9 Best places to stay in Copenhagen

If walls could whisper, this iconic 18th-century beauty would share Copenhagen’s greatest secrets: war generals, monarchs and A-list celebrities have all stayed here throughout the years.

A Victorian framework finessed with Scandi design elements, it deftly straddles past and present: find a Michelin-star restaurant, superb spa and lap-worthy indoor pool (the only one in the inner city) all set against a glamorous backdrop primed for a period drama.

Perfect for a romantic break or celebration, every inch of the building feels special. Pick a suite with a balcony overlooking the King’s New Square or the quieter backyard of the hotel.

Next to Copenhagen’s university, this former 1930s department store is now one of the city’s trendiest places to spend the night. The seriously plush rooms feature cool colour schemes and gadgets galore.

Downstairs, there’s a posh café-restaurant and Bar Rouge, one of Copenhagen’s most exclusive watering holes. The hotel appeals to beautiful couples and in-the-know business folk – it was recently voted Denmark’s best business hotel.

The hotel is located on an attractive street in the heart of the quaint Latin Quarter, just off Stroget, a well-known shopping boulevard. It’s a short walk from Orstedsparken, one of Copenhagen’s most beautiful parks.

A public bus departs from outside the front door to whisk you to Tivoli in just ten minutes. Alternatively, reserve one of the hotel’s classic bikes to arrive Copenhagen-style.

Sleep in a space with a story to tell in the former Central Post & Telegraph Head Office, now functioning as a luxury hotel. Wooden staircases lead to stylish suites, belts from postbags hang above the bar and DJs perform in an atrium once used as a parking lot for horse-drawn carriages.

Designer suites could grace the cover of a glossy magazine, but even standard rooms are high class. Dine on gourmet goods at a breakfast banquet in the former mail sorting room or hang out with a fashion crowd in the Kontrast brasserie.

From a rooftop pool heated by waste energy, to furnishings made with recycled plastic – it’s also one of the most sustainable hotels in town.

Brush shoulders with luvvies in the heart of theatreland at a high-rise hotel attached to one of the city’s most historic entertainment venues.

Inspired by retro music halls and an age of Hollywood glamour, communal areas are decorated with vanity lamps, vintage posters and dazzling readographs.

Built in 1958, the attached Falconer Center has played host to musical greats such as Judy Garland and Ella Fitzgerald, and their legacy is echoed throughout.

Both the bar and Green Room restaurant – serving surprisingly good Danish bistro-style food – have a clandestine speakeasy atmosphere, making every guest feel like an undercover celeb.

Disappointingly generic in comparison, rooms are still comfortable – and views from rooms on the 10th to 16th floors are show-stopping.

Taking hygge to new heights, there’s an irresistibly homely feel to one of the city’s most handsome independent hotels. Open fireplaces, an airy courtyard and a book-filled lounge create an intimate living space. After dark, the focus switches to the fashionable TATA cocktail bar favoured by the city’s fashion set.

Rooms range from spacious apartments to snug single rooms inspired by golden-era train cabins, and every carefully-selected furnishing is an education in fuss-free Danish design.

Owned by a former ballet dancer, the property is in the hub of the arts district, close to contemporary galleries and the Royal Opera house. And while you’re there, make use of the hotel’s private wooden boat for aquatic sightseeing tours.

This sedate, stylish hotel in a grand 19th-century brick warehouse has a wonderful location right on the waterfront, in Copenhagen’s picture-postcard harbour. The 130 recently renovated rooms are charming, with plenty of exposed wood beams and gorgeous views over the water.

The hotel sits at the harbour end of Nyhavn, which is lined with buzzy restaurants – although the hotel’s new in-house Italian, Rosemarino – is a great bet if you’ve peaked on seafood.  A great area to stay for those keen to get to grips with Danish history and culture, with many of the city’s main sights just a few minutes’ walk.

The hotel is located in a block of heritage warehouses at the end of buzzy Nyhavn, directly overlooking the harbour. There are plenty of restaurants and bars to hand, but it’s a relatively quiet area, some 15 minutes’ walk from the heart of Copenhagen.

Amalienborg Palace, winter home of the Danish royal family, is just a few minutes’ walk away and the Royal Danish Playhouse is next door.

This is one of the capital’s coolest boho boltholes, featuring 212 eco-friendly but primped, Balinese-style rooms decked out with four-poster beds, bathtubs and balconies, plus a Fairtrade restaurant and organic spa to complete the look.

The location nestles amongst the cafés, restaurants and bars of hip Vesterbro, the old meatpacking district – a slightly edgy, but very central downtown location. Tivoli Gardens is a five-minute walk away. It’s two blocks from Copenhagen’s central train station, but you’d never know it once you’re tucked up inside.

All-in-all, a good choice if you prefer global-style comfort (at reasonable prices) rather than Scandinavian cool.

This fantasy castle in the style of an opulent Moorish riad commands one of Copenhagen’s most magical settings. Opened as a restaurant in 1909 in the twinkling, fairy-tale grounds of Tivoli Gardens, it remains a family-run business with service of the highest degree.

Divided between the original building and a modern wing, 38 suites are a mixture of European decadence and Middle Eastern glamour – all muted by classy Nordic design. Gaze from bedroom balconies at the blossoming gardens or sunbathe with a cocktail at the rooftop pool.

The hotel has an unbeatable location in the heart of the city; although Copenhagen Central Station and multiple tram stops are on the doorstep, rooms are quiet and not even a rumble can be heard from inside.

It backs onto the Tivoli Gardens, a stone’s throw from the rides of the historic amusement park.

A high-end hostel with seriously cool credentials, perfect for urban adventurers looking for an affordable stay. Once home to the Danish Union of Metalworkers, the building has an industrial design of steel, concrete and exposed pipework; form follows function with every square inch utilized.

Dorms are divided between four and six-bed rooms, each with private pods, and there is a selection of tiny doubles and singles for greater privacy. Women-only dorms can also be requested.

Practical plus points include a laundry room, kitchen and workstations with a selection of iPads; check-in can also be done via an app with a mobile phone functioning as a room key.

Chill out in a lively games room, swimming pool and cinema, or join locals in the bar for some of the city’s cheapest craft beers.