Christopher Rothard’s words
Hotel d’Angleterre, a historic neoclassical palace, attracts a wide range of guests, from royalty to actors, musicians to writers. Hans Christian Anderson also often stayed here and has a suite named after him. For those seeking luxury and privacy, d’Angleterre, as it’s affectionately known, is the destination you should head to as soon as you arrive in Denmark’s chic capital. The hotel features the famous Michelin-starred restaurant, Marchal, serving delicious French-Scandinavian cuisine, the exclusive Balthazar Champagne Bar, and a tranquil relaxing spa.
d’Angleterre is located on Kongens Nytorv Square in the beating heart of historic Copenhagen. She stands opposite Charlottenborg Palace, the Royal Theater and Nyhavn. The famous shopping street Strøget and the luxury department stores ILM and Magasin du Nord are just a few minutes’ walk away. Amalienborg Palace, home of the Danish royal family, is also nearby. A metro station just outside the square provides direct access to Kastrup International Airport within 30 minutes.
Hotel
The story of d’Angleterre begins in 1755, when a young French servant named Jean Marchal fell in love with Marie Coppy, the daughter of a chef at the Danish Royal Palace. The couple married and opened a gourmet restaurant on the hotel grounds. The restaurant became a favorite of the aristocracy and was later rebuilt as a hotel. Extensively renovated in 2013, the hotel features 92 stunning rooms and suites, including the stunning Royal Suite.
Check-in was friendly and quick, and the atmosphere was less formal thanks to an eye-catching original Andy Warhol portrait of Queen Margrethe II of Denmark smiling at us from atop the reception desk. d’Angleterre has an impressive art collection.
The grand staircase in the lobby is one of the hotel’s highlights. The ambience and sense of space in the interior is set by ornate chandeliers, columns, and muted colors. The magnificent ballroom is a popular venue for weddings and has a rich history. In 1912, legendary Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen stayed here when he returned from his first ever Antarctic expedition.
room
The superior suite was impressively large and tastefully decorated, divided into three parts. The well-appointed lounge area features a sofa, 40-inch Bang & Olufsen widescreen TV, fully stocked minibar and Nespresso coffee machine. In between was a large marble bathroom with a deep soaking tub and walk-in shower. Danish luxury brand Amazing Space provided bathroom products. The bedroom was centered around a very comfortable king-sized bed, and the slippers and bathrobes were super soft and cozy. Each room at d’Angleterre is unique and has its own unique touches, from balconies and fireplaces to original art.
Eating and drinking
Michelin-starred restaurant Marchal is run by Alexander Baert, an affable and talented executive chef who brings French elan to Scandinavian cuisine. We had a delicious lunch which was the highlight of our visit. The appetizer of lobster, yuzu and dill canapés, and the port wine with foie gras on brioche toast were excellent. The presentation of each dish was an artistic delight.
We shared two main courses from the a la carte menu. The duck breast cannet with beetroot, quince and spiced duck sauce was mouth-watering, and the Danish turbot with celeriac, mussels and champagne sauce was a hearty, warming winter treat. Both dishes were paired with Marchal’s signature delicious vegetable salad. Marcial also offers Rossini Beluga caviar with blini, herbed crème fraîche and quail eggs. As expected, Marchal has an excellent wine list.
spa and wellness
The 2,000 square foot spa, located on the hotel’s basement level, is managed by Amazing Space. Enjoy a sauna, hammam and large pool in a sophisticated retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The spa offers an original treatment menu ranging from facials to massages. Danish supermodel Helena Christensen is a regular. Then, relax and channel your inner hygge at Balthazar, a cozy and stylish champagne bar located down the hallway from the spa.
In a nutshell
Denmark’s stylish capital is home to many great hotels, but Hotel d’Angleterre is considered one of the greatest.
fact box
Rooms start from £680pn and can be booked through the hotel’s website. Breakfast included.
Address: 34 Kongens Nytorv, 1050, Copenhagen, Denmark
Phone: 0045 33 12 00 95
Email: (email protected)
Website: dangleterre.com
Photo courtesy of Hotel d’Angleterre.
