A Comfy Base in Charlemagne’s City: The Best Mid-Range Hotels in Aachen
Aachen is a fascinating German city, rich with history—most notably Charlemagne’s Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site—and a vibrant, modern university town feel. When planning your trip, where you choose to stay matters a great deal in terms of accessibility and getting the most out of your visit. The city center, or Mitte, is the obvious choice for first-timers, placing you steps away from the main historical sights, shopping, and dining. However, areas like the quieter, green Burtscheid district offer a more relaxed atmosphere, sometimes with better parking options, while still being a short bus or drive from the main action.
For many travelers, the sweet spot lies in accommodations that balance comfort and convenience with good value, steering clear of budget constraints without entering luxury territory. These mid-range hotels offer quality amenities, reliable service, and strategic locations that allow you to explore Aachen with ease. Whether you prioritize being next to the Cathedral or need quiet rest after a long day, here are some of the top-rated mid-range hotels in Aachen to consider for your trip.
City Centre Convenience: Near the Sights and Station
These hotels are perfectly positioned for visitors who want to be in the middle of the action, close to the historic Old Town and major transport links.
Motel One Aachen
Motel One offers a reliably stylish and modern stay with a consistent design focus. The rooms are compact but exceptionally clean and well-maintained, featuring the brand’s signature comfortable beds and appealing, contemporary decor. Its central location is a major selling point, making it incredibly easy to walk to the Cathedral and other central attractions. The lobby and bar area are especially inviting, designed as a cozy, upscale lounge perfect for relaxing after a day of sightseeing.
- Pros: Excellent central location, very clean and stylish design, friendly staff, comfortable beds, inviting lounge/bar area.
- Cons: Rooms can be small, no coffee/tea-making facilities in the room, breakfast is often considered expensive for the selection.
INNSiDE by Meliá Aachen
This hotel presents a modern, upscale experience with a distinct focus on lifestyle. It’s located slightly north of the immediate old town but still highly central, known for its superb breakfast served on the top floor with fantastic city views. The rooms are well-designed and contemporary, often including a highly appreciated free minibar. Its proximity to the Eurogress convention center makes it popular for business travelers, while tourists enjoy the short walk to the Cathedral.
- Pros: Excellent location with city views, fantastic breakfast buffet, free minibar in rooms, modern amenities (sauna/fitness center), and secure underground parking available.
- Cons: Parking costs extra, some guests have mentioned minor maintenance issues.
Mercure Hotel Aachen am Dom
Situated incredibly close to Aachen Cathedral—the ‘am Dom’ in the name is no exaggeration—this hotel offers a cozy and classic base for exploring the city’s history. It is a solid choice for those who value being steps away from the main sights, shopping, and vibrant nightlife. Rooms are comfortable and reasonably spacious, often featuring coffee/tea facilities. The staff is frequently praised for their helpfulness and warmth.
- Pros: Unbeatable central location, very friendly staff, clean and comfortable rooms, in-room coffee/tea facilities.
- Cons: No on-site parking (convenient public garage nearby), rooms facing the street (Peterstrasse) can be noisy, breakfast is considered expensive by some.
Best Western Plus Hotel Regence
This modern hotel sits in a central location, opposite the bus station and a short walk to the main attractions and the old town. It offers contemporary facilities, including comfortable rooms that are praised for their cleanliness and soundproofing despite the proximity to a main road. It’s a reliable choice for efficient, comfortable stays, particularly for those arriving or leaving via public transport.
- Pros: Great central location, close to public transport, modern and clean rooms, comfortable beds, in-room tea/coffee facilities.
- Cons: Rooms and bathrooms can be quite small, the immediate area opposite the bus station can feel less polished, limited on-site parking (public parking nearby).
Aquis Grana City Hotel
This four-star hotel is lauded for its exceptional location in the heart of the old town, providing immediate access to the Cathedral, Elisenbrunnen, and shopping streets. It offers spacious, soundproofed rooms and a highly-praised breakfast buffet with a wide variety of choices, including vegan and gluten-free options. It’s well-suited for both leisure and family travelers looking for a traditional and high-quality city experience.
- Pros: Exceptional location in the heart of the old town, comprehensive and excellent breakfast, spacious and clean rooms, helpful staff.
- Cons: Opinions on its true four-star status are mixed, and some guests find the pillows too soft.
Modern Comfort and Easy Access
These options focus on modern design, business-friendly amenities, and convenient access points, often balancing a slightly removed location with added space or facilities.
Novotel Aachen City
A reliable four-star choice from a well-known international chain, Novotel Aachen City is situated in the heart of the city, only minutes from the Cathedral. It is particularly well-regarded for its family-friendly policies and amenities, including spacious, air-conditioned rooms, a fitness area with a city view, and a sun terrace. Business guests appreciate the meeting rooms and free WiFi.
- Pros: Very family-friendly (children’s areas, large rooms), great central location, spacious and well-equipped rooms (sofas, coffee/tea stations), good fitness facilities.
- Cons: Breakfast is an extra cost, some areas of the hotel are occasionally closed for maintenance (e.g., steam bath).
Hampton by Hilton Aachen Tivoli
Located further north, closer to the Tivoli stadium and business parks, this hotel offers modern, clean rooms in the typical Hampton style. It is an excellent choice for sports fans, business travelers, and those arriving by car, thanks to its proximity to the motorway and available parking. A key feature is the complimentary, varied hot breakfast included in the room rate.
- Pros: Complimentary hot breakfast, clean and modern room design, dog-friendly, good connectivity to main roads and the stadium area.
- Cons: Remote location for historic tourism (about a 25-minute walk to the Cathedral, though a bus is nearby), lack of in-room fridge/microwave, parking garage is sometimes described as narrow and awkward.
Unique & Quiet Areas: Retreats with Character
These properties are slightly outside the immediate rush of the city center, offering a different vibe, often in quieter, greener neighborhoods.
Art Hotel Aachen Superior
Located in the greener Burtscheid district, this hotel offers a quieter escape and is known for its spacious rooms, some with balconies. It provides a full-service experience with a spa, indoor pool, and on-site restaurant, though some of these amenities may require an extra fee. It’s ideal for guests seeking a peaceful stay with easy access to motorways and a quick bus ride to the city center.
- Pros: Spacious rooms, quiet location, full-service amenities including an indoor pool and spa, free parking often available.
- Cons: Not directly in the city center (a few km out), extra fees for some amenities (pool/sauna), restaurant/pantry service is occasionally inconsistent.
Hotel Lousberg
Situated about a 10-15 minute walk from the city center near the Lousberg hill, this hotel is praised for its extremely friendly staff and excellent breakfast. It offers a slightly quieter neighborhood feel while remaining highly accessible. It’s an efficient, cozy hotel that is a favorite among guests who prefer a welcoming, personal touch.
- Pros: Exceptionally friendly staff, great breakfast, quiet location yet within walking distance of the city center, free WiFi.
- Cons: Rooms can be small, air conditioning can be noisy or inefficient, sometimes thin walls.
B&B HOTEL Aachen City-Ost
This hotel sits a little way East of the historical center but maintains a central and well-connected position. It focuses on providing excellent value with modern, bright, and clean rooms. A standout feature is the inclusion of free landline calls within Germany and free sports/movie channels. It’s a great option for the budget-conscious traveler who prioritizes cleanliness and connectivity.
- Pros: Excellent value for money, very clean and modern rooms, great central location near public transport, free phone calls and TV channels.
- Cons: Breakfast is often criticized as overpriced or limited, in-room amenities like mini-fridges or kettles are missing, street-facing rooms can be noisy.