Classic Quadruple Room
- Sleeping arrangements for 4 persons
- Shower
- Heating
Hostel · Cologne · North Rhine-Westphalia
Black Sheep
A 13-room hostel on Barbarossaplatz, a short walk from Cologne Opera and within easy reach of the city's sights.
- Free Wi-Fi in rooms
- Shared kitchen and terrace
- 24-hour luggage storage
7
Very good
863 reviews
Booking.com 7 · 863 reviews
About
Black Sheep
Black Sheep is a small, 13-room hostel in the heart of Cologne, set on Barbarossaplatz. The 2-star property keeps things simple but sociable, with a shared kitchen, a TV lounge, board games, and a terrace. Free Wi-Fi is available in every room, and the hostel's position puts the Cologne Opera within a medium walk and the city's main attractions close at hand.
Rooms are straightforward and functional, with heating and showers in the private options. The Classic Quadruple Room sleeps four, while the Family Shared Bathroom Room offers a bunk bed. This is a no-frills stay that earns its decent rating through location, cleanliness, and a friendly, helpful team.
- No smoking on site
- No pets allowed
- Luggage storage
- Locker room
- Lift
- Barber shop
In brief
What works, what to weigh
+
Strengths
5 reasons to book- Central, well-connected location — Set on Barbarossaplatz with a tram stop right outside, the hostel is a short walk from Cologne Opera and about a 30-minute walk to the cathedral. The city centre is easily reachable.
- Well-equipped shared kitchen — Guests repeatedly praise the kitchen for having all appliances – fridge, oven, stove, microwave, sink, plates, and utensils – and being accessible even at night.
- Friendly and helpful staff — Several guests highlight the staff, singling out Sven by name, for being supportive and providing clear information.
- Themed rooms and comfort touches — Rooms come with playful themes, and dorm beds have privacy curtains, individual lamps, and plug sockets – details guests appreciate.
- Good value for money — With rates from £40 per night and positive comments about affordability, the hostel is seen as a budget-friendly option in Cologne.
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Worth weighing
5 to weigh- Limited room types — With only 13 rooms and two listed categories – a quadruple and a family room with a bunk bed – options are narrow, especially for groups or those seeking single or double rooms.
- Check-in window is short — Check-in is only between 16:00 and 22:00, which may be inconvenient for late arrivals. However, the self-service code system adds some flexibility.
- No on-site parking — Parking is not listed among the amenities, so guests arriving by car will need to find public parking nearby.
- Breakfast may be basic — One guest describes breakfast as 'acceptable' rather than outstanding, suggesting it's adequate but not a highlight.
- Potential for noise or safety quirks — A single sarcastic review mentions 'necessary safety features' after a cooking incident, hinting that kitchen use might require care. Also, the hostel's central location could bring street noise, though this isn't confirmed in reviews.
01 — Rooms
Rooms & rates
High season: summer dates usually book out a few weeks ahead.
Family Shared Bathroom Room
- 1 Bunk bed
- Shower
- Heating
02 — Amenities
Services & amenities
Everything included at this stay — the facilities and essentials, at a glance.
General
- No smoking on site
- No pets allowed
- Luggage storage
- Locker room
- Lift
- Heating
- Parquet floor
Food & Drink
- Shared kitchen
- Terrace
Entertainment
- Leisure/ TV room
- Board games
Services
- Laundry
- Shops/Commercial services
Safety & Security
- Smoke detectors
- Fire extinguishers
- Key access
Photos
Gallery
03 — Reviews
What guests say
Recent verified reviews from guests who stayed here.
Guest-rated 7/10 from 863 reviews
Booking.com · 7 · 863 reviews
7Verified guest“The themed rooms were brilliant, beds comfortable, showers great, and the internet was fast. The staff were friendly and always on hand.”
7Verified guest“Perfect location with a huge supermarket just across the street and the centre not far. The dorms were comfy and I loved the privacy curtains around each bed, plus having my own lamp and plug socket was handy. The kitchen was clean and well-stocked, and there was even leftover food to use. A positive stay – I'd definitely recommend this hostel.”
7Verified guest“My two-night stay for a quick business trip was wonderful. The staff, especially Sven, were incredibly helpful and gave clear information. The kitchen being accessible at night was a real plus, offering flexibility. The hostel has great potential and offered real value for money.”
7Verified guest“Beds were cosy with individual curtains for privacy, a nice touch. The decor was quirky and added to the charm. Staff were friendly and always willing to help. The small common room and outdoor terrace were perfect for relaxing. The location made it easy to explore – a fantastic stay.”
7Verified guest“Great bars and food nearby, friendly and helpful staff, comfortable beds, good Wi-Fi, and a convenient location.”
7Verified guest“The location is fantastic – a tram stop right beside the hostel and a huge supermarket across the road. It's close to the centre and easy to find by Metro. Rooms are clean and comfy, staff are friendly, and the breakfast offers plenty of choice. A great start to the day.”
04 — Location
Getting around Cologne
The property sits in Cologne.
Cologne Cathedral: About a 30-minute walk from the hostel, the cathedral is the city's most iconic landmark, renowned for its Gothic architecture and twin spires.
Cologne Opera: A short walk from the hotel, this is one of Germany's leading opera houses, offering a rich programme of performances.
Old Town: Bustling streets with unique shops, friendly locals, and a vibrant atmosphere, ideal for exploring Cologne's history and culture.
Hohenzollern Bridge: Nearby, the bridge offers stunning views of the Rhine River and is famous for the love locks attached to its railings.
Barbarossaplatz 1, Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
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 16:00-22:00
- Check-out
- By 08:00-11:00
- 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
- 13 rooms
06 — Questions
Frequently asked
What are the check-in and check-out times at Black Sheep?
Check-in is from 16:00 to 22:00, and check-out is from 08:00 to 11:00.
Is breakfast offered at Black Sheep?
Yes, breakfast is available and offers a variety of options, though one guest described it as 'acceptable' rather than exceptional.
Is there a kitchen available for guests?
Yes, the hostel has a shared kitchen equipped with a fridge, oven, stove, microwave, sink, plates, and utensils. It's accessible even during the night.
Are pets allowed at Black Sheep?
No, pets are not allowed at the property.
Is there parking at Black Sheep?
Parking is not listed among the amenities at the hostel, so guests arriving by car will need to find public parking nearby.
How far is Black Sheep from Cologne Cathedral?
The cathedral is about a 30-minute walk from the hostel, according to a guest review.
The bottom line
Black Sheep is a dependable, wallet-friendly base in Cologne, offering clean, themed rooms, a sociable kitchen, and a location that puts the city's highlights within reach. It won't suit those seeking luxury or extensive amenities, but for travellers who want a comfortable, well-connected stay without breaking the bank, it delivers.
7For budget-conscious travellers who value location and a homely atmosphere.
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