Experiencing a unique stay in a hotel can turn a simple trip into an unforgettable adventure. The brand new 25hours Copenhagen Hotel in Paper Island is a perfect example of how creativity and comfort come together to create an extraordinary experience – each of its 128 rooms is a sanctuary of Scandi architecture. With its vibrant design and enviable location, the hotel stands out as a serene and superb choice for anyone visiting this diverse and captivating city.
The Journey
Only a short flight from London, you arrive in Copenhagen where everything works, mainly public transport! Eco-friendly was one of the themes of my trip, I was aboard my train into the town centre and arrived in a mere 14 minutes. On a mini-break, you don’t have much time, so walking only for 7 minutes in the sunshine to the 25hours Hotel was a real luxury and put me in a relaxed mood before I’d even arrived.
Location plays a crucial role in the appeal of the 25hours Copenhagen Hotel. The hotel is located on Paper Island and offers breathtaking views of the waterfront and the city skyline. Unlike its sister hotel, Indre By, Paper Island lies on the quieter side of the waterfront, next to the exclusive residential district (think Mayfair, but hip). Yet despite the serenity, you are also in the centre of town, a rare dichotomy for any traveller. The strategic location ensures that guests can enjoy the best of Copenhagen without having to travel far.
What is Paper Island you ask? With a history of over 300 years, the island has witnessed a myriad of uses from shipyards and wartime hospitals to cannon storage and paper warehouses. Today it’s a cultural hub, which I immediately felt as I meandered towards the hotel – cool urbanites enjoyed coffees next to canals, before popping into art exhibitions.
The Hotel & Rooms
Walking up to the 25hours Copenhagen Hotel I was immersed in both tradition and modernity, a contemporary building but taking inspiration from its historic surroundings. Entering the light-drenched lobby, you are greeted by the fun of the maritime theme – old fishing gear is juxtaposed with modern decadent materials, one might call it “quirky luxury.’ The mood is highly relaxing which invites you to wind down and get into that chilled Scandi groove. This artistic approach makes the hotel not just a place to sleep, but a place to explore and appreciate creativity which reflects the artistic spirit of Copenhagen.
After an extremely warm and fast check-in (thank you, Mario) I flew up the lift and into my room, on my way I noticed that each door had its own charming maritime tapestry, its touches such as those which hit the mark. Opening my door I was immediately embraced by the large window which looked directly at the opera house, later that evening I sat on the window seat and gazed into the water of the harbourside as the sun came down.
For the next two days, I felt as if I was in a Danish summerhouse. Traditional old wood panelling, stick-back chairs and dressers hark back to old holiday cottages. Together with the soft hues of yellows and blues, my abode had a charming and nostalgic ambience.
Comfort is another essential aspect of the 25hours Hotel experience. Each room is thoughtfully designed to ensure a relaxing stay. The beds are plush and inviting, providing a restful night’s sleep. If you are a sole traveller (pun intended) you can enjoy the cuddly cod at bedtime as I did – a cute and comforting plush toy. Modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and a free well-stocked minibar add to the convenience. The shower was sublime and the toilet was separate which for me is essential when travelling as a couple, we all need to leave a little mysticism in our private lives.
After a long day of sightseeing, unwinding in my cosy room with a refreshing drink was the perfect way for me to recharge for the evening.
Dining
The hotel looks after you all day long. The Nomad Bar amidst the lobby is here to serve. You can wake up early, grab a coffee and pastry (it is Denmark after all) and begin your day. Or you can take your time and leisurely wander down and enjoy a perfectly curated breakfast whilst you sit on the terrace and look at the quay. Tired after a long day of walking? Grab a snack and take a few moments to rest those tired feet. In the evening you can sample a local wine before you head out to the opera. What I truly loved was how I could exchange my empty bottle of ginger juice given to me in my room for any coffee I desired, your coffee can help the planet as well as your fatigue.
The star of the show is dinner at Tiger Lily, a dining experience crafted in collaboration with the esteemed team from O-ren Ishii. The bustle of the restaurant is electric, both hotel guests and locals gather around communal tables and long benches or there is even one circular rotating (not too fast to make you ill) booth.
Drawing from their successful ventures in Hamburg including the renowned Vietnamese restaurant o-ren Ishii and their Thai concept Mama Si, Tiger Lily embarks on a journey through the rich tapestry of Asian cuisine. As I sat at the kitchen counter, which I highly recommend doing, I delighted in a fresh and zingy hibachi ceviche, followed by a sirloin beef stir fry and finished with a fragrant mango pudding. Around me, I saw whole fish, soft shell crabs and mounds of fried rice being delivered to beaming guests. Tiger Lily uses the best of Danish produce and marries it with the traditionalism of Asian cooking and the coolness of a New York downtown restaurant.
Five Things To Do In Copenhagen
Copenhagen is sheer perfection for a mini break, it’s small enough to visit on foot but big enough to have enough to do that you don’t get bored. The hotel connects to the city by a new pedestrian bridge, walk past the bustling street food market and in four minutes you are there.
1. Go see the palace
Even if you’re not a Royal lover, the Amalienborg Palace is a must-visit. A stunning Rococo building, its architecture is as impressive as the changing of the Royal Guard.
2. Relax in the Tivoli gardens
The Tivoli Gardens is an amusement park and pleasure grounds with rides and concerts. Something is always happening in the beautiful park, so be sure to stick around for some live music and to see the fairy lights at night.
3. Visit the free town of Christiania
What’s a free town, you ask? Freetown Christiania, or just Christiania, is a self-proclaimed autonomous district of around 1,000 people in the borough of Christianshavn in Copenhagen. They have their own rules outside of Danish law, and their flag, and live a different way of life that prioritises sustainability. No photos or cars are allowed, but it’s 100% worth a look.
4. See the famous Little Mermaid statue
You can’t go to Copenhagen and not see its most iconic piece of art, The Little Mermaid. Inspired by a famous Hans Christian Andersen fairytale, this bronze statue was unveiled in 1913. Perched on an unassuming rock by the waterside at the Langelinie promenade, the Little Mermaid elegantly sits, looking out to sea and waits for her prince to return to her. Expect crowds, or beat them and take a canal tour so you can see it by boat.
5. Eat smørrebrød
Smørrebrød is basically an open-faced sandwich, but it’s so much more than that. Served on dense rye bread with a huge variety of toppings (cheese, fruit, nuts, fish, thinly shaved meats, and pickled veggies), it offers a taste to suit everyone. The layering is also important, so take a moment before diving in with a knife and fork.
Overall
The 25hours Copenhagen Hotel at Paper Island stands out for its unique design, prime location, comfort, exceptional service, friendly staff, and commitment to sustainability which aligns with the values of many modern travellers. The hotel incorporates environmentally friendly practices, such as using renewable energy sources and offering bike rentals for exploring the city, guests can easily hop on a bike to discover Copenhagen’s beautiful parks and canals, reducing their carbon footprint while enjoying the sights. Save the ecosystem as the hotel plants a tree for every guest who doesn’t have maid service during their stay, feel good for travelling!
This hotel is not just a place to stay; it is an experience that enriches your trip to the heart of the city. It embraces traditionalism, creativity, gastronomy and understated luxury, it embodies all that Copenhagen is one building.
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All imagery courtesy of 25hours Hotel Copenhagen.