Copenhagen is a city that delivers style in spades – effortlessly cool, with slick design everywhere you look. And as Scandimania has taken hold around the world over the past few years, there’s been a steady stream of new tourists landing in the Danish capital.
The increase in visitors has prompted a surge in new hotels, but Copenhagen can still be an expensive city, and choosing the right hotel is vital. So let me help. I grew up here, and still visit several times a year, spending my adult life testing the hotels.
Here’s my pick of those which hit the right balance between style, price and comfort.
Neighbourhood: Latin Quarter
In the Latin quarter, a short walk from Stroeget (Europe’s longest pedestrianised shopping street), Hotel SP34 is located in a series of converted townhouses. A sharp sense of style and a roof terrace for sunny days make it a popular choice. The hotel has rooms to suit all budgets, from the small single to the lush penthouse, which comes with a free bar and private roof terrace. Regardless of size, however, they all have the same clean Nordic design and functionality – plus upmarket REN toiletries.
The well-stocked bar claims to have the largest selection of port wine in Denmark and serves an organic lager, brewed especially for the hotel. Best of all? The daily wine hour, between 5pm and 6pm.
Neighbourhood: Vesterbro
Book direct with The Andersen, and instead of a set check-in and check-out time, you’ll get your room for a straight 24 hours. That’s not the only forward-thinking thing about this hotel, which has gone all out on the design elements. Each of the 69 rooms is decorated in a different style, and all feature wallpaper and curtains by the Designers Guild brand. There are three classes of rooms, from “Cool” to “Amazing”. Rooms have fittings by Philippe Starck and amenities from Molton Brown. There’s no restaurant, but there’s an honesty bar and a daily wine hour from 5pm to 6pm.
Neighbourhood: København V
Legendary Danish designer Arne Jacobsen, famous for his swan and egg chairs, did the interiors of this iconic hotel in central Copenhagen. It was the city’s first skyscraper when it was built in 1960 for staff of Scandinavian Airlines (now SAS), and is currently undergoing renovations to update the building while maintaining its iconic design. Room 606, a showcase of Jacobsen’s work, has been kept exactly as he designed it with 1960s decor; a grey-blue colour scheme, plenty of wood panels and minimal decoration. Unsurprisingly, it’s one of the most photographed hotel rooms in the world.
Neighbourhood: Latin Quarter
The team behind the Alexandra has spent years collecting Danish mid-century vintage design furniture – staying here might feel like you are staying in the home of a trendy local in the 1950s or 1960s. Pieces by iconic designers such as Kaare Klint and Ole Wancher are matched with textiles and decorations reminiscent of the mid-century period to complete the experience.
Neighbourhood: Nansensgade Quarter
Location, location, location. Minutes from Nøerreport station, the botanical gardens one side, the inner city on the other, Ibsens is set in a 19th century building that was rebuilt in 2011. The emphasis here is on feeling at home: a fireplace welcomes guests in the lobby and rooms are decorated to feel cosy but functional with minimal clutter. Ibsens champions the arts community: the hotel is decorated with arts and craft from local artists. There are also bikes for rent.
