Checking In: Danish luxury at Villa Copenhagen

After a day of exploring Copenhagen's castles and gardens, you can unwind in the steamy rooftop pool or wooden sauna at this hotel and watch the amusement park rides at Tivoli Gardens. Villa Copenhagen is a conscious luxury hotel with 390 rooms that embodies the best of Danish design. At first glance, it feels inexplicably cozy and welcoming, but the beauty is truly in the small things. Every piece of art, furniture and light was intentionally selected and placed, and you can get lost in the details. 

I stayed at Villa Copenhagen while visiting a friend. I’ll never forget the feeling of chaos and confusion of a long travel day, getting off the train, and then just walking across the street to the immediate relief of the hotel lobby. We were both mesmerized by how the hotel could feel so classy and calm even in the heart of a busy city. 

I was torn between wanting to indulge and relax in this stunning property and needing to see the rest of Copenhagen, but at Villa Copenhagen you can do it all.

About

• Best for: Conscious luxury, couples

• Location: Tietgensgade 35-39, 1704 Copenhagen, Denmark

• Rooms: 390 rooms and suites

• Price rating: Mid-range

• Amenities: Rooftop pool, sauna, complimentary breakfast buffet 

• Check-in/check-out: 3pm/12pm

History

Villa Copenhagen is in the former Central Post Office building of Copenhagen, and it was carefully restored and rebuilt by specialized craftsmen. The hotel breakfast is served in the lower level where they used to sort mail. This is why it is so perfectly located in the center of the city, right across from the Central Station and Tivoli Gardens. It opened as a hotel in July 2020. 

Why it’s worth it

If you’re looking to explore Copenhagen, Villa Copenhagen could not be more conveniently located. It’s right across from the train stations, or you can take an easy bike ride to Nørrebro, Vesterbro, Frederiksberg and the other top neighborhoods. 

In between sightseeing, the hotel is serene and cozy. You can read a book while live music plays in the lobby, dip in the heated pool or just unfurl in the silence of your room. You can even experience the city through the hotel, with views of the Tivoli fireworks from the roof, live DJ sets on weekends and a Danish bakery. 

The rooms

The rooms are effectively designed, emulating that clean and simple Danish style. With high ceilings and dainty touches of color, the room feels light and airy. The large windows open up to views of the pool or city, and the art on the walls elevates the room without feeling distracting or cliche. Design nerds will appreciate all of the tiny details that went into the flow of the room – from the silent sliding doors of the bathroom to the heavy-duty blackout curtains that are essential for Denmark’s long summer days. 

This is the type of hotel where you will opt to use their shampoo and conditioner rather than the one you brought from home. Everything smells luxurious, thanks to Copenhagen brand Skandinavisk's signature scents. 

The rooftop pool 

Villa Copenhagen’s steamy rooftop pool is heated sustainably by the hotel’s excess energy, so it can be used year-round. You can also easily access the wooden sauna and showers. The pool is surrounded by auburn brick buildings, and you can watch the rides at Tivoli Gardens from the safety of your sunbed. A bar at the pool serves cocktails and wine. 

Restaurants 

Each morning, guests are treated to a full Scandinavian breakfast spread – complete with smoked fish, fresh fruit, countless spreads and delicious pastries. There are also plenty of different juices and coffees. As someone who is used to starting my travel days in a frenzy to acquire caffeine, I truly love when a hotel gets the complimentary breakfast right. 

Guests can also go to Rug Bakery, where the mood changes throughout the day from casual pizzas at lunchtime to glasses of wine and cuts of steak in the evening. Rug translates to rye in Danish, and the bakery emphasizes and elevates this classic bread to perfection. 

Villa Copenhagen also serves food and drinks in the courtyard bar. The grand glass ceiling floods the room with natural light and they'll have DJ sets on the weekends. You can also sign up for afternoon tea for an elegant mix of champagne, savory bites, sweet treats and, of course, tea. 

Accessibility

Villa Copenhagen has several accessible rooms with step-free entrances, roll-in showers and toilets with grab-bars. There are wide doorways and elevators, and you can also have food or drinks delivered right to your room.

Best things to do nearby

Spend the day at the third-oldest amusement park in the world, Tivoli Gardens. It’s truly not just for kids and features lush gardens, world-class dining (40 restaurants!) and live concerts in addition to the rushing rollercoasters. It also changes with the seasons and has a Christmas market in December. 

It’s also just a short walk or bike ride to Nyhavn, which is home to the famous colored houses by the harbor, the Christiansborg Slot parliament building and the Statens Museum for Kunst. You can also go to Indre By to shop your heart out for Danish brands like Mads Norgaard or Samsøe Samsøe.

Acacia Gabriel stayed at Villa Copenhagen , as a guest of Villa Copenhagen. Lonely Planet does not accept freebies in exchange for positive coverage.