Please note our writer visited these hotels prior to the coronavirus pandemic
Copenhagen is living proof that the famed Danish eye for design is no mere myth. They have a knack for creating spaces that are chic yet welcoming at the same time and allaround the city there are cool but cosy bars and restaurants, and shops filled with covetable furnishings and accessories. The same goes for the city’s top boutique hotels – from sustainable boho chic to classic mid-century modern and striking industrial minimalism, these independent-minded ventures showcase Danish design in an intimate setting. Here’s our pick of the best boutique hotels in Copenhagen, including the top places to stay for Scandi-chic interiors and Danish design in locations including Tivoli Gardens.
Nimb Hotel
Copenhagen, Denmark
Nimb impresses on all fronts. Its location on the western side of the Tivoli gardens, an instantly recognisable landmark with its Moorish-style arches, minarets and domes, is unbeatable; the interiors are impeccable with high ceilings, crystal chandeliers and typically tasteful Danish design; and the 38 rooms are spacious. There are plenty of dining options, including a cosy wine bar in the basement and an impressive cocktail bar and afternoon tea spot in the former ballroom. There’s also a rooftop terrace with pool, loungers and cocktail bar and service is excellent.
From
£
340
per night
Rates provided by
Booking.com
Andersen Hotel
Copenhagen, Denmark
Andersen is a trendy, colourful hotel with a relaxed attitude and a brilliant 24-hour check-in concept, meaning you get your room for 24 hours from check-in. A recent makeover has warmed things up with added colour and texture. GUBI chairs and Fritz Hansen sofas are upholstered in Designers Guild velvets, and low-slung globe lamps cast a flatteringly gentle light. It all feels relaxed and homely, with a nice dash of quirky. There’s no full restaurant but that’s no problem in this part of town, with plenty of good places to eat and drink nearby.
From
£
83
per night
Rates provided by
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Manon les Suites
Copenhagen, Denmark
This one-of-a-kind hotel proved an instant hit on opening thanks to a sun-trap roof terrace and roomy apartment suites set around a dramatic central pool area. There’s an eclectic mix of influences behind the design – New York urban, Bali tropical, Ibiza beach, African safari. Exposed piping and steel landing walkways meet luxuriant planting and four-poster day beds around a patchwork-effect tiled pool, where glowing fish lamps and giant terracotta pots dangle on chains from girders supporting the glass roof five storeys up. There’s a sauna, steam room and bucket shower up on the roof.
From
£
169
per night
Rates provided by
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Hotel Danmark
Copenhagen, Denmark
Hotel Danmark consists of two linked buildings, one a listed 18th-century property the other a 1969 block, now attractively clad in racing green. It’s appealing outside, with paved seating areas and big pots filled with greenery, as well as in: think slatted wood walls, low leather seating and a brass-clad reception desk that doubles as the 24/7 bar). Rooms are small but look good, all modern, urban and stylish, in shades of grey and white (and, in the Sixties building, green). Staff are pleasant and friendly, especially in the restaurant which is known for its excellent traditional smørrebrød (Scandinavian type of sandwich).
From
£
68
per night
Rates provided by
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Nobis Hotel Copenhagen
Copenhagen, Denmark
The five-star Nobis is a handsome conversion of a historic building, tastefully reworked by Swedish architectural firm Wingårdhs. They’ve respected period features whilst being afraid to add contemporary twists including concrete blocks, moody colours the odd twinkly light installation. The lounge area is all soft leather chairs and designer lamps, with angular metal shelves displaying carefully placed objets – point your camera in just about any direction and you have a shot worthy of an interiors magazine. There’s also a small gym, a spa with saunas, showers and a cold water plunge pool, plus a good restaurant.
From
£
147
per night
Rates provided by
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Sanders
Copenhagen, Denmark
This graceful boutique hotel, tucked away on a quiet street behind the Royal Danish Theatre, is refined yet relaxed. Owner Alexander Kølpin, a former dancer with the Royal Danish Ballet, worked with design studio Lind + Almond to create a look that’s both luxurious and homely, with high-end finishes, bespoke furniture, plush fabrics and tastefully earthy paint shades. The 54 elegant bedrooms share the same design values as the rest of the hotel, and have natural wood floors, muted colours and big comfy beds, plus a free minibar stocked with soft drinks, snacks and sweets.
From
£
230
per night
Rates provided by
Booking.com
Hotel Herman K
Copenhagen, Denmark
Brøchner Hotels, designers behind Hotel Herman K, specialise in creating cool new hotels from old buildings that once served a completely different purpose. This one is a former transformer station that still retains many original elements, such as the dark bronze slats on the façade and giant green iron doors inside. The industrial style of the public areas is softened in the bedrooms with deep pile carpets, soft fabrics and the sleek, chic look you’d expect of a Danish design hotel. It’s in a great spot and has an excellent restaurant which offers everything from light snacks to a 10-course tasting menu.
From
£
117
per night
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Babette Guldsmeden
Copenhagen, Denmark
Babette is the very antithesis of a bland, corporate hotel and makes a homely, welcoming base in a peaceful but central location. The boho boutique vibe is obvious the moment you step into the ante-lobby, with its earthenware pots, trailing plants and candles. As with other Guldsmeden hotels, there’s a strong Balinese influence to the décor but here it’s mixed in with old Chesterfields and modern artworks. The ground floor is a series of cosy little spaces including a plant-filled orangery, a small but smart bar, and a rustic-style restaurant where low-slung lights cast a warm glow over diners.
From
£
108
per night
Rates provided by
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Hotel CPH LIVING
Copenhagen, Denmark
This floating 12-bedroom hotel, converted from an old German barge that’s permanently moored in the city centre, makes an unusual, relaxing place to stay. Just being a boat earns plenty of points on the character front, and the Danish eye for design is also much in evidence, with simple, contemporary styling, natural woods and splashes of colour from original paintings and red accessories. The rooms, spread over two decks, are compact but clean-lined and uncluttered, with hardwood floors and a nifty streamlined storage unit. Windows overlook the water.
From
£
110
per night
Rates provided by
Booking.com