Every week a reader gets a chance to put a travel question to the Been there community. How does this work?

The dilemma:

We're planning to take our bicycles to Cologne on the train and would welcome advice on reasonably priced places to stay in the city centre as we arrive in the evening. Although it might be a long shot we are hoping for a friendly place that would let us leave our bike bags there for a couple of weeks whilst we cycle down the Rhine/Mosel and back - or failing that, are there any storage facilities in the city that anyone could recommend? Any other budget accommodation and camping tips for this region would be very welcome.
JT

Dear JT
For storage, I would recommend a hostel. In Cologne most of the hostels are pretty small, family-run affairs and the staff are friendly and chilled out about letting guests leave stuff.

On a recent trip to Cologne I stayed in the Black Sheep Hostel, (book on hostelbookers.com) which is five minutes from Cologne South station and right in the city centre. There's also a free luggage storage room, so I am sure if you ask nicely they won't mind you leaving your bike bag there.

If you're cycling along the North Rhine, make sure you stop off in Bonn, Germany's old capital and the home of Beethoven, which is packed full of museums and Bruhl, with all its Baroque palaces.

In the Rhine Valley, Mainz is a good stop off point - we stayed in the Wanderlust Hostel which is pretty kitsch but caters to cyclists, and is close to some beautiful vineyards. There's even a beer and bratwurst party if you really want to get into the spirit of things!
Have a good time!
Sissi


Here are some cheap places to stay in Cologne:
hostel-cologne.de
hotel-colette.de

Check Lastminute.com as they have great deals that you'll only be able to get online. If they do deals for The Hopper or The Chelsea - you'll have a great stay!

There's also the Hotel Reservation Service in Cologne - they're quite helpful.

As the Editor of Rhine-online (the only guide to the Rhine region in English) I'd be happy to help further if you want to contact me directly - gpinkner@ppverlag.com

Have a great stay in Cologne.
Gaby

See more tips on Cologne here