In October, I checked in at the newly opened NH Collection Copenhagen for a few days. Not only is this NH Hotel’s very first property in Scandinavia – the hotel is one of Denmark’s most sustainable. Contemporary elegance and warm-hearted hospitality describes this property well, but could it be home for you on your next trip to Copenhagen? Keep reading to find out.
Hosted stay
A timeless gem
Growing up in Denmark and often visiting Copenhagen as a child with my family, I remember passing by the iconic building which now houses the brand new NH Collection Copenhagen. Built by architect Palle Suenson in the years 1957-1962, the building originally served as the headquarters of the shipyard B&W. With its minimalistic exterior and straight lines, the architecture was typical for its time – yet, more than 60 years later, the timelessness of the building has made it an iconic part of Copenhagen’s sky line. And speaking of views; I’ll get back to that in a few minutes.
The hotel’s location speaks for itself. Christianshavn, which is one of the city’s most sought after areas, is home to so much history and culture that not passing by during a visit to Copenhagen would almost be a crime. 10 minutes by foot and you’ll find yourself getting lost in one of the city’s most popular attractions; Christiania. From here, walk along the canals (or enjoy a boat ride!), grab a bite at the food market, Broens Gadekøkken, and continue over the bridge to the city center. Everything’s really just a stone’s throw away from NH Collection Copenhagen, and that’s one of the hotel’s main forces.
Commitment to sustainability
If you fancy modern, sleek interior, NH Collection should make you feel right at home. Dark wood, earthy colours and soft textures create a cosy atmosphere which is felt from the minute you’re stepping onto the escalators leading up to the lobby area. Perhaps it’s the hotel chain’s Spanish blood (NH opened its first hotel in Spain in 1978), or perhaps it’s just a general understanding of how to create a genuinely good hotel experience.
It’s not just about the looks, though; it serves a purpose. All the wood used in the hotel is recycled, sea water is used in the cooling system, and the entire roof of the property (3.428 m2) is covered in green sedum. All this makes NH Collection Copenhagen one of Denmark’s most sustainable hotels.
One of my personal favourite features, apart from the impressive efforts within sustainability, is the lobby area, which is meant as an open living room for both guests and locals alike. A large space with many nooks and cosy corners, you can easily slip into one of the soft arm chairs with a drink and forget about the world outside.
Full stomachs and endless views
And forgetting about the world outside; let me take you for breakfast. The avid reader might now that I have a profound love for a good hotel breakfast. The one at NH Collection Copenhagen surely didn’t disappoint. Much larger than I had anticipated, there was literally no shortage of supplies in the light-flooded restaurant. One station was filled to the brim with cakes and pastries, another one was boasting cheese and cold cuts while a third one presented home-baked bread, granola, fruits and more. In the back of the restaurant, a pair of chefs were preparing pancakes and eggs to the likings of the guests. Needless to say, my 3,5-year old son was thrilled and perhaps a little bit overwhelmed with all the options. His partens were satisfied and full until the afternoon.
There’s also a bar and a second restaurant here specializing in Spanish cuisine – but mostly made from local ingredients. For the lazy ones; I’d recommend staying in bed and ordering roomservice, which is available 24 hours a day.
The 5-star hotel accommodates 394 rooms and suites. We stayed in a Superior Room with a view to the harbour, but if you’re a family with more than one child, opt for a Family Room. Or, if you can, check in to one of the magnificent suites with floor-to-ceiling windows. You won’t get better views of Copenhagen. Take my word for it.
Overall opinion: NH Collection Copenhagen offers everything you need for a comfortable stay in the Danish capital. The subtle elegance, timeless design and historical location make it stand out from all the rest, and it appeals to a wide segment of travellers including couples, families and business travellers.
For more information about NH Collection Copenhagen, click here.
