Indre is Copenhagen’s best-dressed district and 25hours is the new hotel to know. It’s tucked down a cobbled stone street and set in an old university building near the city’s reputable independent boutiques.
The neighbourhood is creative in an understated way. The transport of choice is a push-bike. Everything about it epitomises ‘effortless cool’. But this lifestyle feels infectious, even after just a few days.
The Vibe
25hours is a celebration of Copenhagen’s colourful, eclectic nature and Indre’s newest hotspot. Clusters of comfy seating, towering plantlife and vibrant hand-crafted tapestries surround a circular bar in the entrance – a clear message that this is more than just a place to sleep. Dimly lit lounge rooms line the corridor to reception, which is purposefully set away from the front door as a departure from traditional hotel design and a nod to something more homely. An open invite for guests and locals to settle in and stay awhile, these rooms are littered with beanbags, sofas and quirky decor including neon signage and an old record player.
The Rooms
There are 243 rooms in total and behind each door is a cloud-like super-king bed, blackout blinds and considered lighting that makes relaxation almost unavoidable. In keeping with the bold design concept, details come in a spectrum of colour, be it a yellow sink teamed with pink tiles or a blue headboard with bold red trimmings. Somehow, it doesn’t feel ‘too much’. Is it context, mood or the inclination to embrace an unexpected rebellion against minimalist Scandi-chic? Who knows, and with visuals this enchanting, who cares?
The Little Extras
In each bedroom sits a leather-bound booklet spotlighting the best places to see, eat, shop, and visit in the surrounding area. Curated by locals, it’s a source to be trusted. Borrow one of the hotel bikes and use it as a hit-list if you’ve arrived without a plan. Extra touches include a free mini bar selection spanning locally crafted beer and filter coffee, and a shared outdoor terrace.
The Food + Drink
Neni is the hotel’s main restaurant and its Tel Avivian inspiration filters through the dinner menu and into the breakfast buffet, where tables are laden with flavoured hummus and crudités as well as a plentiful Nordic spread. By contrast, Café Duse is Italian-inspired and loved for its elegant sweet treats. There’s a basement bar called the Boiler Room, but the glass-roofed Assembly bar is the place to be: it’s set in what was once the university building’s open-air assembly hall.
The To-Do List
Wandering or cycling without a plan is really the best way to see Copenhagen. It’s a mecca of pre-loved fashion emporiums brimming with pieces good as new. If you’re inspired by the local style-set, neutral separates from by Malene Birger are in abundance at Reseller, and Rotate’s playful party picks line the rails at Magnolia. For something really special, try your luck at Time’s Up where vintage Thierry Mugler and Chanel can be found.
For the traditional Danish Smørrebrød, head to Torvehallerne food market around lunchtime, and make a booking at Babylon for the best people watching after-dark. It’s a favourite Fashion Week hangout and it transitions from restaurant to nightclub as the sun sets over Peblinge Sø.
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