imm cologne: Hotels & Where to Stay
19 Jan – 22 Jan 2027 Koelnmesse 10,000 attendees
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imm cologne is one of the world's leading international furnishing and interiors trade fairs, held in January at Koelnmesse, the extensive exhibition grounds on the right bank of the Rhine in Cologne, Germany. It brings together furniture manufacturers, interior brands, designers, retailers and buyers around living, bedroom, kitchen and contract furnishings, setting the year's interior-design direction. For a hotel-booking traveller, Koelnmesse's location is a major advantage: the Koln Messe/Deutz railway station sits right beside the halls, just across the Rhine from Cologne's old town and cathedral, with fast connections from Cologne Bonn Airport and other German cities by high-speed train. Staying near the Deutz or main (Hauptbahnhof) stations keeps the commute to a few minutes. Because imm cologne draws a large international audience, well-located hotels fill and rates rise citywide and into neighbouring towns during the fair, so booking early is essential.
Popular areas for attendees: Deutz · Altstadt/City Centre · Ehrenfeld.
- Koelnmesse sits beside the Koln Messe/Deutz station and just across the Rhine from Cologne's old town, so central hotels are minutes from the halls.
- imm cologne draws a large international interiors audience and fills the city, so early booking is critical.
- Cologne is a central rail hub, making a well-placed base convenient for arrivals from across Germany and beyond.
- Staying central lets you walk to the cathedral, old town and riverside dining after fair hours.
Event at a glance
- Dates
- 19 Jan – 22 Jan 2027
- Venue
- Koelnmesse
- City
- Cologne, Germany
- Airport
- CGN
- Attendance
- 10,000
Recommended Hotels for Business Travellers
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Hotels ranked by walking distance.
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Pay Weekly available on free cancellation rooms.
Rates shown for the event window, Mon, Jan 18 → Sat, Jan 23 (arrive the day before, leave the day after) — or choose your own dates above.
Hotel rates near major event venues rise as the dates approach and the closest hotels sell out first. Booking a free-cancellation rate early locks the price with no downside.
On the map
The venue, your hotel options and where to eat — all in one view. Tap the map to explore it full screen.
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- The best hotels within walking distance of the venue
- Where to host clients for dinner near the halls
- How to beat the sold-out fair-week rooms
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Need to expense this trip? Business invoices available at checkout.
Where to eat during imm cologne
gamescom and Anuga swamp Deutz — Lommerzheim fills within an hour of the halls closing. Reserve the crane-house dinner early and learn the Kölsch coaster rules before you go.
Ox & Klee
Creative tasting menus
Rheinauhafen — 12 min taxi across the Rhine from Koelnmesse
Daniel Gottschlich's two-star flagship inside one of the iconic crane houses on the Rhine — Cologne's top room for impressing key accounts.
Tip: Tasting only, 3+ hours — reserve before gamescom or Anuga sell it out.
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Sahila
Globally inspired fine dining
Altstadt-Süd — 10 min taxi from Koelnmesse
Julia Komp — once Germany's youngest starred chef — runs this one-star culinary world tour. Relaxed and conversation-friendly for client dinners.
Tip: Evenings only; the adjoining mezze bar Yu*lia is a good walk-in plan B.
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Lommerzheim
Kölsch tavern · legendary
Deutz — 15 min walk from the Koelnmesse south entrance
The legendary 'Lommi' — a deliberately unpolished corner pub pouring Päffgen Kölsch with its famous massive pork chop. The closest genuine Cologne institution to the fairgrounds.
Tip: No small-group reservations; closes mid-afternoon — arrive at opening during gamescom. Cash.
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Päffgen Brauhaus
Brauhaus · brewed on site
Friesenviertel — KVB from Bf Deutz
Unfiltered Päffgen Kölsch brewed on site and carried out in wreaths by brusque Köbes waiters — the full Cologne initiation for visiting colleagues.
Tip: Coaster on top of the glass to stop the refills. Cash.
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Bei Oma Kleinmann
Schnitzel house · 70+ years
Kwartier Latäng — tram 9 from Bf Deutz
Plate-sized schnitzels and a lively Kölsch-fueled room serving into the late evening — the unfussy team dinner after tear-down.
Tip: A few tables held for walk-ins — try early or late during fairs.
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Kaffeesapiens
Specialty coffee
Deutz — at Köln Messe/Deutz station, 10 min walk to the halls
Third-wave espresso bar right beside the trade-fair complex — rotating single-origin filters and the best pre-badge-scan coffee upgrade over hall catering.
Tip: Weekdays ~08:00-17:30 — on the way in, not after the reception.
Open in Google MapsAfter the halls close: Cologne
Client dinner, team night out or a free day after imm cologne — bookable experiences in Cologne, same account, same checkout.
