Axel Guldsmeden

Getting around was easy from this handy spot near the station and metro, and we appreciated being able to leave our luggage in a locked room for a few hours after checkout. The courtyard and the rest of the hotel have decor that’s well done and pleasantly different. Breakfast was good quality and plentiful. Our room, though, didn’t match the advertised photos for a superior double. Most of the extra space was in the entry area, leaving the bedroom quite compact. The only window was a small set of balcony doors. Even with the heating off in December, the room was too hot, but opening the doors made it hard to sleep. Although we faced inward, there was noise at night from what sounded like trolleys or bins around 2-3am, then again around 6am, followed by building work, I think at a neighboring property, from about 7am. The mattress was extremely soft and seemed to be an old one covered with two toppers. I’d expect it to have been replaced in a hotel of this standard, and after three nights I had significant back pain. The room had toiletries and other amenities, but the kettle was cracked. Housekeeping only came once during our three night stay, and the bedroom and bathroom were dusty in places. That’s not what I’d expect from a four star hotel.

The location is excellent, close to the central station and Tivoli Gardens. It’s generally a nice hotel, and although the room was incredibly small, it was pleasant and nicely presented. There were two days when it wasn’t serviced and we had no clean towels. Reception sorted it after we contacted them, but we felt this should have happened routinely. The gym looks more impressive than it works: I couldn’t get a comfortable riding position on the wooden spin bike, and I found the manual curved treadmill very hard to run on despite how good it looked.

The spa was the standout for me, good value and often nearly empty, with a sauna, steam room, jacuzzi and infrared sauna. There was even a free coffee scrub, mud mask and peanut mix to enjoy on the sunbeds. Breakfast was delicious with a wide range, mostly or entirely organic, from scrambled eggs and crispy bacon to juices and ginger shots. It gets crowded on weekends, though, and some guests ended up outside in the chilly garden, so get there early for an indoor table. The hotel is very central, walkable to the main train station, metro stops, a supermarket and Tivoli Gardens. Staff were friendly and helpful, available in person or by room phone. Check-in was quick, and the room had a cozy, distinctive feel. It was equipped with a kettle, TV, safe, and toiletries including body oil, lotion, shampoo, conditioner and body wash, though cleanliness could have been better. Overall, a relaxing stay with great amenities and a few small room for improvement on cleanliness.

Friendly service, quiet and really clean rooms, and a decor that has an old glamour, 1980s feel. The location is great, very close to Copenhagen Central Station. The spa is worth a visit and pretty cheap if you’re staying for several nights.