Dom Hotel in Cologne Germany
Near the Dom in Cologne, Germany, there is a very striking landmark: the Dom-Hotel. The Dom-Hotel is one of the eldest Grand Hotels in Europe. Dom Hotel Cologne, Germany - own picture taken in 2004 History The first Hotel du Dome was established by Ignace Theodor Metz (1819-1880) and it was opened in 1866. The current building dates from 1893. During World War II it was heavily destroyed and afterwards it was rebuilt. The Dom-Hotel was a member of the Méridien-Hotels for many years, in 2012 it was sold. At the moment it is a member of the Althoff hotel chain. Royal links Before the first Hotel du Dome was established, there was a big ballroom in the building. There a huge ball was held for the Swedish Crown Prince (who became later King Charles XIV John of Sweden). He had his headquarters nearby. In 1880, Theodor Metz died and his son Friedrich August Metz inherited the Hotel du Dome. Between 1890 and 1893 a big renovation took place. The re-opening of t