While you're in Cologne
Cologne pairs its huge Koelnmesse trade-fair calendar with passionate Bundesliga football, one of Europe's busiest arenas and the legendary Carnival.
1. FC Köln (Bundesliga)
Back in the Bundesliga, FC Köln's RheinEnergieStadion delivers one of Germany's most passionate football atmospheres.
Find ticketsCologne Carnival
The 'fifth season' climaxes with the Rose Monday parade, when the whole city becomes one giant street party.
Find ticketsLanxess Arena concerts
One of Europe's highest-attendance arenas, Lanxess Arena hosts major world tours, shows and sport almost every week.
Find ticketsKölner Haie (DEL ice hockey)
The Cologne Sharks regularly draw some of Europe's biggest ice hockey crowds to Lanxess Arena on winter evenings.
Find ticketsFixtures recur each season; exact dates for your fair week are confirmed at ticket search.
Getting there
From Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN)
- Cologne Bonn Airport is only about 15 km from Koelnmesse; the S19 S-Bahn or a regional train reaches Koln Messe/Deutz in around 15 minutes.
- From Koln Messe/Deutz station it is a short walk to the exhibition halls.
- Dusseldorf (DUS) and Frankfurt (FRA) airports are alternatives connected to Cologne by train.
By high-speed rail
- Koln Messe/Deutz is a mainline station beside the venue, served by regional, intercity and some high-speed trains.
- Cologne Hauptbahnhof, across the Rhine by the cathedral, is a few minutes from Deutz by train or on foot over the Hohenzollern Bridge.
- High-speed trains connect Cologne with Frankfurt, Brussels, Amsterdam and Paris.
Getting around during imm cologne
S-Bahn, U-Bahn and trains
- S-Bahn and regional trains link the airport, Hauptbahnhof and Koln Messe/Deutz directly to the venue.
- Cologne's U-Bahn/Stadtbahn and buses cover the rest of the city; the KVB app and machines sell fares.
- Trains run frequently between Deutz and the main station.
Taxis and on foot
- Taxis are available at the stations, airport and Koelnmesse, with ranks busier at show open and close.
- From central Cologne and the old town, the fair is walkable across the Hohenzollern or Deutz bridges.
- Walking between the Deutz district hotels and the halls is often the quickest option.
Visa & entry
Schengen visa-free (short stays)
- Germany is in the Schengen Area; many nationalities including the UK, US, Canada, Australia and EU citizens can enter visa-free for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180.
- Visa-exempt non-EU travellers will need an ETIAS authorisation once that system is in force; check its status before travel.
- Carry proof of accommodation, onward travel and funds for possible border checks.
Advance Schengen visa
- Nationals of non-visa-exempt countries must obtain a Schengen visa in advance from a Germany consulate or visa centre.
- Apply early, as demand rises before major trade fairs.
- A fair invitation, hotel and flight bookings support a business visa application.
Entry rules change; confirm current requirements with the Germany embassy or official immigration site before booking travel.
First time at imm cologne?
- Hotels in the Deutz district put you within walking distance of the halls across the Rhine.
- January in Cologne is cold, so pack warm layers and a coat.
- Use Koln Messe/Deutz station rather than the main Hauptbahnhof to arrive right at the halls.
- Consider nearby Bonn or Dusseldorf with fast train links if central Cologne sells out.
Insider tips from repeat attendees
- Book accommodation as soon as dates are announced; imm cologne fills the city and spills demand into surrounding towns.
- Explore the old town and Rhine promenade in the evenings, both a short walk from the Deutz side.
- Reserve dinner tables ahead, as popular Cologne restaurants and brewhouses get busy during the fair.
- Walk between Deutz and the old town over the bridge rather than waiting for taxis.
imm cologne travel FAQs
Where should I stay for imm cologne?
Stay in central Cologne or the Deutz district beside Koelnmesse for a short walk or one-stop train to the halls. Anywhere on the Cologne rail and tram network works well, and nearby Bonn or Dusseldorf are options if the city sells out.
How much do hotels cost during imm cologne?
Rates surge during the fair. Central Cologne hotels command a premium, so booking very early gives the best value, and nearby cities can be cheaper.
How early should I book hotels for imm cologne?
Book as far ahead as possible, ideally three or more months out. imm cologne is one of Cologne's biggest fairs and rooms sell out across the city and beyond.
Which airport do I fly into for imm cologne?
Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) is closest, with a 15-minute train to Koln Messe/Deutz. Dusseldorf (DUS) and Frankfurt (FRA) are alternatives with wider international connections and direct train links.
How do I get from the airport to Koelnmesse?
From Cologne Bonn Airport, take the S19 or a regional train to Koln Messe/Deutz station directly beside the halls in about 15 minutes.
EventEscapes is an independent travel platform and is not affiliated with imm cologne or its organizers. Dates and venues can change — verify with the official event site before booking travel.