For more than 150 years, the Excelsior Hotel Ernst has stood at the foot of Cologne Cathedral, becoming one of the city's most prestigious landmarks and one of the world's last family-run luxury hotels. Artists, royalty, business leaders and politicians have passed through its doors, including Chancellor Konrad Adenauer, Empress Soraya, Karl May and the Kennedy family. The documentary explores the eventful history of the Grand Hotel and its owners against the backdrop of Cologne's own history. Behind-the-scenes footage offers a glimpse into the daily life of the hotel, while members of the owner family, employees and prominent guests recall extraordinary events, memorable encounters and amusing stories. Historical footage brings the hotel's long history to life and shows how closely the Excelsior Hotel Ernst is connected to the identity and history of Cologne.