Former Copenhagen brewery turned contemporary design hotel
Hotel Ottilia / Copenhagen / Denmark
When you spend a fair amount of time (like I do) searching for unique, exciting hotels to stay at, you sometimes come across national hotel chains with really cool hotels, almost flying a little under the radar.. In Denmark there is such a chain called Brøchner Hotels. They have 4 hotels in Ccpenhagen and are about to open a design hostel in Aarhus, Denmark’s second city. We have stayed at two of their hotels before, Hotel SP34 and Hotel Denmark and we finally had the opportunity to stay at Hotel Ottilia.
Hotel Ottilia is situated in Carlsberg byen, just outside the central parts of Copenhagen. It is within walking distance to both Fredriksberg, Vesterbro and the meatpacking district. The rest of the city is within cycling distance. And yes, it is the beer Carlsberg that gave its name to this part of the Danish capital. The building where the hotel is situated actually used to be a brewery.
The style of the Hotel Ottilia is all about a very sleek, modern industrial look, where you’ll find raw concrete walls and exposed steel structures. All of these hard materials are paired with soft grey textiles and a muted color scheme.
One of the coolest features I have ever seen in a hotel is a long row of naked industrial lights that starts at the atrium the reception and builds its way up through the building’s interior. It almost looks like it is the spine of the building and it adds a very arty touch to this old building.
Hotel Ottilia is all about rawness. Concrete and metal. And the light “spine” that the building leans on.
The reception and hotel shop/bar is hidden in a little nook.
The lobby area has plenty of space to kick back and relax. The hard, raw feeling of the hotel is balanced with a fire place, soft sofas and flowers.
I am obsessed with the light “spine”.
Yes, obsessed is the word.
The industrial design is present in all parts of the hotel, also in the staircase…
…as well as the corridors.
In the room the hard materials are replaced by softer features like wrinkled linen, both in the bed and the curtains.
Even the bathrooms have an industrial look, almost like a kitchen, although with warm colors to balance the generous use of metal.
M is on his way out to explore the Danish capital.
The lounge and restaurant on the top floor where breakfast is served is light and open with extensive views over Copenhagen.
Breakfast for two.
I’ve said it before and I will say it again - I love hotels that offer really good coffee. Especially with the breakfast.
The hotel has plenty of small rooms/spaces with the coziest of furniture, perfect to relax in after a day spent on foot (or bike) in Copenhagen.
One of the many seating areas around the lobby. Designer lamps and sheep skin pillows are used to soften up the industrial look. Or to compliment it.
If the weather is good, take a bike ride to Kastrup Havsbad and go for a swim at this architectural masterpiece.
RG inside info
This place is perfect if you…
…want to go to CPH but stay a little off the beaten track where most other visitors are hanging out. This is an opportunity to see a new part of the city. But the central parts of town is still close enough if you get a shopping craving.
My favorite thing about this place…
…is that everyday between 17-18 they have complimentary wine hour in the lobby. This is a thing at all the Brøchner hotels and I think it is such a brilliant idea.
What not to miss when staying here…
…is to somehow find yourself a bike (the hotel has some) and explore Copenhagen from the saddle. It is the best way to get around this cycle friendly city. And make sure to take many breaks along the way. The Danes know how to enjoy life and good food and drinks is a major part of it.
If you like this place you might also like…
Blique by Nobis, Stockholm, Sweden
SP34, Copenhagen, Denmark
Arena, Amsterdam, Netherlands
