We all know that Copenhagen is the official hygge city and this feeling of cosy contentment can be found in abundance at Ibsens Hotel.
Part of the boutique group Arthur Hotels, Ibsens is a contemporary urban design hotel occupying a prime spot in the hip Nansensgade area. Right in the centre of the city, it’s just five minutes walk from the dazzling Torvehallerne food market, the Botanical Garden and Nørreport station.
Arrival
On arrival, my first impression of this well-located, mid-priced hotel was that it felt homely and unpretentious with a friendly and relaxed vibe. Check-in was swift and easy and we took the opportunity to have a wander around the open-plan lobby that includes a counter cafe and plenty of space to work or chill out in arm chairs in front of the glowing fireplace. This is where the hotel hosts its daily Cosy Hour, where guests are treated to a complimentary beer or wine before heading out to dinner.
The lobby also has a large collection of artworks and handicrafts that give it a creative ambiance. In fact, Ibsens is the first hotel in the world to accept the alternative currency of ‘art money’ as payment, where emerging artists can use it to pay up to 50% of the room rate and share their inspiration.
The Room
Our X-Large room on the top floor was spacious and ever so charming with painted wooden rafters and a sloped ceiling. It was designed in a cool, neutral palette with a checked carpet floor and highlights of pastel blue and Chartreuse.
The room was furnished in a typically Danish style with a writing desk, LCD TV, plenty of lamps and a wool-felt statement chair. The double bed was extremely comfortable and covered in lovely textured linen with some plump cushions.
The white tiled bathroom was simply functional and petite, however the shower had excellent water pressure and I liked the selection of Nordic Amber bathroom products.
That evening, we dined just three minutes away from the hotel at Höst, an atmospheric and stylish restaurant with a choice of tasting menu and lots of treats in between courses. I highly recommend booking a table there for a truly memorable and creative meal.
However, you don’t even need to leave the comfort of the hotel for some good food, as it houses no less than three eateries. There’s the casual Pintxos Tapas, sleek Japanese-Danish chain Sticks’n’Sushi and the smart Italian restaurant La Rocca that boasts an intimate courtyard for summer al fresco dining.
Breakfast
A real highlight of our stay at Ibsens Hotel was its fresh and seasonal Nordic breakfast with an array of high quality items sourced from local farms and bakeries. We particularly enjoyed the delicious dark chocolate and custard pastries, cured meats and cheese with rustic bread, individual glasses of Skyr yoghurt and fruits or honey and little sticks of chocolate (for the inner child).
Tea lovers will be particularly impressed with the handy tea station offering a selection of artisanal loose leaf teas for a proper morning brew. This tea is also available throughout the day at the cafe, should you wish to curl up in a cosy corner by the fireplace.
The hotel also has some thoughtful touches for guests such as bike rentals at reception, discounted day passes for the next door Ni’mat Spa and guest list admission to nearby Jazzhouse and Global for a night of live music. Also, guests can really feel at home by enjoying a sociable lunch with the hotel staff, served daily in the restaurant at Hotel Kong Arthur. It’s the first time I’ve heard about such an initiative and what better way to get acquainted with a city and hotel than talking with the friendly people behind it.
Ibsens is a wonderful, affordable hotel for those who appreciate a chilled-out stay in the heart of Copenhagen. Rooms range from Tiny for solo travellers to large Suites, so there’s something for all group sizes and budgets. I also highly recommend indulging in the Nordic breakfast, as hot drinks in Copenhagen cafes are surprisingly pricey and you’ll want to start the day with a proper caffeine hit and delicious baked goods.
For more information and booking, visit: www.arthurhotels.dk
Chérie City was a guest of Ibsens Hotel
All photos by Chérie City
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