There’s always plenty of debate around modern architecture. Like marmite, you either love a contemporary building or hate it. Just think of the Eiffel tower, even before the end of its construction, it was at the heart of heated discussion. Newspapers received angry letters from eminent artists protesting that the tower was a monstrosity and didn’t fit the ambiance of the city. Fast forward to now and it’s become France’s most loved and iconic structure.
Like the Effiel Tower, The AC Hotel Bella Sky hotel in Copenhagen has been named as one of the most famous structures in it’s country. However it too has caused quite a stir among traditional and modernist design lovers.
If you ask a Dane about the hotel, you get mixed reviews. Some view this structure as an eyesore. Others joke about it, likening it to the two towers in Lord of the Rings, and some believe it’s a spectacular skyscraper that perfectly embodies modern Scandanavia. Whatever your view or taste, there’s no denying that this towering hotel has become one of Copenhagen’s landmarks.
We recently had the pleasure of staying at The Bella Sky and decided we’re fans of the building. Here’s our review.
Idea
A unique four star hotel with 812 rooms where you can experience Scandinavian quality, comfort and service in exclusive surroundings.
Location
Only five minutes from Copenhagen City airport, The Bella Sky is located in the new district of Ørestad. For some, this may seem a bit far out, however the hotel has its very own metro station and it only takes eight minutes to get to downtown Copenhagen. It’s also right next to the enormous expanse of Amager Faelled. This park is the perfect place to ride a bike (which you can rent at the hotel) and enjoy some fresh air, scandi-style.
Decor
The architecture and ultramodern décor is certainly unique and the entire hotel has a spacey, futuristic feel. The design is like a representation of what all buildings in coming decades might look and feel like. And here the future looks impressive, if not a little outlandish. We love the remarkable living green wall, which shows the hotel’s commitment to sustainability and eco-consciousness. However it also reminds us that the future will have to figure out how to foster green spaces in order for us to survive.
Decor & Atmosphere
If you’re looking for ‘hygge’, then this place isn’t for you. This hotel is huge and is the opposite of cosy but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Here it’s more about beautiful and aesthetic design. There is a nod to producing some coziness and comfortable conviviality via some candles and low level lighting in the lobby, however ‘hygge’ this is not. That said, the stunning contemporary design of the hotel is impressive. It has it’s own New Nordic style and doesn’t give that typical impersonal and formal feeling you get in most large hotels.
As Scandinavia’s largest conference centre is next door, the hotel is geared towards business-travelling guests so there are lots of informal break-out areas throughout the property that create a conducive working environment.
If you’re a fan of Star Trek the Next generation, you’ll notice the rooms have a striking resemblance to the Starship Enterprise. Hints of the famed science fiction vessel can be seen throughout the hotel. The illuminated room numbers make you feel like you’re just about to enter the holodeck and the shape of the windows remind us of the triangle-shaped delta wing of the ship. At night it even feels like you’re in space, on the bridge, hovering over Copenhagen. In the day the rooms are filled with a lot of natural light, beds are super comfy (stupendously so) and have all the mod cons, including floor to ceiling electric blinds.
Food and Drink
The hotel has it’s own restaurant serving up New Nordic cuisine, however, as Copenhagen is every foodies dream city, we’d recommend going into the centre for a bite to eat. A visit to the hotel’s effortlessly cool Sky Bar on the 23rd floor is a must though. It’s located a whopping 76,5 meters above ground level and showcases breathtaking views of Copenhagen – it’s so high up you can even catch a glimpse of Sweden. The cocktails are good and if you’re peckish we recommend ordering the smørrebrød.
Facilities
This is every business travellers dream hotel with breakout areas, conference and meetings rooms galore. There’s a 24-hour fitness area and a spa which features cold and warm baths, an ice fountain, hot beds for relaxation, sauna and yoga on selected dates. Book well in advance to avoid disappointment as it gets full fast. The hotel also offers guests a 24-hour airport shuttle service.
Why Stay
For a futuristic stay in stupendously comfy beds.
Website: www.marriott.com
Disclosure: IDEAL stayed as a guest of the hotel