CHECKING-IN

Copenhagen is one of our favourite European cities to visit. We love the laidback vibes which can often be unexpected for a capital city but there’s something about Copenhagen that manages to blend the best parts of vibrant city living whilst simultaneously living the soft life.

The Danes are known for their design so it’s no surprise that their hotel scene is an interior lover’s dream. As soon as we saw Grand Joanne; a new opening in the Vesterbro neighbourhood which welcomed its guests in April last year, it was a no brainer and so we immediately ran to Skyscanner to book the flights (not that it takes much convincing).

Newly renovated with 162 rooms to choose from ranging from ‘Cosy’ to ‘Penthouse’; Grand Joanne exudes a familiar warm and welcoming feeling that envelopes you as soon as you step foot through the door. The hotel lobby is open to the public as well as guests with lounge areas to meet up with friends for coffee or tables to work from. The decor features a seamless blend of modern Scandinavian design and classic luxury. The muted colour scheme, mismatched textiles and soft furnishings create an inviting and sophisticated atmosphere.

The walls are lined with artwork and shelves filled with books and boardgames creating a comforting atmosphere that feels like a welcoming embrace, a true home away from home (the word hygge comes to mind). The interior of the hotel feels well-considered, paying homage to the soft, feminine rebranding whilst keeping some of the original features of the 1800’s building with the stained glass windows. Every detail feels like art in a way only the Danes know-how.

INSIDE

We stayed in the ‘Cosy’ room and the clue is definitely in the name. Although the room was on the smaller side, it still came well equipped with everything you could need.

The room has the same pink and muted colour tones running throughout the hotel - once again, a feminine nod to the hotel’s name and branding. The decor is modern with soft textiles and contrasting patterns and textures. The room had a high window allowing plenty of natural light to flood into the space during the day and soft ambient lighting to create that cosy atmosphere at night. Furnished with a queen-sized bed, accent chair, flat-screen TV with access to streaming channels and music, exposed wardrobe with personalised Grand Joanne hangers and dressing table equipped with a light-up mirror. The bathroom had a walk-in rainfall shower, heated floors and yellow gloss tiles blending seamlessly into the entranceway tying the whole space together.

The room had all the essentials including a Steamery hand steamer (game changer in our opinion, more hotels need to take note), ceramic cups; handmade in the city, for your morning coffee and a mini/pocket-size Copenhagen city guide, ideal for scoping out the best of what the city has to offer. There was no mini bar but instead a QR code which brought up the room service menu for you to order directly from your phone.

One thing to note, the hotel is situated on a busy road and although our room was at the side of the building, you were still able to hear some street noise at night, however, this didn’t stop us from getting the best night’s sleep.

ROOFTOP

The standout for us was definitely the rooftop bar, open from April onwards to welcome in those Summer months when the city well and truly comes alive. The rooftop decor reminded us of The Hoxton in Barcelona with the pink and yellow colour scheme, striped parasols and terrazzo tables.

We were blessed with the weather during our stay so we took full advantage and spent an afternoon up on the rooftop; sipping wine, soaking up the early-May sunshine and listening to the resident DJ before going out for dinner - you can read our inside guide to Copenhagen here. The rooftop really does set the tone for the hotel; a cool and buzzy space that gives Grand Joanne that USP.

RESTAURANT

The onsite restaurant, Joanne’s serves breakfast from , lunch and dinner offering a traditional menu whilst also taking inspiration from different cultures around the world. The space is sociable with an open kitchen and courtyard for those al fresco moments during Summer months or drinks huddled under outdoor heaters in the Wintertime. We didn’t have a chance to try anything from the food menu as we already had an extensive list of places we wanted to try (more of which you can find here) but we can confirm that the pancakes look mouth-wateringly good. The bar has a cool, casual feel with cosy, intimate corners and lounge areas perfect for late-night talking and drinking cocktails from the ‘Greatest Hits’ menu - we went for the spicy ‘Hot Stuff’ aptly named after the Donna Summer song.

GYM

Located in the basement is a state-of-the-art gym which allows 24-hour access to guests. The refined and contemporary interiors continue into the basement with the gym and yoga studio being no exception, even the gym equipment is aesthetic so you can work out in style.

All the walking and biking around the city was enough exercise for us, however, classes are held in the yoga studio such as a strong and flexible stretch class (essential after a flight), free to hotel guests every Saturday from 9am-10am.

INSIDE INTEL

Set in the heart of Copenhagen, the hotel is located just a few steps from Copenhagen Central Station, and it takes only 15 minutes coming from or going to Copenhagen Airport. As Copenhagen is a city on a smaller scale in comparison to some, it’s fairly easy to get around. The hotel offers guests the option of hiring your very own Grand Joanne bike (obviously pink continuing the theme) during your stay so you’ll really feel like you’re living like a local. If biking is not your thing, the hotel is within walking distance to the centre of the city.

For us, Grand Joanne is the perfect base for your stay in Copenhagen; centrally located, oozing that cool Scandi vibe and charming staff who could not be more accommodating. You can tell the Danes take pride in their city and culture and with no shortage of things to see and do, Copenhagen is a place you will want to revisit time and time again.

Find our full breakdown of Copenhagen here