HOTEL SANDERS COPENHAGEN

The Art of Exceptional Hospitality

Step down a quiet cobbled street in Copenhagen’s historic centre and you will be pleasantly surprised by a hidden gem: a deep green awning, lush foliage, and carefully decorated tables and chairs that invite you to explore further. And as outside, so within — for the curious and the keen lovers of form alike, the inviting  exterior hints at the extraordinary welcome waiting inside.

Words by Leigh Maynard.

Step through the doors and the charm and elevated design language of Sanders Hotel Copenhagen immediately envelops you. True to its name, the reception, known as the 'Living Room,' feels like home — a particularly beautiful one. Decorated in warm caramels, soft terracottas, stained timber, honed marbles, velvet,  rattan, and the golden glow of crackling fireplaces, the space offers an instant embrace. Under a stunning vintage chandelier — crafted with 300 glass prisms by iconic architect Carlo Scarpa and handmade by Murano glass masters of Venini — the attentive staff greet you, a first glimpse of the thoughtfulness that defines a stay at Sanders. As Founder Alexander Kølpin, a former ballet dancer and director, intended, the scene is set. Together with design team Lind + Almond, Kølpin envisioned Sanders as a place where a sense of theatre pervades every turn — and  he delivers beautifully. So much so that Sanders was just named one of Travel and Leisure’s 500 best hotels. 

This landmark boutique hotel, comprising two artfully fused townhouses with 53 guest rooms, unfolds like a rich storybook: layer by layer, scene by scene. Spaces such as Sanders Kitchen, the Living Room, Bar Tata, and the rooftop terrace reveal their secrets through exquisite detail. 

Once a favoured haunt of Copenhagen’s cultural cognoscenti in the 1970s, Sanders today is surrounded by a similarly rich cultural landscape, with Christiansborg Palace and the Royal Danish Opera nearby. Alexander’s passion for art and history mirrors that of the building’s past patrons — a passion he eagerly shares with guests. 

“I’ve been telling stories all my life. Entering Sanders is like stepping into a theatre. Guests will always remain centre stage, but the carefully curated interiors will be the elegant backdrop for their experience. From the first note to the curtains closing, it is all about the journey you take a spectator on. I think about the guest experience at Sanders in a similar way,” says Kølpin.

Each space at Sanders, like a meticulously crafted set, has its own distinctive personality. From Tata, with its deco mirrors, sumptuous cushions, unique artworks and cosy, red-curtained nooks, to Sanders Kitchen with its crisp white tiles, greens accents, and dark woods, every corner feels alive with a story. The courtyard and rooftop terrace, rich with exotic plants, offer a breath of the outdoors within this curated world. Alexander's love of art is evident throughout, with carefully selected and commissioned pieces adorning every wall.

The rooms reflect his dedication to quality craftsmanship: oak floors, muted greens and slate greys, headboards and cabinetry woven with rattan detailing. Warm ambient lighting completes the welcoming setting. Suites, with roll-top baths, private kitchens, and dining areas, are exceptional, yet even the more intimate rooms offer a stay that will stay with you.

Dinner was introduced with care by our attentive waiter. The roasted cauliflower with hazelnuts was rich and flavourful, while the dessert — a lemon bavarois with biscuit, lemon curd, and crispy meringue — was light, zesty, and unforgettable. The Danish cheese platter, paired with rye bread and seasonal compote, showcased some of the best cheeses we have tasted. A personal touch we adored: the wines, lovingly named after Alexander's sons.

If Sanders Copenhagen were a play or a novel, it would be one you could not put down — or one you would return to again and again. From the exceptional service and knowledgeable staff to the sumptuous and carefully considered surroundings, each detail speaks of Alexander and his team's dedication to crafting a truly remarkable experience. 

The happiest part of our story?   We found our home-from-home in Copenhagen, without contest. 

The saddest? That Sanders — and Bar Tata, with its unforgettable 'Pale Paloma' —  isn't just around the corner from our real home, ready to welcome us back whenever we wish.

For more information, visit the Hotel Sanders website.