The Nimb Hotel is so bound up with the history of tourism in Denmark, it’s become a national icon far beyond its Copenhagen home. This Moorish palace which conceals a cool but luxurious Scandi aesthetic is, after all, owned by those behind the Tivoli Gardens, the second oldest amusement park in the world and the country’s top tourist attraction.
However, the Nimb never ceases to evolve, just as Tivoli has added laser light shows to its more traditional outdoor offerings.
First came the 19th century inn which fed the original visitors, in 1909 the current building went up, a century later it became a small boutique hotel — and finally, after much planning debate, it has been able to more than double the number it can accommodate.
The location can’t be bettered. The front, with an understated modern Danish facade, faces Copenhagen’s central station, which connects directly with the airport.
Meanwhile, the gorgeously exotic rear façade — which glitters like a fairytale kasbah by night — opens onto Tivoli Gardens. Double-glazing ensures the peace of guests will never be disturbed by the nearby fun; besides this is a place of exquisite gardens, lakes and flocks of peacocks too, more than merely a fairground.
Named Best Hotel in Denmark as well as being listed among the world’s finest by Conde Nast, the Nimb’s ambitions were previously limited by its size, unable to expand beyond 17 rooms — until last year.
Now it has added a beautiful extension, seamlessly integrated on the inside, with the same eclectic blend of Danish furniture and one-off antiques from all over the world. Even better, there’s also a rooftop pool exclusively for guests, plus a spa and gym.
The sheer luxe of the Nimb can’t be overstated; spacious and well-equipped bathrooms put the competition to shame, with fabulous toiletries as well as giant free-standing tubs, huge fluffy robes and slippers.
And the service is the equal of the setting; staff ready to do everything from lighting a fire in the open fireplaces found in many rooms, to issuing free tickets for the rides in Tivoli Gardens, a complimentary bonus for hotel guests and a particular benefit during the park’s summer concert season.
Its many restaurants famously feed hundreds who don’t get to stay and the Nimb Brasserie shouldn’t be missed for heavenly and inventive egg dishes as well as a quite fabulous display of unlimited Danish pastries, not to mention excellent French fare for those who fancy a change from the city’s new Nordic cuisine.
For more classic Danish food, a smorrebrod restaurant serves the country’s intricate open sandwiches, while Gemyse, in the heart of the park, puts organic, seasonal vegetables at the heart of its menu.
The hotel’s huge oval bar, a glorious room with 19th century mouldings and an enormous fireplace at one end, is equally unmissable.
And Copenhagen itself lies beyond: unlike some other European cities where you might avoid staying near the station, it’s a prime spot in the Danish capital, with buses to whisk you onwards to its many attractions — or you’re only a short stroll from the centre of this compact but always exciting destination.
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