Here at IDEAL, it’s no secret that we love fancy hotels – if we could, we’d live in one. However, if you have limited holiday funds, staying at an expensive place isn’t always realistic – they are real budget killers after all.
Fundamentally all you need from a hotel is a bed and a shower, so during a recent trip to Copenhagen, we decided to find somewhere that was good value for money so we could spend all our money at Noma. Enter Urban House – a hybridized hotel/hostel which ended up being so much more than a reasonably priced place to rest your head.
Idea
This hotel is designed for ‘The Enlightened Traveler’. In other words, those who demand the upleveled amenities and cleanliness of a hotel, but with the heart and affordability of a hostel. For us this it was the ideal urban rest-stop. Read on for our full review…
Location
Urban House is located in the trendy area of Vesterbro, right by the train station. Like London’s Shoreditch and New York’s Williamsburg, Vesterbro heeds the hipster call and is actually number 4 on Thrillist’s top 10 most hipster neighbourhoods on Earth. Brimming with quirky cafes, restaurants and bars ,you’ll probably end up spending most of your time in this trendy district so Urban House is in the ideal location.
Atmosphere & Decor
Urban House and it’s persona fits in with the neighbourhood’s hipster vibe perfectly. It’s unique, trendy and cool. The hotel marries the best of the casual and fun environment that a hostel offers with the hip and cool surroundings of a modern boutique hotel.
There’s an obvious emphasis on design and decor here, but everything still looks accessible, affordable and real. There’s cool art displays and murals everywhere you look, adding a human touch to every nook and cranny. Industrial lighting throughout gives it that edgy, hipster vibe.
Offering a lively atmosphere, Urban House is set up to socialise. It has a vibrant social space on the ground floor and a courtyard garden. If you want a bit of peace and quiet, there’s even a designated quiet room.You can also enjoy local craft beer and live music at the bar. It’s even got tattoo parlour and a bicycle shop.
Clientele
Urban House is designed for the many not the few. From couples and families with kids to business travelers, you’ll see everyone on your stay here.
Service
As the hotel decrees ‘modern times ask for modern measures’. This is a self-service place meaning that you can check in by yourself, either online or at a check-in-counter at the hotel. This means no waiting in line, no frantic digging around in your bag for your passport, no signing of papers, none of it. You just get a code to your room and you’re done – easy and breezy. Be that as it may, the staff are there to help with any question or issues you might have – and they do it with smile.
Rooms
It’s a big ho(s)tel with 220 rooms and all the rooms are pretty basic. But they all come with free wifi (very important) and loads of power outlets. There are lots of different room categories with a blend of private and shared rooms. From ‘shoebox’ (the room name says it all) to ‘doubleheader’ (perfect for a couple) to big bungalows (for those travelling in a group), whatever your party size, they have it.
Food and Drink
The food selection is pretty limited, but you’re in an area with loads of cool restaurants, cafes and bars so that doesn’t matter. If you do decide to grab a bite to eat at Urban House, go for the hot dog, they do a damn fine one here. Served between 7 and 11 am, it’s only 75 DKK for a continental breakfast which provides just the right amount of fuel for your morning. There’s also a common kitchen where you can prepare and store your own food if you’re running low on funds. We recommend having some drinks at the bar before heading out. Copenhagen is a pricey city and compared to most places drinks here are affordable. Happy hour is from 7 to 9 pm.
Facilities
Urban House also hosts bike and running tours in the city, and yoga classes. There’s the previously mentioned communal kitchen, 24-hour laundry room and luggage lockers. Oh and there’s also a tattoo shop if you’re after some body art.
Why Go
To experience a great value hotel/hostel hybrid in the hippest part of Copenhagen.
Address: Colbjørnsensgade 11, 1652 Copenhagen V.
Website: www.meininger-hotels.com
IDEAL stayed at the hotel as a guest
