In August, I indulged in an overnight stay at the opulent Villa Copenhagen, a hotel whose reputation for stylish grandeur precedes it. Although my experience was brief, it unfolded like a masterclass in Scandinavian sophistication. Among many memorable highlights, the rooftop outdoor pool quickly became one of my favorite features — though the hotel’s quiet elegance, exceptional culinary offerings, and attention to every nuance undoubtedly contributed to its lasting impression.
When I first began planning my summer trip to Copenhagen, my goal was not merely to find comfortable lodging, but to immerse myself in a deeply authentic Scandinavian hotel experience. I imagined minimalist aesthetics intertwined with sleek, modern amenities — a subtle harmony of clean architectural lines and soothing natural textures embodying the Danish concept of hygge. I hoped for mornings filled with light, artisanal pastries, and an unmistakable sense of European charm. My research led me almost immediately to Villa Copenhagen, a destination that promised all of these qualities — and much more.
Since opening its doors in 2020, Villa Copenhagen has rapidly become a prominent symbol of luxury hospitality in the Danish capital. Its unique character arises from the convergence of history and modernity: the hotel occupies the grand former Central Post & Telegraph Head Office, an imposing yet graceful structure built from brick and stone that stands only steps away from Copenhagen Central Station. Its ideal location means visitors can easily access both transportation links and landmarks such as the famed Tivoli Gardens, making it perfect for both leisure travelers and professionals on the go.
A notable element of Villa Copenhagen’s identity lies in its philosophy of ‘conscious luxury’ — an approach that fuses sustainability-driven practices with a refined sense of indulgence. Nowhere is this more evident than in its renowned 25-meter outdoor lapping pool, one of the few open-air pools in the city. A favorite among tourists and social media enthusiasts, it captures the essence of relaxation in an urban setting. Eager to live out my Scandinavian adventure, I booked a room the moment I confirmed my itinerary.
Upon arrival from Malmö on a crisp Tuesday morning, my husband and I stepped off the train at Copenhagen Central Station, our luggage in tow. The hotel’s nearly immediate proximity across the street offered welcome relief after our journey. Its façade, a masterful blend of brick craftsmanship and stately design, radiated old-world charm while exuding modern grandeur.
Crossing the threshold of Villa Copenhagen was like entering another world. As the city’s bustle faded behind me, I found myself in a vast lobby — known as the courtyard — bathed in gentle light filtering through its glass ceiling. The atmosphere pulsed lightly with ambient music, while clusters of guests conversed over artisanal coffee near sleek cafés and bars that bordered the space. The energy shifted throughout the day: tranquil and refined in the morning, transforming into a social hub by night with a resident DJ and cocktails under the glow of chandeliers.
After a seamless greeting from the courteous front-desk staff, we left our luggage to be held until check-in later that afternoon. On our return around 3 p.m., we noticed the busy reception area handled an impressive flow of guests with efficiency and warmth. When we finally received our room keys, a staff member personally guided us through expansive hallways — the size of the hotel, with its 390 rooms and numerous event spaces, was almost disorienting at first. Later explorations confirmed this: at one point, my husband and I accidentally looped back to the courtyard before finding our way again.
Our Superior Room, elegantly compact at roughly 215 square feet, immediately felt like a haven of comfort. Designed in muted, calming tones, the space made brilliant use of natural light from a large window that lent it a sense of airy expansiveness. The Scandinavian touches were everywhere — from the dual comforters on the king-sized bed, a regional tradition ensuring personal coziness, to the understated functionality of each detail. Built-in reading lights, ingenious under-bed storage, and a sliding bathroom door all served practical as well as aesthetic purposes, maximizing every centimeter without cluttering the room.
Modernity enlivened the space in subtle ways. The bathroom featured a rainfall shower that felt like a luxury spa experience, and an illuminated vanity mirror incorporated a smaller, magnified mirror within. Movement-activated floor lighting along the bathroom wall provided soft guidance during the night — a thoughtful touch that allowed me to move quietly without disturbing my husband. When I turned on the television, an in-room guide introduced an impressive digital interface offering a yoga session, customizable pillow options, and in-room dining services. Every element felt curated to anticipate a traveler’s unspoken needs.
