Why book?

To sleep in one of Denmark’s most iconic luxury hotels, get lost in the second-oldest amusement park in the world, and feel the pulse of central Copenhagen – all with a single reservation. Fewer logistics, less mental load. Bliss.

The backstory

Like most good stories, this one begins a long time ago. In 1909, to be precise, when Knud Arne Petersen, artistic director of the Tivoli Gardens and an inspired architect, built a new “Bazar”. Monumental, Moorish in spirit, it was later renamed Nimb in honour of chef and restaurateur Louise Nimb. From day one, she and her husband ran one of the city’s finest restaurants here.

Fast forward to today. Minaret-like columns, half-moon doors and a crenellated marble façade contrast with interiors where understated elegance meets carefully sourced furniture. Expanded in 2017, Nimb now offers a rooftop pool, a beautiful spa and a boutique. Despite all this, nothing here feels overwhelming. No mega-complex energy, no getting lost in endless corridors. Quite logically, Nimb has been a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World since 2011.

Set the scene

Confession: this may be the first time I’ve struggled to find the entrance to a hotel I was actively trying to check into. Blame it on the images I’d studied beforehand, all of them focused on Nimb’s inner façade, facing the Tivoli Gardens. From the street, near Copenhagen Central Station, nothing suggests that a Moorish-inspired luxury hotel with just 38 rooms and suites is hiding here. My advice? Persevere. Walk towards the white, glass doors just to the left of what looks like a florist (it is theirs – Flowers by Nimb). Inside, rare woods sit alongside glass and metal, light bouncing everywhere, nature flowing in from the gardens beyond. As the only hotel located within the Tivoli Gardens, Nimb is as much a destination as it is a place to stay, be it for a drink by the rooftop pool (yes, really) or a whispered late-night conversation in its spectacular wine cellar.

The rooms

Behind each glossy black wooden door lies a little treasure, ranging from 23 to 240 square metres. Scandinavian luxury reveals itself in the details: unique artworks, local spirits and beers at your disposal, Bang & Olufsen sound systems and Geismars bedding. What struck me most is how un-hotel-like the rooms feel. Each one is individually decorated and there are no oversized chairs nor shouty colours. You might even catch yourself taking photos, mentally noting a lamp or an armchair to hunt down once you’re back home.

Food & drink

Hungry? Good. Nimb doesn’t make choosing easy. Nimb Brasserie, Nimb Roof, Nimb Bar, Fru Nimb, Nimb American Bar (why not capitalise on a name that works?), The Pagoda or Cakenhagen are all options here. On the rooftop and at the bars, refreshing cocktails meet wines pulled from a seriously impressive cellar. At the brasserie, French classics are reworked beneath vast glass ceilings. Fru Nimb delivers the chicest possible take on a Danish sandwich bar: fresh, seasonal and unfussy, inspired by the one opened over a century ago. The Pagoda hosts Michelin-starred chefs from around the world in the Tivoli’s Chinese Tower, in pop-up form that rivals the city’s best tables. Still standing? Cakenhagen awaits, with pastries you can eat in or take away. Special mention for the lemon and verbena shrovetide bun, best enjoyed with a cup of hot herbal tea.

Wellness

Today, the real test of a hotel’s quality lies partly in the spa and gym. This is where you see whether a place’s creative vision holds up beyond the obvious. Across 300 square metres: treatment rooms, hammam, a Technogym-equipped fitness room and a special, heated gym at 34°C. I opted for a deeply reviving sports massage and asked for “strong” pressure which was miraculously respected. I barely opened my eyes the entire time. Design-wise, the mosaics and arches subtly echo the building’s Moorish roots.

For families

Let’s not forget: the hotel sits inside the Tivoli Gardens, the second-oldest amusement park in the world. And while Nimb doesn’t scream “family hotel” at first glance, everything has been thought through. Park tickets, child-friendly mini-bars, adorable miniature bathrobes that you might want (but won’t!) steal, age-appropriate surprises and even bedtime stories. Need some space? Babysitting services and teen-friendly personal shopping in the city can be arranged. No judgement. Do what you have to do.

Eco effort

Right by the entrance I initially missed, a fleet of Nimb-branded bicycles awaits guests keen to explore Copenhagen at a slower pace. The hotel is heated using the city’s energy network, solar panels cover part of its needs, and single-use plastics have been banned from its restaurants. On the plate? Local and seasonal, of course. These efforts earned Nimb a Green Key from Horesta in 2024.

Accessibility

Nimb offers several rooms with wide doorways suitable for wheelchair users (best to contact the hotel to secure the right configuration). Grab bars can be added in bathrooms, and all areas are accessible by lift. As for the Tivoli Gardens, extensive measures ensure equal access, including free admission for carers and access for assistance dogs.

Anything left to mention

All hotel guests are given a special pass, granting access to the Tivoli Gardens, even at night. And no, you won’t have to queue. Back in your room, airport-grade triple-glazed windows keep the excitement firmly at bay. Whether travelling solo like we did, as a couple, a family or with friends, this is very much a go-to.