Business
checking in
axel guldsmeden, copenhagen
Décor and atmosphere: Scandinavian summerhouse meets Balinese chic. Teak four posters, art objects and Persian rugs scattered on wooden floors give a homely, hand-picked feel. Large windows and balconies on some rooms add light. The breakfast and dinner room is particularly cosy with a twoseater cowhide throne in the centre and tables laid with colourful Mexican pottery. Two recently opened basement conference rooms, seating 30 and 25, are popular with creative business bods for low-key gatherings. Wow factor is provided by two penthouse suites both with private terraces offering 360 degree views of the city and hot tubs (from DKK 5,000, approx. €670).
Plus points: The hotel has a handy central Copenhagen location in hip, arty Vesterbro. A brand new spa has just opened in the basement, pictured above, complete with Finnish sauna, cold and hot tubs, scented steam bath and a meditation and yoga area (DKK 225, approx. €30, extra). On Sterling’s visit the spa had yet to be completed so we can’t vouch for the organic peels, scrubs and oils made especially for Axel by beauty coach Charlotte Rachlin (wife of Danish radio’s Dan Rachlin). But they certainly sound good. Treatments are prepared fresh every morning on site.
Other extras to put a smile on your face include fantastic organic breakfasts: a spread that runs the gamut from muesli and fruit compotes to warm boiled eggs, charcuterie, cheeses and coffee in cute individual pots.
Minus points: They could do with adding a couple more staff at busy breakfast times and sharpening up the housekeeping. On our visit, breakfast tables stood uncleared while guests waited for seats, the mini bar was missing water (provided later) and the toilet seat in our tiny Standard bathroom was unhinged. That said, staff are friendly and quick to fix problems.
Tech talk: Internet access and flat screen TVs with built-in DVD players are in all rooms. Wifiis free in the comfy lounge-bar area where complementary tea and coffee is available all day. Note that some standard rooms have not been designed for working at a laptop in comfort. In ours the internet dial-up cable wasn’t long enough to set up a computer at the table or even on the bed. So if you’re here for work, go for a Superior room upwards.
Cost: July and August rates start at DKK 1,090 (approx. €146) for a single Standard room including 25% VAT and service. Breakfast buffet is an additional DKK 125 (approx. €16) per person.
Getting there: From Copenhagen International Airport, trains run direct to Central Station. From there, it’s a 10-minute walk or two-minute cab ride. Axel Hotel Guldsmeden, Helgolandsgade 11, Copenhagen V, +45 33 313 266, www.hotelguldsmeden.com
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