Beyond its sleek utility, the room exuded warmth through abundance in detail. The drawers revealed two plush robes and cozy slippers to wear either indoors or to the pool, a chocolate treat awaited on the bed, and a compact coffee machine was tucked away within the wardrobe. Even the bathroom was stocked with skincare essentials and cotton pads, while an umbrella stood ready in case of sudden Scandinavian rain — evidence of the hotel’s attentiveness on every front.
After settling in, I could not resist venturing to the rooftop pool. Rising from the elevator, I was greeted by a tranquil prelude: an entryway arranged with refreshments and neatly stacked towels. Beyond an open doorway lay the pool deck, adorned with yellow-and-white umbrellas, lounging chairs, and a stylish poolside bar. The shimmering water, sustained by an innovative system that reuses excess heat from the building’s air conditioning, embodied the property’s sustainable ethos. Although the day was slightly brisk at around 70°F with a whispering breeze, I braved the dip, savoring the comforting warmth that contrasted the city’s cool air. Floating effortlessly, I admired the skyline before retreating to my lounger with a blanket and a chilled glass of rosé.
The atmosphere around the deck was immensely peaceful — the faint hum of passing cars below and the laughter of distant children blended with the rhythmic sound of water. The unobstructed view through the glass railing revealed Copenhagen’s charming streets and brick architecture, beautifully juxtaposed against the hotel’s sleek aesthetic. By sunset, the pool area transformed once more as soft city lights reflected gently on the water, creating an ambiance both romantic and serene.
Adjacent to the pool were the fitness studio and sauna, compact yet impeccably equipped with weights, treadmills, and ellipticals. The proximity of these amenities inspired a vision of leisurely routines — a workout, followed by the sauna’s rejuvenating warmth, capped off with a swim under the open sky.
As evening descended, the hotel exuded a sophisticated vibrancy. The courtyard glowed amid laughter, conversation, and music, a social epicenter beneath the glass ceiling. Heading out to dinner nearby, I couldn’t help but glance back at the building’s illuminated façade — its elegant lighting accentuated architectural details that lent the hotel an almost regal countenance. Returning later, the atmosphere softened; lively chatter had faded into quiet hallways, and despite occasional distant footsteps, our room remained perfectly silent. I slept deeply, cocooned in luxury.
Morning brought what would become one of my most cherished memories of the stay: breakfast. Expecting a modest buffet, I discovered instead what could only be described as a gourmet feast. The spacious dining hall, humming with polite conversation, was elegantly arranged with numerous stations — from a custom omelet bar to an exquisite pastry counter where freshly baked croissants lay beside Danish specialties. The array of fresh juices and a tray of invigorating energy shots — vibrant blends of apple, sea buckthorn, ginger, and carrot — delighted the early risers. Multiple barista-grade machines dispensed cappuccinos, flat whites, and lattes at the touch of a button. My croissant melted gently on the tongue, buttery and impossibly light, while every other bite confirmed the precision and care that defined the hotel’s standard of excellence. Details such as individually portioned yogurt bowls and neatly presented butter pats revealed how much thought had gone into crafting a refined dining experience.
As our brief stay drew to its conclusion, I reflected on the factors that made Villa Copenhagen so remarkable. Despite its grand scale, the hotel never once felt impersonal. Small but deliberate gestures — embossed slippers, a discreet shoe-polishing machine in the hall, the interactive room guide — all imparted a sense of personalized care that made each guest feel genuinely considered.
Even during a single night’s stay, Villa Copenhagen managed to convey the rare combination of historical prestige and modern mindfulness. Its tranquil courtyard and carefully curated Scandinavian interiors offered not only comfort but also inspiration. The outdoor pool, a centerpiece of sustainable design, and the breakfast buffet — arguably one of the finest I have ever encountered in Denmark — both demonstrated the property’s ability to balance indulgence with innovation. Whether arriving for business engagements or for pleasure, visitors will find in Villa Copenhagen a destination that elevates hospitality into an art form — one that captures the refined heart of Scandinavian living while embracing the cosmopolitan rhythm of modern Copenhagen.
Sourse: https://www.businessinsider.com/villa-copenhagen-hotel-review
