Words by Christopher Rosar
A former neoclassical palace with an esteemed pedigree, the Hotel d’Angleterre attracts guests ranging from royalty to actors, musicians to writers – Hans Christian Anderson stayed here often and has a suite named after him. For those looking for luxury and privacy d’Angleterre, as it is affectionately known, is the destination to head to on arrival into the chic Danish capital. The property has a celebrated Michelin-starred restaurant, Marchal, serving delicious French-Scandinavian dishes, an exclusive Balthazar Champagne Bar and a serenely relaxing spa.
The d’Angleterre stands on Kongens Nytorv Square in the beating heart of historical Copenhagen. She stands opposite Charlottenborg Palace, the Royal Theatre and Nyhavn. The famous shopping street of Strøget and the luxury department stores Illum and Magasin du Nord are a few minutes walk away. Amalienborg Palace, home to the Danish Royal Family, is nearby. The metro stop just on the square can whisk you directly to and from Kastrup international airport in under 30 minutes.
Hotel
The d’Angleterre stands on Kongens Nytorv Square in the beating heart of historical Copenhagen
D’Angleterre’s story began back in 1755, when a young French servant named Jean Marchal fell in love with the daughter of the Danish Royal Palace’s chef, Marie Coppy. The couple married and opened a gourmet restaurant on the site of the hotel that became a favourite of the aristocracy and later rebuilt as a hotel. Renovated extensively in 2013, the hotel has 92 exquisite rooms and suites, including the magnificent royal suite.
The check in was friendly and swift, the formality relaxed by the twist of a visually arresting original Andy Warhol portrait of Denmark’s very own Queen Margrethe II smiling down at us from above the reception desk – d’Angleterre has an impressive art collection.
The grand staircase off the lobby is one of the centrepieces of the hotel. The interior atmosphere and sense of space is set by ornate chandeliers, columns and muted colours. The spectacular ballroom is a popular location for weddings and has a rich history. It hosted legendary Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen on his return from the first ever South Pole expedition in 1912.
Room
Rooms and suites are individually styled with an elegant and luxurious décor
The superior suite was impressively large and tastefully furnished, and it was divided into three parts. A well appointed lounge area held a sofa, widescreen 40-inch Bang & Olufsen television, a well stocked minibar and a Nespresso coffee machine. In between was the large marble bathroom that featured a deep bath and walk-in shower. High-end Danish brand Amazing Space provided the bathroom products. The bedroom centred around a very comfortable king size bed, and the slippers and bath robes were delightfully soft and cosy. Each room in d’Angleterre is distinct and has its own singular touches, from balconies and fireplaces to original art.
Food and drink
Michelin-starred restaurant Marchal is run by the affable and talented executive chef Alexander Baert, who brings his French élan to Nordic cuisine
Michelin-starred restaurant Marchal is run by the affable and talented executive chef Alexander Baert, who brings his French élan to Nordic cuisine. We had a delicious lunch that was a highlight of our visit. The starters of canapés of lobster, yuzu and dill and then foie gras on brioche toast with port wine were spectacular. The presentation of each dish was an artistic delight.
We shared two main courses from the á la carte menu. The canette duck breast with beets, quince and duck sauce with spices was mouth-wateringly sublime while the Danish turbot with celeriac, blue mussels and champagne sauce was a warming, rich winter treat. We matched both dishes with the tasty Marchal signature vegetable salad. Marchal also serves Rossini beluga caviar served with blinis, herb créme fraîche and quail eggs. As would be expected, Marchal has an exceptional wine list.
Spa and wellness
Amazing Space is a sophisticated retreat from the bustle of the city
The hotel’s 2,000 square feet lower ground floor spa is overseen by Amazing Space. It is a sophisticated retreat from the bustle of the city and you can enjoy the sauna, hammam and large pool. The spa has an original menu of treatments from facials to massages. Danish supermodel Helena Christensen is a regular. Afterwards you can relax in the snug and snazzy Champagne bar Balthazar down the corridor from the spa and indulge your inner hygge.
In a nutshell
The stylish Danish capital boasts many great hotels but Hotel d’Angleterre is considered the Grande dame of them all.
Factbox
Rooms start from £680pn and are bookable via the hotel’s website. Breakfast included.
Address: 34 Kongens Nytorv, 1050, Copenhagen, Denmark
Phone: 0045 33 12 00 95
Email: info@dangleterre.com
Website: dangleterre.com
Photography courtesy of Hotel d’Angleterre.