One of my favourite hotels in Copenhagen

Hotel Ottilia - Copenhagen

Location

Carlsberg town is located in Copenhagen, in the former industrial area of the world-famous Carlsberg beer. It is close to the zoo, the meatpacking district, a park and a metro station which makes it easy to get around town or to the airport. Recently, this 30-hectare sector which produced beer until 2008, has undergone a renovation, with the idea of turning this quarter into a new and trendy district of Copenhagen. That means you will find an exciting mix of old industrial buildings, a lot of construction work, new office buildings, cafés, restaurants, apartment buildings and more.

I cannot say if it will (or has) succeed, but I can say that I like this type of venture, giving the old industrial buildings new life. And this very new Hotel Ottilia is a strategic initiative in this latest upgrade.

Arrival

A brand new hotel can sometimes feel like a pair of tight new stiff jeans! They need to be worn in, before you love them - right!

The same goes for a hotel.

This hotel is super new, but already its got soul! Great job Ottilia.

There was a good atmosphere in the reception, with its young and welcoming staff. A great balance between an international tone mixed clearly with Danish culture.

I got an early check-in and an upgrade- Thanks, Ottilia!!

Design

Here, historical architecture meets modern luxury. The hotel’s interior has a classic industrial look, with high ceilings, exposed metal beams, concrete, grey colours and a scent of history. Added to this is a very typical Scandinavian decor with wood, leather, Danish-designed furniture. A general contemporary look.

The design is not surprising and most of what is seen here has been done before, but the impression is still extremely pleasant, delightful and cozy.

A few smaller rooms in the foyer give the hotel charm and personality. It made me want to hang out or work here. I actually love the decor her and I feel the hotel has succeeded with its overall look and feel.

Ambiance

There is an agreeable undertone of business and travel, as well as a blend of young and older guests -although most are trendy!

The first floor houses the reception, a bar, a few rooms with a comfy vibe and a larger area suitable for working or socializing over coffee (or drinks).

This central area with its design, music, temperature, decor and acoustics, as well as the pleasant staff, makes for a nice experience. As well, the free wine hour between 5-6 pm every night makes the guests come down and hang out. A great idea!

Room

The hotel is known for their rooms with round windows with windowsills large enough to sit in and I was lucky to get one of these rooms. This unusual window supplies the room with a unique light as well as an outstanding view of the ‘Brewer’s Place”. You can sit in the window with a cup of tea and just spend time taking in life outside.

The bathroom is one of the best I have seen in a while. Mostly because of all the shelf space! I know it is such a small thing, but I feel it provides a perfect hotel experience. The bathroom is also half-open to the rest of the room so that you can look into the room when standing at the sink. It means you can talk to your companion while doing your make-up or getting ready. I think that is a well thought out detail and absolutely fabulous!

The toilet is is separate.

The room is decorated with minimum furniture, but they are beautiful. I noticed here the truly simple details that were taken into account so as to make the stay first-rate: REAL hangers (not hotel hangers), lights in the wardrobe, a good hair dryer, soft linens and pillows and REAL MILK by the coffee and tea machine!

Restaurant & Rooftop

On the 5th floor is the Italian restaurant and bar, TRAMONTO, and I am a fan!

It has all that I love when travelling: life, laughter, lots of people, good acoustics, great service without being snobby, kindness and of course, delicious food and wine.

I had both lunch and dinner here; two very different but very positive experiences.

Lunch is quiet here, like “the silence before a storm”. Claudio, the waiter from Venice, gives the service an extra touch of personality by sharing insider tips about Venice (when to go, where to stay, what to do…). In this restaurant, with its 360-degree views, I have everything I need to be happy: the sun shines, the city is beautiful, the decor cool, the service fantastic, my date is handsome and the truffle pasta tastes heavenly!!

For dinner, the tempo speeds up as the guests pour in from all over the city. Only 20% of the guests are from the hotel. All the staff are Latin, from Italy, Spain and Portugal, bringing with them smiles and sincere kindness. The open kitchen steams and stews. The flavours live up to a high level of ambition. The decor is beautiful and exclusive. The atmosphere is perfect!

The bartender, Antonio, was brought over from London, probably because he is more artist than bartender. I have never seen such creative and imaginative drinks! Each drink takes you on a trip somewhere and gives you quick (and delicious) lesson of culture and history! It is impossible to explain these drinks; they must be experienced!!

I ended up having drinks with the restaurant manager and hearing his stories of what it’s like to open a restaurant like this, in a new hotel, in an upcoming area, with huge expectations for success. Not an easy task, but one that is triumphant. Congratulations!!