SKT. PETRI

Built in the late 1920s as a department store, the Skt. Petri retains its retro exterior and long escalators from its original design. However, major renovations in the summer of 2017 gave the interiors a fresher, contemporary look. Most common areas stick largely to black and white tones, but bold patterned granite tiles, eclectic lights, gold-rimmed stairwells, and punches of color from bright green and blue seating throughout the foyer, restaurant, and bars, provides a dramatic effect. Soaring ceilings and lots of glass windows make even the darker areas look spacious and airy. A beautiful outdoor garden courtyard mixes plenty of foliage among wooden tables and black wire chairs. Although the aesthetics are sleek enough for upscale business travelers, there’s also a laid-back vibe about the property that makes the hotel popular as an urban retreat for couples and families. 

The hotel’s central location in Indre By, Copenhagen’s old town area, is practically on the campus of the University of Copenhagen, plus just seven minutes on foot from the famous Stroget shopping mile. Other nearby tourist attractions include the National Museum of Denmark, Christiansborg Palace, and Tivoli Gardens -- all within 15 minutes away on foot. The Norreport metro station (with connections to the airport) is a four-minute walk away. Public transport reaches Rosenborg Castle in 10 minutes and the Little Mermaid sculpture in 22 minutes. Copenhagen Central Station is a 15-minute walk away. Copenhagen Airport is 22 minutes away via both public transport and car. 

Rooms are chic, modern, and fairly spacious for a city hotel. Like in the common areas, mostly dark, gold-trimmed furnishings are offset with lighter contrasts from the hardwood floors, white marble windowsills, and bright desk chairs. Geometric patterns on bed linens, mirrors, and textured accent walls add subtly stylish details. 

Rooms all come with air-conditioning, safes, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Ironing equipment is provided. Refrigerated minibars are well-stocked with local snacks and cold drinks. Tea-and coffee-making facilities are only provided in Deluxe Rooms, which also have additional seating areas. Superior and Deluxe Rooms come with free bottled water on arrival. Suites can come with Espresso machines, free minibar refreshments, sound systems, and separate lounging areas. 

Bathrooms are well-sized and attractive. They're outfitted completely in slate gray tile with black and white fixtures. However, some guests have complained of draining issues and odors. Standard bathrooms have walk-in showers with handheld and fixed showerheads. Bathrooms in higher-level rooms come with shower/tub combos with handheld showerheads. Toiletries and hairdryers are provided, but shampoos and lotions are not always replenished. 

Large windows provide exceptional city views from higher floors. Select rooms in higher categories come with small private balconies. 

Features here focus mostly on food. The breakfast buffet in the lobby’s vast and attractive Petri restaurant isn’t included with Standard Room rates (it is for rooms in higher categories, but these rooms also cost more.) Breakfast is an extensive spread of pastries, fresh fruits, cereals, breads, cheeses, jams, eggs, hot meat dishes, cold cuts, and salads. The restaurant also serves creative small plates and burgers for lunch and dinner. Eccentric cocktails are on offer at the large counter bar. The relaxed garden courtyard area offers a tasty menu of pizzas, coffee, and wine. Room service is available. Next to the hotel, P Eatery serves upscale Nordic Mediterranean fare and is particularly accommodating of vegan diners. 

The in-house fitness center is modern and well-equipped, but the space was under renovations as of summer 2017. In the interim, guests can use two nearby gyms with which the hotel has partnerships, but having to leave the premises for exercise can be inconvenient. Several event rooms offer plenty of space for meetings, conferences, or parties. A business center offers free computer use. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.

Laundry and dry cleaning services are available. The hotel offers valet parking and babysitting services, but both come with high fees. Bicycle rentals are available.