Scandic Sluseholmen

Scandic Sluseholmen -- formerly First Hotel Copenhagen -- opened in May 2017, and is primarily a business hotel, but tour groups also frequent this property as a base for exploring Copenhagen. The lobby has a five-story, glass-topped central atrium, and the chic space features hot-pink and electric-purple accents, a polished, gray marble floor, and a lounge with pod seating and a baby grand piano. The space handles the crowds well, and remains relatively quiet. The restaurant and bar see quite a bit of business, as no other restaurants are in the immediate area. 

Proximity to Bella Center is this property's biggest asset, about 10 minutes away by car and 19 minutes by public transit. Otherwise, the hotel is sandwiched between railway tracks and a busy road in a business district south of central Copenhagen. There's a bus stop in front of the hotel that runs into the city. It takes roughly 20 minutes by car to reach points of interest such as like Tivoli Gardens, Central Station, and City Hall. It's only an 11-minute car ride to Copenhagen Airport, and approximately 40 minutes by public transit.

Guest rooms are streamline and minimalist, but a smart use of color and pattern makes spaces feel warm and inviting. A melange of soft, gray hues are used throughout, accented by turquoise headboards and crimson upholstered armchairs. Dark-wood desks are framed with stainless steel, and there's a subtle checkered pattern on carpeting beneath beds, which adds polish. All units have AC, flat-screen TVs, plus free bottled water and Wi-Fi, but they lack kettles and mini-fridges, which are included in upgraded Superior rooms. Bathrooms are less attractive and lack toiletries, although they're spacious, and contain glass-enclosed walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads, and roomy vanities. Some units have shower/tub combos. 

Rooms at the rear of the hotel tend to hear less traffic noise than front-facing rooms overlooking the busy road. Superior rooms offer the hotel’s best views of the nearby harbor. 

Standard and Superior (Double and Twin) categories are the same size, which is generous by European standards. Much larger Junior and Master Suites are available as well, and they come with individually controlled air-conditioning.

This hotel’s amenities are geared primarily for business travelers, including those arriving by car. Surface parking is free, and garage parking is available for a modest fee. There's a full-service restaurant that offers a free hot breakfast buffet. A buffet is also served for lunch, and dinner is served nightly, with a menu that focuses on international cuisine made with locally-sourced products. There's room service, and the hotel also has a fully-stocked lobby bar.  

Another highlight is a well-equipped fitness center, which has an excellent selection of cardio and weight-training equipment, plus a sauna and a whirlpool. Other features include a business center, meeting and event space for up to 550 people, concierge services for tours and tickets, valet dry cleaning and laundry, and a guest laundry room. There's also bicycle rental, and a vending area in the lobby that sells food and drinks, including beer and wine. Newspapers and Wi-Fi throughout are free.