First Hotel Mayfair

Located in a cream-colored building filled with windows just off the main road of Vesterbroagade, the First Hotel Mayfair announces its style as soon as guests step inside. White walls and dark wood banisters provide a neutral backdrop for bold and lively purple-striped stairs. The tiled lobby is accented with zebra print arm chairs playfully paired with red patterned curtains and a tall golden vase. Nearby sitting areas are small but continue to provide an eclectic mix of style, smartly pairing antique pieces, such as a dark wood grandfather clock, with bright or international accents, such as a Japanese painted screen. In some ways, the style reflects the range of international tourists that this hotel attracts. 

Ideally located in Copenhagen’s Vesterbro district, and sitting on a hotel-filled street just off the main drag, the First Hotel Mayfair’s most attractive feature is its proximity to public transportation and local sights. A five-minute walk takes guests to Copenhagen’s Central Station (Kobenhaven H), which can carry guests to almost any city location within 20 minutes, including the airport. The station also offers regional train service to other national and international destinations.

• Five-minute walk to Copenhagen Central Station
• Five-minute walk to Tyco Brahe Planetarium
• Seven-minute walk to Tivoli
• 15-minute walk to National Museum of Denmark
• 10 minutes via public transportation to the Strøget shopping area
• 13 minutes via public transportation to Copenhagen Zoo
• 20 minutes via public transportation to The Little Mermaid statue
• 20 minutes via public transportation to Copenhagen Airport

Though more generic than the main areas, guest room decor reflects the playful, eclectic style of the hotel itself in smaller measure. Each room has a bright, stenciled accent wall and a few lively details, such as a velvety turquoise comforter or a lime-green headboard. Otherwise, rooms go largely unadorned, with beige carpeted floors, white walls, wood desks, and plaid armchairs. 

Guests agree that the rooms are small and ideal mainly for sleeping after a day of sightseeing. Indeed, the Standard Single Room barely squeezes in a thin bed, armchair, and desk, though this is typical of a mid-range hotel in Copenhagen. Bathrooms are also small in the European style, but clean and modern, with full white-tiled walls, a deep sink, and a wet-room style shower with a glass door.

Room amenities include standards such as hairdryers, irons and ironing boards, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, toiletries, and free weekday newspapers. Only Suites have stocked mini-fridges and coffee and tea facilities, though all guests have access to free coffee 24/7 in the dining area. Suites also have added tubs in the bathrooms.

Light sleepers should consider a higher room facing the courtyard, as rooms facing the street can be noisy.

The First Hotel Mayfair offers a casual dining area with brown wood tables and a buffet where a full breakfast is served, including eggs, bacon, cereal, cold cuts, fruit, and pastries. Note that breakfast does not come standard with room rates, though guests say it is fairly reasonably priced for the area. The on-site bar is actually a small area in the lobby that offers a selection of wine, beer, and liquor. There's some outdoor seating in the courtyard and free coffee 24/7 in the dining area. The hotel offers a 50 percent discount on parking at a nearby lot, and bike rentals are also available for a fee.