jilla ad final

Travel

Loading Flickr slideshow...

Nimb Hotel, Copenhagen

Mariam Mathew discovers the beauty of Copenhagen at boutique hotel, Nimb at Tivoli Gardens

The Credentials:

Really, there could be no better location to stay in Copenhagen. Just steps from Copenhagen’s Central Station, five-star boutique hotel Nimb’s back doors open out onto the Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen’s pleasure and amusement gardens.

Housed in a Moorish-inspired Historicist-style building from 1909, Nimb was originally the dining centre of the Tivoli Gardens and became the place to party in the ‘20s. Its 17 rooms were added six years ago.

Dine:

We had decadent chocolate earl grey during afternoon tea at The Nimb Bar, a stunning, historic ballroom with large modern Dali-esque frescoes by Cathrine Raben Davidsen. (They also offer brunch on Sundays.)

For drinks and dinner in the evening, we headed to The Nimb Brasserie where large glass panes make the most of the views. It’s a stylish affair (staff uniforms are designed by Danish couture designer, Christian Westphal).

While most of our group were happy with the special of the day – smoked salmon and the rib-eye steak with tomato puree and fries with bearnaise sauce – my vegetarian friend wanted something other than the options on the menu. Friendly staff brought an array of options, including chargrilled veg with white and green asparagus, mushrooms, spring onions, wild garlic flowers and caramelised onions to start; vegetables and cauliflower puree for main; and she finished with a divine millefeuille and blood orange sorbet.

This is also where guests are served a wonderful breakfast with buffet options of muesli, yogurts and homemade chocolate spreads or a choice of cooked meals.

There is nothing as serene as starting your day overlooking the Tivoli Gardens while a peacock saunters by. I couldn’t help forgiving them for their loud cawing during the night. (The Brasserie also serves a Bloody Mary brunch on Sunday mornings.)

Fru Nimb is the place to go to for traditional Danish smorrebrod (open sandwiches).

Unfortunately we didn’t have time for the Vinoteka, the place for oenophiles to enjoy some paired charcuterie; or the Nimb Terrace, located inside the Tivoli Gardens, which displays a room full of cakes (including wedding cake!) on Sunday afternoons; or the Bar’n’Grill.

As if these options were not enough, Nimb is next to the acclaimed Andersen’s Bakery, known for their gourmet hotdogs and elegant patisserie.

Sleep:

Think Nordic design meets high-tech resourcefulness. Each spacious room is individually furnished with antiques, linen from Geismar, B&O BeoVision 10 TV, BeoSound 8 iPod docking station and BeoCom 5 telephone (which was so high-tech that the porter had to show me how to use it – should I want to have a fire blazing, just dial ‘2’…).

My room was so inviting with the scent of a wood-burning stove, Nespresso machine near the four-poster bed, a luxurious bathroom with its oversize bathtub and a generous supply of Aesop toiletries, plus an impeccable turndown service.

I also had a nose at the 133m2 Executive Suite, which has steps leading into the Tivoli Gardens (private chef included).

Who Goes There?

I heard American, British and Nordic accents throughout the restaurants. It’s also the place where the big names, who perform on the Tivoli stage, stay.

Out & About:

While there are options for a variety of amusement park rides at Tivoli Gardens, this is a classier act than any other theme park. We enjoyed gospel performances throughout our weekend visit and there are several decent restaurants alongside the typical amusement park fare of hotdogs and popcorn – all available in my own back garden!

If you must insist on seeing The Little Mermaid then rent a bike from the hotel  (it’s a long trek for a piddly little statue).

The Worst Thing:

The peacocks provide a 5am alarm – an exotic way to wake up, but bring earplugs if you want to sleep in.

The Best Thing:

Gorgeous surroundings and direct access to the Tivoli Gardens, including beautiful fireworks on Saturday nights, 15 minutes before midnight.

The Details:

From DKK 4500 (£550) per night.

Nimb Hotel, Bernstorffsgade 5, 1577 Copenhagen; www.nimb.dk; +45 88 70 00 00