Hotel Sanders – Cocktails and Candlelight, A Winter City-Break In Copenhagen

I was so captivated by Copenhagen during my recent visit. The Danish capital has a magical quality during the wintertime; with its quiet streets, uncrowded city sights; and the varied cool and hip neighbourhoods to explore; writes Andrew Forbes.

One of the greatest pleasures of the city break was my stay at Sanders, Copenhagen’s new, world-class luxury boutique hotel. It’s an impressive example of the exciting changes happening in the Danish capital.

I hadn’t visited Copenhagen for some years and returning made me realise how the city has really moved forward. Don’t get me wrong, it looks very much the same as it always has, with its elegant buildings, historic palaces and striking contemporary architecture over-looking the port – and there’s still plenty of charm like the over-instagrammed Nyhavn port.

Yet look a little closer and you see and feel tremendous changes – the diversity in smart cafés, restaurants and bars; a renewed energy in the cuisine of Denmark, driven by young chefs proud of their nation’s produce; and the rejuvenation of the city’s once industrial port areas, which have now become on-trend districts.

Amongst the cool indie restaurants and bistros, remain the classic places too, like Ruby Cocktail Bar. Here you can celebrate the shorter, winter days by sitting back in the comfy, deep banquettes with some delicious seasonal creations from the expert and talented bar tenders.

Yes, Copenhagen is a city that’s happening and 2018 is set to be the year it consolidates its position as one of Europe’s hip capitals.

Sanders

So, what better excuse to take a Copenhagen city-break?

Sanders is the place to stay – the latest addition to the city’s hotel scene, a unique property in the capital. The design, style and ambiance are at once classic and elegant yet also hip and highly individual.

Sanders epitomises the current energy and creativity in Copenhagen. The hotel has been created with exceptional refinement and timeless elegance yet has a personality and style that’s very much of the moment.

Sanders is in the centre of historic Copenhagen, a stone’s throw from the Royal Danish Theatre, where the hotel’s founder and design visionary Alexander Kølpin used to perform the Principal ‘danseur’ in the Danish Royal Ballet.

A such this hotel has been a very personal project for Kølpin, reflecting his love of the arts and travel (and also taking his nickname, Sanders!)

It’s fair to say that no expense seems to have been spared in the restoration of the period town houses that now make up this luxury urban retreat.

The mid-century style furnishings and fixtures are custom made to create a harmonious, yet one-of-a-kind look & feel. Yet it’s much more than just an aesthetic – Sanders has become the go-to place for the city’s creative crowd.

The result is a hotel that feels alive – full of energy and sophistication, thanks to these cool locals (who pop in for a morning coffee; dinner; or a late-night signature cocktail); the cosmopolitan guests; and the smart, friendly and high professional staff (that are the best-looking and best-dressed hotel team I have seen in a long time!) It’s also unpretentious  – the curated playlist can easily switch from Ella Fitzgerald jazz greats to disco classics!

The hotel’s fabulous ground floor has retained three distinct areas for guests and non-residents; marking when this was originally three 19^th century townhouses. Each has its own style and mood.

There’s the Sanders Kitchen, an intimate restaurant and breakfast room. This is where guests start the day, with superb coffee,  and a menu that includes local organic eggs, Danish bacon, seasonal porridge, fruit rsalad. Breads and pastries are delicious said to be made on-sight including great croissant and muffins. Table service – so expect to relax and enjoy your start to the day.

Dinner menu has an international feel. There are ‘Bites’ to start or share – like tapas and smaller plates; and main dishes and a small selection of puddings.Varied wines are available by the glass.

The Living Room with adjacent heated courtyard patio…

The sexy TATA Cocktail Bar.

The Conservatory crowns the Sanders – the fifth-floor winter garden conservatory offering a light filled, colonial style lounge.

The Rooms

The hotel’s accommodation evokes the romantic golden age of luxury travel, whilst also reflecting the drama of the theatre.

Rooms are prepared with exquisite attention to detail – expect fresh flowers and gourmet Danish chocolates from Ankor. Lighting is great, with a choice of gentle glow of lamps or the brighter light of halogen. Sockets are easily accessible and there are USB charging sockets beside the bed.

For solo travellers that are the individual use ‘Coupe’ rooms.

For couples, the Sanders bedrooms and Sanders Master Bedrooms have double beds, whilst suites have king beds.

Bathrooms typically are compact, usually with shower ,W.C. and only one wash basin, yet each is beautifully appointed with a matt marble mosaic floor, and vintage style fixtures. At turndown, the towels are replaced. Every detail is considered, such as the amenities presented in fine Danish porcelain caddy.

All guests can expect complimentary minibars (non-alcoholic refreshments, snacks and chocolate) televisions, security boxes, slippers, kimonos, luxury toiletries and fast internet.

For families, or for guests that want to feel like stars of the stage of screen, then there are the Sanders Apartments. Self-contained spaces with living room, dining room and a kitchen fully stocked with guests preferred items. Apartment bedroom have a vintage bath tub in addition to the larger shower room.

Winter Wonderland

Visiting Copenhagen in winter is a surprising pleasure. Sure, the seasonal weather means that Scandinavian cold surrounds you when you head out to explore, but the city is not over-crowded, so you get to enjoy a truly authentic experience – like a local in the capital.

What’s more once inside you are embraced by a cosiness that is quintessentially Danish. In fact, they have a word for it, ‘hygge’ – think roaring fires, candlelight, and laughter with friends.

That’s the feeling at Sanders right now. It’s perfect – all you need is to choose a cocktail from the TATA menu and you’re in heaven.