A Design Lover's Dream: Hotel Alexandra in Copenhagen

A Design Lover's Dream: Hotel Alexandra in Copenhagen

Stepping into Hotel Alexandra feels like traveling through time. Set in the heart of Copenhagen, the property offers more than just a place to rest your head—it's a living museum of Danish mid-century design. With 61 rooms carefully curated to showcase the best of 1950s, 60s, and 70s Danish furniture and decor, Hotel Alexandra provides a unique and immersive experience for design enthusiasts and casual travelers alike.

The moment you enter the lobby, you're greeted by an array of iconic pieces that set the tone for your stay. Finn Juhl’s Poet Sofa and Hans Wegner’s Circle Chair are just two you’ll encounter, but there are plenty more to discover throughout your stay. The hotel's commitment to preserving and celebrating Danish design heritage is evident in every corner, making it a standout destination in a city already known for its aesthetic sensibilities.

Hotel AlexandraThe Collector’s Suite at Hotel Alexandra. Photo: Hotel Alexandra.

But it’s not just the lobby that’s decked out with distinctive Danish design pieces; they’re also present in the rooms themselves. My room was an homage to Finn Juhl, one of Denmark's most celebrated furniture designers, known for his organic, sculptural forms that challenged the strict functionalism of many of his contemporaries. Other rooms are dedicated to the work of Hans Wegner, Arne Jacobsen, Nanna Ditzel, Jens Risom, Børge Mogensen, and other Danish designers who have collectively shaped the world’s view of Denmark over the past century.

Yet for all their vintage charm, the rooms don’t skimp on modern comforts. The beds are soft and delightfully comfy, and air conditioning and soundproofing (two rarities in historic European hotels) keep the space quiet and relaxed. The bathroom, while maintaining the mid-century aesthetic, is fully updated with modern fixtures that give it more than a hint of luxury. From carefully chosen textiles—featuring period-appropriate patterns and colors—to authentic mid-century light fixtures, every detail has been considered.

Hotel Alexandra Jens Risom RoomThe Jens Risom Room at Hotel Alexandra. Photo: Hotel Alexandra.

One of Hotel Alexandra’s most charming features is its library, stocked with books on Danish design and architecture. Coupled with a curated collection of vinyl records, it creates a cozy nook where guests can deepen their appreciation of Danish culture. It creates what the hotel calls a "magical time bubble," which isn’t just about seeing the furniture—it's about experiencing life as design-conscious Danes did half a century ago.

Hotel Alexandra's location is as impressive as its interiors. Set just steps away from Copenhagen's City Hall Square, it drops guests in the beating heart of the city. This area has been a focal point of life in Copenhagen for centuries, hosting everything from political demonstrations to New Year's Eve celebrations. Yet just a short walk away is Vesterbro, once a working-class district that’s since transformed into one of the city's trendiest neighborhoods. The area was home to many furniture workshops in the mid-20th century, where pieces now considered design classics were originally produced.

Hotel Alexandra Color Vision SuiteThe Color Vision Suite at Hotel Alexandra. Photo: Hotel Alexandra.

The nearby street of Bredgade is lined with high-end antique shops and contemporary design stores. Illums Bolighus, a department store dedicated to Danish and international design, is within easy walking distance. And for anyone interested in Danish design history, Designmuseum Denmark is just a 30-minute stroll, too. Other attractions like Tivoli Gardens, the oldest operating amusement park in the world, and Strøget, the main shopping street, are also a stone’s throw away. If you’re looking to explore Copenhagen like a local, Hotel Alexandra offers bicycle rentals. Cycling is an integral part of Copenhagen’s culture, and the city's extensive bike lane network makes it a safe and enjoyable way to see the sights.

Copenhagen's reputation as a design capital is well-deserved, and Hotel Alexandra serves as both a tribute to and an active participant in that legacy. From the urban planning that makes Copenhagen one of the world's most livable cities to the emphasis on sustainability and craftsmanship in its products, design thinking permeates every aspect of life here. Hotel Alexandra doesn't just reflect this heritage—it allows guests to live it, adding its own chapter to the Danish design story.

Hotel Alexandra, 1C. Andersens Blvd. 8, 1553 Copenhagen, Denmark. hotelalexandra.dk

Article by Jordan Bishop