Tucked

Tucked
on a side street behind the Royal Danish Theatre just
steps away from King’s New Square in the centre of Copenhagen, Hotel Sanders encapsulates the
casual coolness of Copenhagen. And no wonder, because owner
Alexander Kølpin – a former dancer for The Royal Danish Ballet –
has teamed up with modish designers Lind + Almond to create a
handsome townhouse that is at once comfortably homely and
impeccably chic. This is, in part, due to nonchalantly cool staff
who are quick to foster an easy rapport (without straying into
over-familiarity) that will provide you with plenty of
under-the-radar recommendations and leave you feeling like their
favourite guest. Teamed with an excellent restaurant and bar, this
is the kind of hotel that you’ll go back to – if only to pick the
brains of your new friends.

Rooms

Of the 56 rooms we recommend opting for a standard double or
larger, as the smallest room really is tiny – even just for one
person. Draped velvets are a nod to Kølpin’s theatrical background,
brought bang up to date when combined with natural wooden flooring,
rattan headboards, minimalist chairs and potted plants. Don’t be
surprised if you find yourself snapping away for inspiration chez
toi. A free mini-bar loaded up with savoury snacks, sweet and
drinks aplenty is hard to resist, while industrial-sleek bathrooms
are supplied with Ortigia products that you’ll also want to
stockpile.

What’s for breakfast?

We’re a bit bored of everyone claiming to have found the best
scrambled eggs in town, but Sanders really is in the running on
this one – perhaps partly due to the homemade ketchup that you’ll
want the recipe for. Next up it’s a croissant the size of a dinner
plate, followed by palette-cleansing grapefruit piqued with mint
and brown sugar. In the warmer months, grab a table on the street
to watch effortlessly stylish Scandis drift by (mainly on bicycles)
or take refuge in the rooftop conservatory for city views and a zen
start to the day.

How about lunch and dinner?

Dine in Sanders kitchen and courtyard, a casual restaurant with
a handful of tables serving a concise Mediterranean menu of sharing
plates in retro surroundings. If you’re there for dinner, plump for
a whole-roasted fish.

Is there a bar?

Yes. Marble-topped Tata is as popular among locals as it is
among guests, serving Sanders’ very own craft beer, cellar wine and
cocktails in copper cups. Moody lighting, velvet booths and heavy
curtains create the ambience of an old-fashioned speakeasy, but in
summer months there is space to sit outside.

Amenities

Although there’s no gym or spa, reception can arrange in-room
treatments for you, as well personal training and yoga classes. Opt for a “curated
stay”, a pre-planned itinerary giving you insight into Copenhagen’s
hotspots – though we recommend reading our insider city guide and leaving the rest
up to good fate.

Things you should know

The hotel is an old building so the walls are quite thin. Don’t
get a connecting room unless you would like to hear more than just
your neighbours’ conversation…

Within a short walk you can find…

Nyhavn is on your doorstep as is the main shopping street
Strøget – but you’re not here to follow the masses. Instead, head a
bit further into town and you’ll find the classic Danish treasures
like Ganni, Stine Goya and Mads Nørgaard among independent shops
and cafés. Wind up at tree-lined Kongens Have and king’s castle
sits.