Overflowing with Danish allure, there’s something about Copenhagen that keeps drawing us back. Maybe it’s all the cozy cafes and trendy restaurants with their creative cooking styles. Perhaps it’s the urban beach and the sense of freedom that comes when a city is surrounded by the sea. Or it could be the fact that it’s full of amiable people and one of the world’s best countries to live in. Whatever it is, we can’t get enough of this city.
When we travel to Copenhagen, it’s no secret that Kong Arthur is one of our favourite hotels to stay at. However, during a recent trip to the city, we cheated on Kong Arthur with her delightful sister, Ibsens Hotel. Do we regret it? No way.
Idea
Ibsens is a charming urban boutique hotel designed to feel like a home away from home. Decorated with various art pieces by local as well as international artists, the hotel is perfectly in keeping with the spirit of its bohemian area and perfectly suited to experience Nordic urban life.
Location
Copenhagen is home to some of the world’s coolest and hippest streets that all have their own charm and unique character. Nansensgade is one of those special streets and it’s here you’ll find Ibsens hotel, unmissable with its looming red neon sign. You won’t come across any chains or big brand stores here. Instead, stroll down it and you’ll find vintage shops, second-hand book shops and charming cafes, all with a bohemian touch.
Atmosphere
In the early evening, the hotel hosts happy hour. During this time guests can sink into comfy sofas and chairs whilst enjoying a glass of complimentary wine or beer and watching a roaring fire. An assorted seating style creates different cozy zones within one space, giving the sense that you’re in your own personal living-room. The atmosphere during happy hour sums up the vibe of the hotel. It’s welcoming, laid- back with a homey feeling.
Style & Character
Stylish and inviting with great lighting, Ibsens perfectly fits in with the neighbourhood’s style and will speak to the artist within you. The walls are adorned with frames of photographs and unique paintings from local talent (the hotel actually invited artists from the neighborhood to contribute to its decor, bringing the atmosphere of the area inside) and everywhere you turn high quality handicrafts enhance the arty vibe of the hotel. In fact, Ibsens is the first hotel that accepts ‘artmoney’ as means of payment. As the hotel says ‘ our doors are always open to upcoming artists short of money looking for an inspiring stay’. To add even more to the hotel’s unique and quirky character, like it’s sister hotel, Ibsens Hotel has become CO2-neutral on energy consumption. Stylish, arty and caring for the environment – we’re in love.
Rooms
With minimalist with muted tones and contemporary furniture, the rooms ooze Scandinavian charm. If you owned one of the clean-line chairs in the room, visitors to your house would instantly know you have good taste. As this is a hotel designed for the area and to fit the building, there are more catergories then you get at other hotels with identikit rooms. This is a good thing because whichever room you stay in, you know no one else in the hotel will be having exactly the same experience at the exact same moment, your one is unique – just like the hotel.
Food & Drink
The bountiful breakfast at the hotel is a wonderfully wholesome affair and an amazing way to kickstart your day. The Danes get up early and take time to eat their breakfast, savouring the experience. They believe that a relaxed morning will set a calm vibe throughout the day. We suggest you start your day this way too with the nourishing spread at the hotel – think muesli, berry smoothies, rye-bread and cold cuts.
If you’ve eaten enough open-faced sandwiches and are craving something a little more hearty, two of the hotel’s restaurants will satisfy this urge. La Rocca is a real-deal Italian joint dishing up a menu of specialties that the chefs prepare from a wonderful array of fresh ingredients – if you visit in the summer ask for a table outside in the cosy courtyard. Pintxos serves a delicious array of Spanish tapas and wines from different regions of Spain alongside a warming a la carte menu. The hotel is also home to Sticks’n’Sushi, one of the first sushi restaurants in Copenhagen.
Facilities
At an extra cost, guests can use the gym and spa facilities at their sister hotel, Kong Arthur which is conveniently located across the cobbled courtyard. The price for a day pass is DKK 195.
Why Go
If you’re looking to stay on one of the coolest streets in Copenhagen in an equally cool hotel, then Ibsens is the place. Relaxed and lively, this hotel is the perfect base to explore Nansensgade and really get to know it, while being conveniently located to so many of Copenhagen’s best attractions.
Address: Vendersgade 23, 1363 København K, Denmark
Website: www.arthurhotels.dk
Disclosure: IDEAL stayed as a guest of Kong Arthur