Hotel Fox
Launched in 2005 as part of Volkswagen’s memorable campaign for the eponymous car, Hotel Fox is a boutique art hotel that has captivated guests with its eclectic charm. The creative minds of 21 designers and artists, including London-based collective Container Plus and Denmark’s e-types, have breathed life into 61 uniquely styled rooms, each reflecting a delightful blend of kitsch, camp, and sophistication. A makeover is on the horizon for Fox next year, yet it remains a quirky and budget-friendly option right in the heart of the city. The rooms, available in four different sizes, each boast distinct designs—visit their website for detailed descriptions.
- Pricing: Small doubles from £85. Contact: +45 3313 3000, hotelfox.dk
Hotel St. Thomas
Nestled on Værnedamsvej, a quaint street that bridges the trendy Vesterbro district and the independent Frederiksberg municipality, Hotel St. Thomas offers a Parisian slice of Copenhagen. Just moments away from a culinary hotspot teeming with restaurants, bars, and food shops, this hotel is perfectly situated for exploring the serene parks of Frederiksberg or indulging in the vibrant nightlife of Vesterbro. While the rooms and showers may be modest in size, they are elegantly furnished and promise a peaceful night’s rest in this residential area.
- Pricing: Doubles from around £78 B&B. Contact: +45 3321 6464, hotelsctthomas.dk
Wake Up Copenhagen
For those who don’t mind a slightly industrial backdrop, Wake Up Copenhagen is a newly opened budget hotel positioned just south of the main train station, offering remarkable value in a central location. With its sleek, modern Scandinavian aesthetic, the compact rooms (12-15 sq meters) come equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi and flatscreen TVs. Splash out an extra £25-35 per night for a room on one of the higher floors, where stunning views of the city await.
- Pricing: Standard doubles from £60, singles from £40. Contact: +45 4480 0000, wakeupcopenhagen.com
Tivoli Hotel
Located adjacent to its budget counterpart, Wake Up, the Tivoli Hotel opened last year to provide a welcoming stay for visitors to the iconic Tivoli Gardens theme park. While it may not quite capture the historical charm of the 168-year-old amusement park, the hotel incorporates classic Tivoli design elements within its decor. Guests will find plenty to keep families entertained, with amenities including a swimming pool and both indoor and outdoor playgrounds. Be sure to look for special family deals for stays of two nights or more.
- Pricing: Double rooms including entrance to Tivoli Gardens from £110. Contact: +45 4487 0000, tivolihotel.com
Hotel Christian IV
Despite its namesake connection to King Christian IV, this hotel is ideally situated just a stone’s throw from the regal heart of Copenhagen. Nestled between the lush Rosenborg Castle gardens and Amalienborg, the Queen’s winter residence, the hotel serves as an ideal base for exploring the city’s historic quarters without the chaos of the main tourist routes. While the accommodations are straightforward, they exude a homely charm. For those keen on cycling, bikes are available for rent at £14 per day.
- Pricing: Doubles from £110. Contact: +45 3332 1044, hotelchristianiv.dk
Danhostel Copenhagen City
A remarkable blend of modern design and budget accommodation, the Danhostel Copenhagen City claims the title of perhaps the only hostel worldwide that shares a designer—Danish company GUBI—with the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Situated within an old trade union headquarters, this 15-storey “design” hostel overlooks Copenhagen’s central canal, placing it a short stroll from the main railway station and town hall square. Guests can opt for shared rooms with four, six, eight, or ten beds, all featuring en-suite showers. Private reservations are also available, although linen and special guest fees apply, so factor these into your budgeting.
- Pricing: Beds from £15. Family room for four from £70. Contact: +45 3311 8585, dgi-byen.dk/hostel
Axel Hotel Guldsmeden
Nestled in an area that has transformed dramatically over the past two decades, Axel Hotel Guldsmeden stands as a premier choice amidst Copenhagen’s vibrant Kødbyen meatpacking district. Renowned for its Balinese-inspired rooms adorned with Persian rugs and stone sinks, this spa hotel captures a sense of luxurious comfort. Many rooms come with balconies and bathtubs, inviting ultimate relaxation after a day of exploring.
- Pricing: Doubles from £110. Contact: +45 3331 3266, hotelguldsmeden.dk
Ibsen’s Hotel
Situated at the intersection of Nansensgade shopping street, Ibsen’s Hotel embodies the charm of Copenhagen, lying between the lively downtown and the tranquil lakes encircling the city center. The hotel is set to unveil freshly renovated rooms and a lobby inspired by local shops and designers. Just a short walk from Nørreport station, it provides easy access to Sweden and the scenic northbound coastline leading to the Louisiana art museum.
- Pricing: Doubles from £100. Contact: +45 3313 1913, ibsenshotel.dk
Hotel Cph Living
For a unique experience beyond typical accommodations, consider Hotel Cph Living—a charming hotel boat moored amid Copenhagen’s scenic canals. Located between Islands Brygge and Christianshavn, this floating haven features 12 cabin rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and French balconies. Guests can unwind on the deck while gazing at the stunning “Black Diamond” royal library building across the water.
- Pricing: Doubles from £110 B&B. Contact: +45 6160 8546, cphliving.com
Bella Sky
Boasting an architectural design that has quickly become a modern landmark, Bella Sky features two striking towers, leaning away from one another at a remarkable 15 degrees. Opened in May 2011, this expansive hotel has 814 rooms and stands as Scandinavia’s largest. Conveniently located in Ørestad between the city center and the airport, the metro is just a stone’s throw away, whisking you to Copenhagen in just ten minutes. For breathtaking views, don’t miss the sky bar on the 23rd floor.
- Pricing: Singles from £130, doubles from £150. Contact: +45 7027 4274, bellaskycomwell.dk
Travel Tips
Flights: Norwegian Air Shuttle connects Edinburgh and Gatwick to Copenhagen, while easyJet services from Gatwick, Manchester, and Stansted.
