I have stayed in this hotel for 2 nights with my family in August 2014 and here is what I think
Location – lets understand what it means. This is not close to the City Center. It is a business hotel and located 3 stops away by train from the city center. So, from city center, you have to take S13 and come to Frankfurter Strasse station and from there it is 650 meter walk. Hotel is easy to find. But if your main objective is to visit Cologne for a sightseeing trip, then please note that it is very much walkable and does not need the day pass if you stay near the center. So, the day pass of approximately 8 Euro is added to the cost if you decide to stay in this hotel.
Room – very comfortable and clean. IBIS always maintains the same quality. Nothing to complain about.
Staff – again, a mix. There was one gentleman who was very, very helpful and always with a smiling face. There were 1 other person who answer each question as if it is a great favor to you. Usually, the answer is “I don’t know” or “you need to find out”. Depending on the person you interact with, your experience will vary.
Food – I didn’t try the breakfast. But coffee was fine. For each coffee, they charge some good money, but still it is ok. Please note that you don’t have much choice of food outside the hotel
Overall, I will not say it was bad. But I will not say it was great either. Next time I go to Cologne, I will book a hotel near the city center.