Hotel Sanders
Tordenskjoldsgade 15, Copenhagen, Capital Region, 1055, Denmark
Why We Like It
That understated rhythm you feel as a guest at Hotel Sanders? It’s no accident. Envisioned and owned by Alexander Kølpin, a renowned former Danish ballet dancer, the hotel feels like stepping into a beautifully choreographed performance. Utilizing his background in the performing arts, Kølpin weaves melodies into every element, from the soft, inviting lighting to the seamless transitions between spaces. Walking through Hotel Sanders feels like moving through different acts of a beautifully staged production—each room and corner is designed to evoke intimacy, nostalgia, and quiet sophistication.
Fodor's Expert Review
While some hotels dazzle, Hotel Sanders, tucked down a cobbled street just steps (er, ballerina leaps) from Nyhavn, seduces. Here, carefully curated spaces, warm hospitality, and a deep appreciation for design create an atmosphere that feels more like a private residence than a five-star property. It’s elegant but never overdone, refined but entirely understated, and, perhaps most importantly, a place you’ll want to linger longer.
PROS
- Exquisite design
- Stylish, casual crowd
- Excellent service
CONS
- Rooms are pricey
- The bar and café can be busy with non-guests
- Some rooms are small
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Room
Though every room at Hotel Sanders has a unique personality, they all share the same sense of elegance and thoughtful restraint. Unlike some five-star hotels that lean into glitz, the hotel takes a more soulful approach to luxury. The furnishings mix Danish modern design with vintage European finds, resulting in rooms that feel collected rather than decorated.
The beds at Hotel Sanders are not just comfortable—they’re impossibly so. They’re draped in organic cotton linens that can make early mornings challenging. The color palette, a medley of deep greens, warm blues, and muted reds, creates a cocoon-like atmosphere that makes you question why you would ever want to leave the room. Some rooms even feature fireplaces for added coziness, while others boast private balconies with stunning views of Copenhagen’s rooftops.
The suites offer more space, with separate seating areas and quietly luxurious touches—handmade ceramics, curated art, plush velvet sofas—that make them feel like extensions of the city’s best design studios.
Tip The fifth-floor single room, with its private terrace, is a hidden gem for solo travelers. It is perched secluded above the town, tucked into a rear corner of the building. With a small terrace overlooking the rooftops, it offers a serene and elevated perspective.
Bathroom
The hotel's bathrooms are a masterclass in restrained elegance. Clad in black-and-white Greek marble with sleek modern fixtures, they feel like private spa sanctuaries rather than simple hotel bathrooms. The rainfall showers are spacious, and the water pressure makes even a short rinse feel indulgent.
The bath products, from a local Danish brand, are subtly scented and housed in refillable glass bottles, a nod to the hotel’s sustainability efforts. Heated floors in the colder months add another touch of understated comfort.
Tip If you’re jonesing for a tub, book a suite!
Lobby
The hotel’s sense of intimacy extends to its social spaces. The lobby, for example, doesn’t feel like a lobby. It feels like the living room of an impossibly fashionable friend—one who collects beautiful furniture, stacks their books just so, and always has the perfect lighting. It’s a space designed for pausing, whether curled in an armchair with a book or sipping coffee by the fireplace. As the lobby doubles as a lounge, we’ll explain that vibe too: this multipurpose space invites guests for a coffee or something more substantial than a coffee (the cocktails are mighty good here!) as they wait to be checked in.
Just beyond the lobby, the courtyard is one of the hotel’s most adorable areas. Lush with greenery and warmed by heaters in the winter months, it’s an urban escape that feels a world away from the metropolis outside. In the summer, guests gather here for breakfast or evening drinks under the twinkling lights, while in the winter, plush blankets and steaming cups of gløgg (mulled wine) make it just as inviting.
You Should Know The lobby and reception area can get busy during standard check-in times. Arriving earlier allows you to drop off your bags, explore the city, and avoid the rush.
