D’Angleterre: Wellness and bon vivant in historical settings
For many the grand old lady of Copenhagen, Hotel D’Angleterre, is a symbol of proud traditions and the extravagant lifestyle of the elite. This specific group of people has enjoyed life here for more than 250 years; from the noblemen, who arrived on horseback in the 18th Century to contemporary presidents and rock musicians from all over the world. If only walls could speak, one thinks, when entering the glamorous rooms, which really hasn’t changed much since the very beginning.
Today the hotel also accommodates a spa and a well-attended champagne bar, which only ads new dimensions of luxury to the historical surroundings. Come join us for a tour at Denmark’s most beautiful hotel.
From then till now
The hotel was originally built as an eating place by a Frenchman and his love in 1755, but after a change of ownership and the fire of Copenhagen in 1795 there wasn’t much left of the original building. The German owner at that time, Gottfried Raue, therefore bought the noble mansion at the corner of Østergade and Kgs. Nytorv and furnished it as a hotel. The rest is history.
Ever since that time the hotel has experienced many different owners and just as many renovations – last time in 2011, when The Remmen Foundation took over. They wanted to cut back on the number of rooms but heighten the level of comfort. On the 1st of May 2013 the door’s opened to a brand “new” D’Angleterre. Memories lingers, but the hotel has undoubtedly received a mighty face lift and more facilities has emerged.
Comfortable luxury
By the arrival we’re greeted by a friendly smile from the porter. The top hat and the neat light grey clothing is distinctive and reveals a service level a cut above other nice places. The door is opened and another world appears; a world far away from the hectic everyday life and trivialities. A world with room for dreams and show off – and you instantly grasps why stars like Grace Kelly and Victor Borge felt at home here.
The reception and lounge is manned by smiling employees, busy bell boys and American tourist, who has settled down in the comfortable couches. One understands why they’ve chosen D’Angleterre. Especially if things like comfort, a high service level and art is essential, cause these things will be characteristic for the hotel in the future. It feels liberating that even a small city like Copenhagen now accommodates a hotel, which meets high international standards.
The art plays, as mentioned before, an important role in the ‘new’ D’Angleterre. It’s scattered tastefully on the walls and in the interior – and even the suites are furnished with great pieces of art from great Danes like H.C. Andersen, Karen Blixen and Bertel Thorvaldsen. Here you can gambol on 95 m2 while the absolute luxury suite, The Royal Suite, offers astonishing 150 m2 of refined elegance. At the same time it offers a great view of Copenhagen.
There’s 35 rooms and suites in total – all furnished with large inviting bathrooms and many of them with a private balcony.
Michelin and champagne
We recommend that you pass by the restaurant Marchal, whether you’re a guest or a visitor at the hotel. The roofed veranda in front is re-opened as it was hundreds of years ago, which means you’ll be able to enjoy a glass of wine or a snack outside even in fall or winter time.
The modern touch of Marchal and the Nordic kitchen gives an impression of lightness and fits perfectly with the black lacquered wooden interior and heavy curtains. It’s the perfect combination of exclusivity and cosiness. The chef Ronny Emborg is already quite well-known for his modern take on the French kitchen, which makes a dining experience here sublime – especially if it’s combined with a following visit to the champagne bar ‘Balthazar’.
Balthazar is the first of its kind in Denmark and any champagne enthusiast will instantly be in his or her right element when entering the room. There’s always an excuse for a glass of champagne, but if you fancy a cocktail once in a while you shouldn’t miss out on the ‘Downtown Abbey’, which is a mix of passion fruit and licorice, Belvedere vodka and Brut Champagne. One of those and you’re assured an amazing night at one of the most historical places in Copenhagen!
Holistic well-being
Amazing Space is the name of the newly renovated spa area, which can be reached from both the hotel and the street. Their holistic approach to beauty and relaxation frames this experience of Nordic wellness. The tranquil atmosphere and the lovely scents filling the air comes off on even the most stressed out customers – and you actually tend to forget that there’s a world outside! We can recommend the treatment ‘Nordic Space’, which includes a body wrap, lava stone massage and a facial. It will for certain leave you in pure ecstasy of wellness!More info & Online booking
Regitse Cecillie Rosenvinge
Editor