Judith Baker visits Denmark’s capital to review its latest stylish hotel opening.
Innovative and imposing Villa Copenhagen is one of the Danish capital’s most exciting new hotels. Formerly the city’s Post Office. built in 1912; the historical property has been transformed into a contemporary, exciting eco-friendly hotel which aims to combine style and sustainability.
Denmark overall is generally thought to be one of the world’s happiest and healthiest countries thanks to its green policies and the capital is on track to be the world’s first carbon-neutral city by 2025. Villa Copenhagen, which opened in 2020, has embraced this with an ambitious but elegant hotel built on ‘conscious luxury’ a concept based on sustainability, eco-friendly brands and renewable energy while retaining high standards of comfort, cuisine and elegance. Villa Copenhagen is a surprising and interesting addition to the smart Copenhagen scene.
From the playful Playroom where guests can play games, work or network to the Grand Boardroom with its original neo-baroque features and handmade wallpaper, or the tiny T37 bar with its old Post office paraphernalia, the Villa Copenhagen intrigues.
Stepping into the hotel one is in The Courtyard – a stunning atrium, filled with natural light and an outdoors feel. With a bar to one side and meeting rooms and restaurant all leading off the main area, this is an introduction to the style and ambience that carries on through the property.
Danish fine jewellery brand Shamballa Jewels was involved in the hotel design; the lights here hang like precious pearl bracelets from the ceiling. Scandinavian hotelier Petter Stordalen is the brains behind the hotel which has an extensive modern art collection throughout, with splashes of colour brightening up the mostly neutral decor.
The unusual outdoor rooftop swimming pool overlooking the city is one of the Villa’s highlights and the only one of its kind in Copenhagen. When Covid restrictions were lifted locals, as well as visitors, found this a welcome indulgence. A 25 metre heated lapping pool looks inviting even in the depths of winter and the adjoining sauna and terrace bar add to its appeal. There is also a hidden garden here.
There are 390 bedrooms. The top floor rooms have beams and the lower floor high ceilings, reflecting the layout of the original Post Office building. They are fuss-free and simply furnished with huge comfortable beds and stylish Scandinavian design touches with a coffee machine, minibar and free Wi-Fi. The black and chrome bathroom is plain without being stark.
Although my room overlooked the main Copenhagen Railway station, I had the best sleep of my life in a calm, relaxing environment
There are also several suites in the hotel including the Earth Suite, built entirely with recycled materials and textiles.
The Kontrast brasserie on the ground floor contrasts the edgy nearby Vesterbro neighbourhood with the luxurious restaurants of inner-city Copenhagen, combining an industrial feel and design with gastro dining. Diners can watch the food being prepared as they face the busy open kitchen serving fresh European and Danish dishes using organic ingredients from the hotel’s rooftop hidden garden as well as local suppliers.
Breakfast is served on the lower ground floor in the former sorting office of the old Post Office, featuring the hotel’s own bakery Rug. The buffet serves freshly baked bread and pastries and hearty Danish fare in a bright, spacious environment.
Guests can also dine and drink in the Courtyard area and the T37 bar is an atmospheric spot for late-night cocktails.
The hotel is in a perfect position for exploring the city. The famous Tivoli Gardens are just over the road, and most of Copenhagen’s attractions are within a walk or a cycle ride away.
Pool image (c) StineChristiansen
Tell Me More About Villa Copenhagen
Villa Copenhagen, Tietgensgade 35-39, 1704, Copenhagen, Denmark
T: +45 78 73 0000
The hotel is a short five-minute walk from Grand Central station which runs a regular direct 16-minute service to Copenhagen airport, with flights from most UK airports.
Rates at Villa Copenhagen, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, start from £260 a night on a B&B basis
