The 10 best hotels in Copenhagen for a design-conscious stay

First on our list is the one and only Manon Les Suites Guldsmeden. Dubbed ‘a slice of Bali’, this hotel blends the serenity of the tropics with scandic philosophy, hygge. The result? Nothing but chill-out vibes, where ecological design and urban chic meet in the middle to create an inner-city oasis that feels worlds away. When you see the jungle-like, vine-trailed outdoor pool area, it goes without saying that you’ll realise you’ve lucked out when you manage to get a room here. Breakfast is also included with your stay, which is handy for curbing that decision fatigue.

Location perks: Chill out even more at the on-site spa.

If you like architecture, you’re in the best spot for it. Just a few yards from Christiansborg Palace, NH Collection Copenhagen offers sleek rooms and some of the most impeccable views overlooking the harbour. Along with the cool panoramas, during your stay, you’ll have access to a spacious, modernly furnished room equipped with a coffee machine and a minibar. Beyond these quarters, there’s an on-site fitness suite, a restaurant and bar, and rooftop terrace – or perhaps we'd be better off saying your designated selfie area.

Location perks: Enjoy stunning riverfront views, especially at night.

Around the corner from Nyhavn harbour is this modern boutique housed in a 17th-century building. Its bright interiors are complemented with subtle greys, dark woods and pastel tones for an understated luxury feel, with some rooms containing unique design features panelling, sloped walls and beams for added intrigue. During your stay, you can look forward to goodies like toiletries, a minibar, bike rentals and an enchanting on-site dining experience, The Shrimp, featuring a cosy atrium courtyard and serving up classic dishes.

Location perks: A short stroll from Amalienborg Castle, Højbro Square and Christianborg Palace.

Incredibly unassuming, this hotel spans across two converted warehouses dating back to the 1800s and sits on the sunny edge of the canal. Pretty cool, right? Wait ‘til you step inside. This space oozes some serious style, with exposed beams, distressed leather, comfy seats, shuttered windows and vintage chests. While there’s no question they’ve got interior design down, that’s not all: the hotel also features an on-site restaurant and bar, parking, room service, free breakfast and even a pillow menu.

Location perks: Gorgeous waterfront views and easy walk to Copenhagen Canal Boat Tours.

With their row of baby pink vintage bikes stationed by the entrance, it’s clear that the Grand Joanne is all about having fun with design. Their powdery interiors are a blend of high style and vintage glamour, making it very instragrammable but not in a cringe way. What’s also pretty cool here is that each of the 162 rooms is uniquely designed to avoid the sometimes generic or sterile feel of your bog-standard stay. Aside from jazzy rooms, a real highlight of staying here is cracking open a bottle to enjoy the panoramas on the rooftop terrace, finding zen at the on-site yoga studio and, of course, the delectable Italian dishes on offer at the on-site restaurant. Buon appetito!

Location perks: Situated in Vesterbro, putting you in good stead for Central Station and notable attractions like Tivoli, Christianborg Palace and various bars and galleries.

If you’re after a more affordable option, but don’t want to compromise on the hygge end of the bargain then Motel One should be on your radar.  Situated in Indre By moments from Tivoli, it offers the perfect base for exploring the centre by foot, metro, bus or pedal. Rooms are simply furnished but by no means boring, with cheery colour-coordinated interiors featuring bold prints and sleek, contemporary design pieces. Besides hanging out in your room, you can chill and unwind in the uber-sleek on-sight garden terrace – during warmer months it’s the perfect spot for enjoying breakfast or a tea break.

Location perks: The walkability to nearby attractions makes it great affordability-wise.

As if it had been ripped out of an editorial mag, we couldn’t resist showing off the Audo Copenhagen. You need no more than a glance to know that these lot know a thing or two about contemporary design. Situated in the bustling Østerbro neighbourhood, Audo Copenhagen offers guests a pleasant hideaway where cosiness meets refinement. The recipe? A blend of warm and cool-toned neutrals, beamed ceilings and shadowy interiors. Heaven.

Location perks: Bike hire is available at the property.

For our social butterflies looking for somewhere laid-back to hang up their boots, Coco Hotel fits the bill. Named the Best Hotel in Scandinavia in 2023 by Travel + Leisure, this Parisian-style meeting point in Vesterbrø boasts 89 snazzy rooms, a ping-pong room, a café and wine bar, and a lush courtyard where you can enjoy meeting with friends or socialising with other guests.

Location perks: On Fridays and Saturdays, you can look forward to live DJ sets hosted by locals from 6-10 pm.

Known for its quirky, contemporary design, Hotel Ottilia is the ideal spot for those who are looking for something truly out of the ordinary. With 155 monochromatic rooms and suites to choose from, all that's left to decide is which one will be yours. Whatever you decide, make it one with an iconic round window. Bedroom aside, some of the coolest places to hang out here are in the lounge, at the lobby bar, and up on the rooftop.

Location perks: Hotel Ottillia offer 360 views of the city's glorious architecture Pretty neat.

Need a cure for your wanderlust? You're looking at it. The view from up on the roof in the pool alone is enough to tempt us twice...This 5-star luxury hotel right in the heart of the city feels like a world of its own. Offering up bright rooms with immaculate decor, and brilliant architectural and design features throughout the building. While our early risers' can enjoy a chillout in the sauna room each morning, our fellow night-cappers can raise a toast at the very glam on-site bar.

Location perks: You're just a short stroll from Tivoli Gardens and Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek.