Eclectic Copenhagen hotel with a hint of Bali that is a sustainability front-runner

Babette Guldsmeden / Copenhagen / Denmark

Guldsmeden has really carved out an unique niche for themselves. A small hotel chain that started their journey in Århus, Denmark (a great town for a weekend, by the way) in 1999. The name of the chain comes from the street of the first hotel, Guldsmedgade, Goldsmith Street. Guldsmeden has slowly expanded where they today run 10 hotels (and one exclusive villa) in 6 different countries. So what is that unique niche that has been the reason for their success? To me there are three main reasons and I will highlight them through the lens of this hotel, Babette Guldsmeden.

The first thing that stands out is the relaxed vibe. Unpretentious and effortless. When you arrive there is a laid back feeling that ensconces you the minute you step through the doors. The service is attentive but still discreet. And smiley! It feels more like you are at a beachside surfer café somewhere along the Australian coast rather than an urban hotel in downtown Copenhagen. This is significant for all the Guldsmeden hotels I have stayed at and Babette is no different. You feel utterly welcomed into the warm atmosphere where Danish hygge is all around.

The second feature that is a huge part of the unique niche is the style, the design. And more specifically the Balinese influence. More or less all of the interior is sourced from Bali and has that unique, raw style where wood is a main feature. At Babette this comes through in the four poster beds, the rich use of Balinese inspired textiles and lamps. In the bar area there is even sand on the floor, and interestingly enough this is combined with old Chesterfield sofas, exposed brick walls and modern art work. You’ve got to love the idiosyncrosy of it all.

And last but not least is the strong, clear focus on sustainability. This is something that Guldsmeden has been doing since way before it became trendy to do so. The goal is to offer stays that has an as small negative environmental impact as possible. At Babette you see it in the the completely organic breakfast, their own sustainable bathroom products in refillable bottles, organic bed linen and so on and so on. A front runner in this extremely important issue and they have the certifications to prove it.

What else could be good to share about Babette Guldsmeden? In total there are 98 rooms, a roof-top spa and a lush courtyard in the back which is a perfect place for a drink in the Summer months. Basically, an excellent choice for a Copenhagen weekend.

This used to be the old entrance. It is now through the hotel restaurant which is a shame. I love this light filled, green house feeling space.

The bar area next to the reception has a sand floor. So whacky! And I love it!

Heading up to our room on the top floor.

Four poster beds are almost synonymous with Guldsmeden. In all of the Guldsmeden hotels we have stayed at, we have always slept in one.

Always appreciate a splash a color in my hotels.

The view from our room over the roof tops of Copenhagen and the majestic Fredrik’s Church.

A real statement bath tub made out of solid stone.

A cozy robe with the typical Guldsmeden pattern.

The popular Nyhavn area. If you want to experience this cute part of town, I can recommend to do it early in the morning when you can have the place more or less all to yourself.

I am a breakfast-maniac and there are so many great places for breakfast in Copenhagen. We were in town with our friends Hanna and Andreas and she is a master in finding the hottest places in town. This is one of them, *Apollo Bar*.

The banana bread is a must at Apollo Bar.

M is full and ready to continue his exploration of the city.

Another really great breakfast spot which was also a place that Hanna took us to, is *Atelier September*, a short walk from the hotel.

It isn’t only breakfast that the Danes do well. Beer is another thing they excel at and there are several great microbreweries dotted around town. This is *Brus*.

Our friends Hanna and Andreas sampling what Brus has to offer. They seem pleased.

After all the eating and drinking it is good to get some excerise in (no, shopping doesn’t count). The Kastellet is located right next to the hotel where there are great gravel roads, perfect for a run. Just like M is doing in this photo.

RG inside info

This place is perfect if you…

…are looking for a sustainability obsessed hotel where the design has a hint of Bali in an area of Copenhagen that is central but yet just outside the main thoroughfares. If this fits with you, I think Babette Guldsmeden could be the right hotel for you.

My favorite thing about this place…

…is the location. I love to spend time where the action is, but when it is time to retreat back to the hotel and call it a night, I appreciate when the hotel is in a calmer part of town where you can have your windows wide open but still get a good night’s sleep. Don’t I sound like a fun-loving party animal…

What not to miss when staying here is…

…to build up an appetite for breakfast. The Danes take their breakfast and especially their baked goods seriously. I don’t think I have ever been in a country with tastier bread or pastries. With this said, a good idea is to get up fairly early (don’t worry, this is Denmark after all. You don’t have to stress!) and visit one of the many great breakfast joints in town. Two of my favorites are Atelier September and Apollo Bar, both are located a short 10 min walk from the hotel.

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