Dining
The dining experience here is less about theatrics and more about substance. The hotel’s restaurant, Sanders Kitchen, is more of an intimate dining space than a traditional hotel restaurant, mainly because it is located in the reception area that doubles as a lounge (we told you, Hotel Sanders wears many a hat!). The atmosphere feels more like a private dinner party than a restaurant, making it one of Copenhagen’s most effortlessly chic places to dine. The menu leans toward Mediterranean flavors, focusing on seasonal ingredients and simple, elegant dishes. The zucchini truffle toast and rich lobster pasta are to die for and have earned cult followings, while the wine list is small but impeccably curated.
Breakfast on the rooftop terrace is particularly memorable—freshly baked Danish pastries, locally sourced eggs, and strong coffee served with soft morning light streaming through the windows (a must for that Vitamin D throughout Copenhagen’s winter!).
Tip Although breakfast isn’t included with every reservation, it’s worth adding. It includes two hot dishes from the menu and is delicious and satisfying.
Drinking
If Sanders Kitchen is the hotel’s heart, TATA is its soul. The hotel’s cocktail bar, named after the velvet curtains of the Royal Danish Theatre right nearby, is a candlelit space that feels like a secret hideaway–and only a lucky few know the password to enter. The cocktails are expertly crafted, emphasizing seasonal flavors and classic recipes with a twist. The bartenders here know their craft, effortlessly mixing drinks that feel as well-balanced as the hotel itself. Whether you’re in the mood for a perfectly executed Negroni or something entirely off-menu, they’ll know exactly what to recommend. For guests and locals alike, it has that (luxurious) watering hole feel–where you’ll settle in for one drink and stay for three (oops!).
Experiences
Hotel Sanders is about experiences over excess. Instead of a spa or gym, the hotel offers something some would find more enjoyable: exclusive access to its beautifully restored mahogany boat for private canal tours through Copenhagen. The boat can be booked at reception, and snacks and drinks are provided. As Copenhageners will tell you, there is no better way to see the city than from the water.
Would you prefer to stay on land? The hotel’s Signature Walks take guests through Copenhagen’s hidden corners, guided by local experts who bring the city’s history to life. Or rent one of the hotel’s bikes to roll around town–heck, you’re practically a Dane now!
What's Nearby
Getting Around
Hotel Sanders is tucked away on a quiet cobblestone street in central Copenhagen, just steps from Nyhavn’s canals, Amalienborg Palace, and King’s Square. Many attractions are within walking distance—Strøget (a 5-minute walk), the longest pedestrian street in Europe, and the waterfront path to The Little Mermaid (a 15-minute walk).
The location also makes public transport seamless. Kongens Nytorv metro station (a 5-minute walk) is a significant hub, serving all metro lines and providing easy connections across the city. The M2 line runs directly to Copenhagen Airport (a 20-minute ride), while the M3 Cityring loops through neighborhoods like Nørrebro, Frederiksberg, and Vesterbro. For regional travel, Nørreport Station (a 15-minute walk) offers S-Trains to destinations like Kronborg Castle in Helsingør (1 hour) and Klampenborg’s beaches (20 minutes). For a classic Copenhagen experience, rent a bike from the hotel and explore the city’s dedicated cycling paths.
Restaurants
Just around the corner, Restaurant Nyhavn 41 (a 4-minute walk) pairs waterfront views with fresh seafood right by the city’s iconic canals. La Sirene (a 5-minute walk) offers rustic Italian charm, while Llama (a 5-minute walk) brings bold Latin American flavors, creative cocktails, and a vibrant atmosphere. Zeleste (a 5-minute walk) is a snug hideaway with a candlelit courtyard for a more romantic setting. For an authentic taste of Denmark, Christianshavns Færgecafé (15-minute walk) is a beloved local gem, serving classic smørrebrød in a historic maritime setting.
Bars
Brønnum (a 3-minute walk) serves expertly crafted cocktails in a refined setting by Kongens Nytorv, while Hviids Vinstue (a 4-minute walk), Copenhagen’s oldest bar, has been pouring wine and snaps since 1723. Tipsy Mermaid (a 6-minute walk) is a speakeasy with a nautical theme. For a drink by the water, Kayak Bar (an 8-minute walk) has a laid-back, beachy vibe with floating pontoons, live music, and the option to rent kayaks for a paddle through Copenhagen’s canals before enjoying a cold beer. For something locals love, choose The Union Local (a 7-minute walk) for masterfully mixed cocktails, plush interiors, and an exclusive feel.
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