Looking for a hotel that perfectly balances modern comforts with a prime location in Copenhagen? Well, we were too, and after some searching, we stumbled upon STAY Nordhavn, an aparthotel that opened its doors at the end of 2022. Located in the up-and-coming Nordhavn district, this aparthotel not only met our expectations but exceeded them in many ways. We would not hesitate to recommend staying here on your next trip to Copenhagen. Keep reading to find our why we think STAY Nordhavn is a gem for travelers.
Check availability for your next stay at STAY Nordhavn in Copenhagen here.
Table of Contents
Location: A Modern Marvel in Copenhagen’s Revitalized Nordhavn
Initially, we were eyeing hotels in the city center, but our search led us slightly further out to Nordhavn, and we couldn’t be happier with our decision. Nordhavn, once an industrial port, has been transformed into Copenhagen’s “new urban playground.” It’s a vibrant, sustainable district that’s rapidly gaining popularity, and it’s easy to see why. The area is filled with modern architecture, eco-friendly buildings, and an abundance of green spaces.
One of the biggest draws for us was the location. STAY Nordhavn is conveniently situated between two metro stops, Nordhavn and Orientkaj, both just a short walk away. This made it incredibly easy to get around the city. Plus, with three supermarkets (Meny, Netto, and Lidl) and a variety of restaurants and coffee shops nearby, we had everything we needed within arm’s reach. The entire area felt very safe, with many families and locals around enjoying the weather and the area. Denmark is one of the safest countries in the world, and we never felt uneasy or unsafe anywhere.
Another thing that stood out was the district’s commitment to sustainability. From solar-powered streetlights to rooftop gardens, Nordhavn is a model for future urban living. The area’s proximity to the water also adds a refreshing vibe, with locals often sunbathing, swimming, or paddleboarding right by the hotel. It’s a haven for both residents and visitors alike, making it a perfect spot to soak in Copenhagen’s modern, eco-friendly lifestyle.
The Apartment: Spacious, Stylish, and Well-Equipped
We booked a one-bedroom apartment for five nights via Hotels.com and were pleasantly surprised to find that we’d been upgraded to a top-floor unit with a private rooftop terrace. The terrace, accessible via a staircase from the bedroom’s rear balcony, offered stunning views of the harbor – a perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring the city.
At 55m2 (592 sq. ft.), the apartment was spacious, and even larger than our apartment back in Whistler. The layout was thoughtful, providing plenty of space to store our belongings without feeling cramped. The design was sleek and modern, with a range of Siemens appliances, including a hotplate, oven, refrigerator, freezer, coffee machine, and dishwasher. We particularly appreciated the fully equipped kitchen, which allowed us to cook our own meals and save money – a significant plus in a city as expensive as Copenhagen.
The bathroom was another highlight, featuring a walk-in rainfall shower and a washer/dryer combo – a convenient touch for longer stays. The bedroom was equally impressive, with a large, comfortable bed, soft bedding, and a work desk. The in-floor heating was a nice addition, although we didn’t get to test it out since we visited in the summer. However, we did notice the absence of air conditioning, which is not uncommon in Denmark but understandable given the country’s focus on sustainability.
A few small drawbacks? The apartment’s Wi-Fi was high-speed but occasionally dropped out, which was a bit frustrating, especially when trying to plan our day or stream a movie. Also, the bathroom shower didn’t have a full door, which meant some water splashed onto the floor – not a big deal, but worth noting.
The Flatscreen TV also featured limited channels, and only a couple of those were in English. We are travelling a foreign country so it can be expected, but just useful for those who like to stay in a lot and catch a movie. You might be best off with a viewing of your own Netflix account.
Amenities: Modern Conveniences with a Few Surprises
STAY Nordhavn offers a range of amenities that cater to both short-term visitors and long-term residents. Guests have access to the Nordic Strong gym on the ground floor, which was decent but somewhat limited in equipment. To be honest – given that it’s a standalone gym, we expected more equipment, but it had the basics – a treadmill, bike, dumbbells, bench and squat racks. It was enough to keep up with our workouts during the stay. They also offer fitness classes – a dedicated group fitness studio pumps out the tunes and the muscles. It also features a coffee/smoothie bar, sauna and changerooms.
The ground floor also features several shops and eateries, including Pier 3 Restaurant, Original Coffee, an ice cream shop, barbershop and a bar in the reception lobby. We particularly enjoyed the 20-30% discount on coffee at Original Coffee, which you can get by scanning your room keycard. Many of the local businesses here offer discounts to hotel guests to entice you in. It’s a nice little perk that added to the overall convenience of staying at the hotel.
For those needing to work during their stay, the aparthotel also offers private meeting rooms with their own rooftop terraces – a great option for business travelers. Just make sure to book it on a nice day, as they rooftops do not provide protection or shelter from the rain.
Service: Friendly, Prompt, and Efficient
One of the first things we noticed upon arrival at STAY Nordhavn was the excellent service. Check-in was prompt and seamless, with the front desk staff being both friendly and accommodating. They provided all the information we needed about the apartment and the local area, which made us feel welcomed and well taken care of from the start.
As STAY Nordhavn is an aparthotel, the cleaning service schedule is a bit different from traditional hotels. The apartments are serviced twice a week – once on day four and again on day seven during your stay. While this schedule worked fine for us, it’s something to keep in mind if you’re used to daily housekeeping. That said, the apartment was clean and well-maintained when we arrived, and the mid-week service was thorough, ensuring that we had fresh linens and a tidy space for the remainder of our stay.
What We Loved
- Location: The vibrant Nordhavn district is modern, safe, and filled with amenities. The proximity to the metro and the waterfront was unbeatable.
- Views: Our top-floor apartment offered fantastic views of the harbor, adding a touch of luxury to our stay.
- Space: The apartment was larger than expected, with a well-thought-out layout that made it feel even more spacious.
- Kitchen: Fully equipped with high-quality appliances, the kitchen was perfect for cooking meals and saving on dining costs.
- Service: The front desk staff were friendly and accommodating, making our stay pleasant from start to finish.
Where There’s Room For Improvement
- Wi-Fi: The occasional dropouts were a minor inconvenience, but one that could easily be improved.
- Gym: While functional, the gym could benefit from more equipment, though it is a separate entity to the hotel itself.
- Bathroom Design: A full door for the shower would prevent water from splashing onto the bathroom floor.
Final Thoughts
STAY Nordhavn exceeded our expectations in many ways. From its prime location in one of Copenhagen’s most exciting districts to the spacious, well-equipped apartment, it offered everything we needed for a comfortable and enjoyable stay. While there were a few minor issues such as the wifi, they didn’t detract from the overall experience. If you’re looking for modern, sustainable accommodations with a touch of luxury in Copenhagen, STAY Nordhavn is definitely worth considering. We will absolutely stay there again on our next visit to Copenhagen. Be sure to try to book a water-facing apartment – it does make a big difference.
You can book the STAY Nordhavn via our links here on your favorite booking site:
