Traditional Danish “badehotell” with an eclectic safari interior on sunny Bornholm

Falcon Hotel / Bornholm / Denmark

It is great when hotels surprise you. When the exterior and the interior are everything but cohesive. When you approach a hotel, thinking you kind of know what to expect when you enter and the inside hits you like an unexpected hammer. This was totally the case with Falcon Hotel in Sandvig-Allinge on Bornholm, Denmark.

The Falcon is located on Strandvejen, the Beach Road on the northern tip of this sunny little island. As one might understand from the address there is uninterrupted views of the sea and the dramatic cliffs from the hotel.

The outside looks very traditional with a typical white rendered facade, blending well into to the surroundings. But the inside… I read somewhere that the design is like if Karen Blixen and Indiana Jones moved in together and I think this description is spot on. It is like they brought back everything they collected during their travels and decided to put down roots on Bornholm.

All in all there are 34 rooms with unique design. No two rooms are alike. And when I say unique I mean unique. The only thing that connects them is the eclectic, unexpected design. I really like how they have decided to keep the patina of this old building from 1905 and not over-renovated it once they started the transformation of the hotel. So happy they decided to let the age and personality show. And this fits so well with the theme of the hotel.

There are three different houses belonging to the hotel, the Main House, the Garden House and the Guest House and they are surrounded by a lush garden with plenty of space (and seating) to relax in. Owners Mette and Martin call their design Colonial Chic with a dash of safari and Victorian grandeur and I think this description is spot on.

On site there is also a quirky little boutique selling some fun things to bring back home.

Already when entering the reception area the safari design sets the tone.

How great is this reception desk!? I love how they have used old suitcases as a base to build the desk. Fits so well with the theme of the hotel.

I have never stayed in a hotel room with this unique color. Well done, Falcon for daring to push the envelope.

The lounge area, right next to the reception evokes a luxurious safari feel. A perfect place for an afternoon drink and read.

In the Savannah lounge the eclectic look continues. Full of real plants and quirky, fun details.

The dining room decorated with vintage suitcases, old globes and loads of plants.

I love the dramatic cliffs of Bornholm. And the best thing is that you have them right in front of the hotel.

One of the best things is to sneak out early in the morning for a morning dip when you have the cliffs all to your self. So calm and beautiful.

One of my favorites on the island, Kalas is located a short walk from the hotel. This is from early in the morning before it has opened. Come afternoon and the people flock here for ice cream, coffee or something stronger.

RG inside info

This place is perfect if you…

…have had your fair share of the traditional Danish beach hotel with its pastel colors and white wooden panels. If you like to be surprised and entertained by quirky design solutions. Then this is your place!

My favorite thing about this place…

…is the sauna on the top floor. So many times saunas or spas are located in the basement but there is something so great when it is placed high up and you have a view while you are relaxing in the warm sauna.

If I could suggest one thing to improve it would be…

…to have someone at reception when guests are arriving. When we arrived there was only an envelope with our names and no one there to greet us. Mind you, this was beginning of August so still during peak season. I think it is the best way to create a bond with your guests and set the bar for the rest of the stay.

What not to miss when staying here is…

…a place called Kalas (”Party”). It is located a short walk from the hotel, right by the water. Come here for their home made ice cream or for a drink in the sunset. It is magical to sit on their stairs with something cold to drink (or eat) while the sun sets in the Baltic Sea.

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