Imperial Hotel

The Imperial Hotel is all about functional simplicity in a bustling urban environment. While it's not exactly cutting edge, which is a slight let-down in design-conscious Copenhagen, it nevertheless provides a modern setting for the mix of business travelers and tourists who stay here. Guests can be seen grabbing a quick drink in the lobby bar or, more often than not, catching up on work in the spacious lobby. Here, eclectic larger-than-life plant pots, reflective ceilings, and glossy black pillars make a great first impression, and subtle retro themes extend throughout, from the laid-back business lounge to the unfussy color-block rooms. With a solid range of modern amenities, the Imperial does a fine job reflecting a city that's every inch as classic as it is a-la-mode, and remains a popular pick among travelers.

The hotel overlooks a mix of modern office blocks and quaint Scandinavian buildings with their brightly-painted exteriors and rows of bicycles. The street -- Vesterbrogade -- is bustling main road in the Copenhagen's trendy Vesterbro neighborhood, popular for its vintage-meets-vogue stores. Copenhagen's Central Station is a five-minute walk, where connecting airport trains make for a total door-to-door journey of 25 minutes -- about the same time as a taxi. Hop-On-Hop-Off buses depart from the nearby Radisson Blu, just a three-minute walk from the hotel.The hotel is also across the street from Westerport Metro, but in such a hip part of the city, there's plenty to see and do within walking distance. The upscale bohemian boutiques and cafes of Istedgade are five minutes from the hotel on foot. For a step back in time, the world's oldest operating Tivoli Gardens amusement park, is equally close. A little farther afield, the picturesque canal-side Gammel Strand, with its chic cocktail bars, is a 16-minute walk, passing Stroget (one of Copenhagen's main shopping streets). 

The simple rooms have a modern look, from the basic Standard Twins to the more sumptuous Executive Rooms and Suites. Minimalist "Mad Men" inspired Danish retro shines through in the latter categories, with funky tripod tables, deep sinking chairs, and black-framed circular mirrors matching statement desk lamps. Simpler rooms have oversized floral art and IKEA-esque dark wood veneer furniture. Additionally, carpets and surfaces in Standard Rooms can be worn, and rooms overlooking the street will likely pick up noise.

Rooms start at a tight 15 square meters (161 square feet), though this isn't unheard of in Copenhagen. Even the most basic options include free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, safes, electric kettles, irons, and 40-inch (102-centimeter) flat-screen LED TVs offering a mix of Danish and international channels. In some rooms, these are placed awkwardly in relation to the bed. Only higher-category rooms have mini-fridges. Family, connecting, and allergy-friendly rooms are also available.

Bathrooms are compact, but pleasantly modern, with frosted glass-rimmed bubble sinks, shower/tub combos, basic toiletries, and hairdryers. Executive Room bathrooms are more plush, though guests have reported that small shower panels lead to flooded floors in many rooms.

Despite its relatively large scale, features here are a bit limited. The hotel's modern Ristorante L'appetito serves solid Italian dishes for lunch and dinner, though the buffet breakfast is a busy scene, served under the restaurant's skylit ceiling. Previous guests like the range of fresh fruit, breads and pastries, local cheeses and cooked options, though it's not included in room rates. There's a "To Go" option available as well. In addition to six conference rooms, guests have full use of the business lounge, equipped with computers and printers. National and international newspapers are available. A small but well-equipped fitness center with flat-screen TV, music and a range of cardio and resistance training equipment is free to use, and for the more traditional Danish form of exercise, bicycles can be rented from the front desk. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, and the hotel's guests receive a discount at the adjacent parking lot.