bottom line

A reliable, wallet-friendly pick in Cologne if you value cleanliness, a personal welcome, and a location that's quiet but central. The trade-offs are the small size and early check-in window—manageable for most travellers, especially those who don't need hotel-style facilities.

8.8Best for solo travellers and couples who want a clean, cosy base with easy access to the old town.

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