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Hotel Alexandra, Copenhagen

Thalia Charalambous visits Copenhagen's Hotel Alexandra, which mixes contemporary design and history under one roof

The Credentials:

This boutique hotel is placed in the heart of Copenhagen by the Tivoli gardens. It appeals to the adventurous city traveller who goes off piste and avoids the obvious. I am slightly obsessed with all things Danish, in particular, their fascination with sleek and effortless cool design. And this love is shared by the Alexandra. If I were to describe Alexandra as a handbag I’d think less of your obvious Mulberry emblazoned bag and more a discreet, new, up-and-coming designer that trades on the strength of the design rather than the brand name. It’s unassuming yet cool.

Dine:

This hotel is not about the food. It doesn’t have a restaurant on-site but is affiliated to a delicious Indonesian street food restaurant/cafe bar. Breakfast is also served here – it’s okay but not amazing.

Sleep:

I stayed in the colourful and jovial Verna Panton suite (room 565). I knew I was entertaining with a Danish friend and a hangover was a certainty so my initial concern was, ‘this is too bright and it will be painful in the morning.’ I was wrong. The primary blue bedroom was very dark and conducive to a restful, drink-induced comatose state! If this suite isn’t for you then you have the choice of Hans J Wergner (room 450), Arne Jacobsen (room 223) and Finn Juhl (Room 338). All suites have a thoughtful short bio of the chosen designer at the entrance which indicates you are entering a room steeped in history.

As you walk the bright and airy corridors of the hotel I would advise you to keep your eyes peeled, or you could miss original pieces of furniture bought or donated by the designer in question. The passion Alexandra exudes is palpable. The suites and rooms are generous for a boutique hotel in a city and are all lovingly finished to a high standard.

Who Goes There?

If you are cool, stylish and obsessed with Danish design then this is the place. Yet, this is an unpretentious and friendly hotel, so leave your ego behind. However, you will find Hotel Alexandra in the exclusive Louis Vuitton City Guide 2013. This is surprising only because I don’t see Alexandra appealing to Louis Vuitton-wearing customers, but the LV endorsement highlights that there is a sense of luxury and style. To quote the Louis Vuitton City Guide 2013: ‘The Alexandra is a design buff’s dream come true.’ I couldn’t agree more.

Out & About:

For a short city break this type of hotel is perfect. It’s centrally located, near some major attractions, very close to Copenhagen Central station and 30 minutes maximum from the airport. I loved that I could be within walking distance of all my meetings and local hotspots.

The Best Thing:

I am the sort of person that likes authenticity and to know that I have found a little gem in the heart of Copenhagen. The words ‘soulless’, ‘generic’ and ‘clinical’ would never be applied to Alexandra. The location is amazing and the rates of the rooms and suites are very reasonable for Copenhagen, which is known to be expensive.

The Worst Thing:

The suite I stayed in was impressive. However, if I had to be critical, I would say there are some things that need attention. With such a colourful and bright room it can feel cold. Better low-level lighting would solve this. Unfortunately, you either have very bright or too dark. And then there was the bathroom: a large space, but I would like better products and a bit more attention to the general finish of the room. For instance, the windows could do with a facelift.

The Details:

H.C. Andersens Boulevard 8, 1553 København K, Denmark; www.hotelalexandra.dk; +45 3374 4444