1 Hotels Opens in Copenhagen: A Sustainable Luxury Experience
1 Hotels has officially launched its inaugural European location with the opening of 1 Hotel Copenhagen, setting a new standard for sustainable luxury in the Danish capital. This property, a thoughtful reimagining of the historic Skt. Petri hotel, embodies the essence of Copenhagen, a city renowned for its commitment to eco-friendly living and climate innovation.
Nestled at Krystalgade 22, the hotel harmonizes Scandinavian design with a nature-forward philosophy. Guests are welcomed into interiors that prioritize natural materials and living landscapes, changing with the seasons. This opening not only reflects the brand’s dedication to sustainability but also establishes a benchmark for luxury hospitality across Europe.
A Design Philosophy Rooted in Nature
The transformation of the former Skt. Petri seamlessly melds architectural heritage with modern natural aesthetics. Inside, visitors will find Danish craftsmanship and organic textures, complemented by lush greenery adorning atriums, terraces, and intimate pocket gardens. A striking living wall graces the hotel’s exterior, while an onsite bee hotel underscores the importance of preserving urban biodiversity.
“Design is everything in Copenhagen, but it’s never just about appearance,” said Raul Leal, CEO of Starwood Hotels. “It’s about function, feel, and the story told through materials. With 1 Hotel Copenhagen, we’ve crafted a space that embodies this holistic ethos—celebrating Danish craftsmanship, using local materials, and embracing biophilic design in a distinctively Nordic way.”
Across 252 rooms and 30 suites, natural light pours in and reclaimed wood enhances the overall guest experience. Bathrooms are adorned with stone basins, rainfall showers, and touches inspired by the nearby forests. Thoughtful amenities, including yoga mats and Bamford organic bath products, further elevate the stay. The minibars showcase local favorites like Rebel sodas, Gro juices, True Gum, and Bornholm Pære Snaps.
Culinary Diversity
Leading the culinary charge is green Michelin-starred chef Chantelle Nicholson, who champions a dining program focused on seasonal, low-waste, and regionally sourced cuisine. The signature restaurant, Last Year, sources its herbs and mushrooms from local farms, with interiors crafted from reclaimed and regenerative materials. The adjacent private dining space, Ember, utilizes timber sourced from suppliers dedicated to reforestation.
Cocktail enthusiasts will find refuge at PEAR, a bar named for the Danish words for “pear” and “lightbulb,” offering seasonal concoctions crafted with foraged botanicals. Additionally, The Farmstand provides guests with complimentary local fruit, reinforcing the hotel’s commitment to mindful dining.
Wellness and Community Engagement
1 Hotel Copenhagen weaves wellness into its fabric by offering seasonal activities, including meditation, yoga, and live music. The 24/7 Field House Gym caters to fitness enthusiasts with HIIT, Pilates, and personal training options. A Bamford Wellness Spa is anticipated to open in 2026, while families and pets are warmly welcomed, featuring nature-focused activities for children and dedicated amenities for dogs.
Local artists contribute to the hotel’s aesthetic using reclaimed materials, such as seagrass, fungi, and wood, echoing Copenhagen’s maritime legacy. The Goodthings Shop showcases sustainable products from artisan creators and women-led businesses, emphasizing the brand’s dedication to community and craftsmanship.
Environmental Commitment
In line with its eco-friendly mission, 1 Hotel Copenhagen includes comprehensive sustainability initiatives. These range from district heating powered by waste and wood chips to energy-recovery HVAC systems equipped with occupancy sensors. Repurposed furniture and surplus materials from local producers are prevalent throughout the property, while natural clay and marble paints enhance indoor air quality.
Innovative programs such as wooden key cards, seed paper notecards, and the 1 Less Thing initiative—encouraging guests to donate clothing to the local charity JunkFood—further reduce waste and foster community support. Collaborative partnerships with ByBi, an urban beekeeping enterprise, and Koji Copenhagen, a fermentation lab, highlight the hotel’s commitment to local collaboration and ecological awareness.
“Copenhagen has always held a special place in my heart,” remarked Barry Sternlicht, Founder of 1 Hotels and Chairman of Starwood Hotels. “There’s an ease and beauty to life here… This city embodies everything 1 Hotels stands for, making the hotel opening not just a milestone but a deeply personal endeavor.”
The unveiling of 1 Hotel Copenhagen solidifies the brand’s commitment to mindful travel and sustainable luxury. By merging design, wellness, gastronomy, and environmental stewardship, the hotel enhances Copenhagen’s status as a global leader in sustainable hospitality.
