Why book?

Hotel Bella Grande epitomizes all of the stellar qualities of Copenhagen: It’s lively yet calming, trendy yet timeless, and manages to serve up a much-needed dose of hygge—even in the city’s bustling old town.

Set the scene

Copenhagen Fashion Week may only occur twice a year, but staying at the Bella Grande recreates the city’s most fashionable event on the daily. You’ll find chic locals and out-of-towners strutting in and out of the hotel, partly because the highly photogenic design makes it an ideal spot for anyone who wants to see and be seen. The interiors combine vintage charm—think sexy red-tasseled room keys and red-and-white checkered bathrooms—with modern Scandinavian approachability for a place that feels like a cozy yet aspirational home away from home.

And although Bella Grande is relatively new to Copenhagen (it opened in 2024), the hotel has already become a hot spot amongst those in the know. Donna, the on-site restaurant, is the city’s quintessential special occasion spot for everything from birthday parties to date nights. The eatery is consistently buzzing with energy, making for a fabulously fun atmosphere that bleeds into the rest of the hotel.

The backstory

The team behind Hotel Bella Grande is no stranger to hospitality. Copenhagen Food Collective (Cofoco) got its start curating vibrant restaurants that draw culinary inspiration from Nordic traditions. Currently, the group runs 18 restaurants across the city—some Michelin-acclaimed. Hotel Bella Grande is the company’s second boutique hotel venture, behind Coco Hotel, in the Vesterbro neighborhood, which opened in 2020. One of Cofoco’s main initiatives is creating a more sustainable future at both properties, plus all of its restaurants.

The rooms

The rooms can best be described as minimalist but memorable, with a big emphasis on mood lighting, earth-toned velvet furniture, and photo-worthy vanity areas. The star of each room isn’t the fluffy, cloud-like bed (although that is great too), but rather the eye-catching red-and-white tiled bathrooms that enliven the otherwise simple design.

Bella Grande offers seven room types, ranging from singles and doubles to family suites complete with bunk beds. There are also a few suites that feature small, refined living spaces and balcony access. For a boutique hotel, the prices are pretty reasonable (starting at $150). I stayed in a double room on the top floor, which included private roof access with beautiful views of Copenhagen, and it provided more than enough space for a solo traveler.

Food and drink

The hotel’s restaurant, Donna, is one of the most popular in the city (you’ll absolutely need a reservation). The vast multi-room establishment—set within a five-story atrium in the center of the hotel—evokes cozy romance at every turn, swathed in marble busts, vibrant floral arrangements, and intricate wall carvings. Imagine a cross between a sunny Italian garden and a restored Parisian château, complete with antique floral couches and glossy tables. The cocktail lounge, specifically, takes on a more modern and moody atmosphere, with dark wood paneled floors, baby pink walls, and bold red ceilings.

The menu features classic Italian dishes with contemporary twists. There’s a wide selection of pastas, pizzas, and main courses, though you don’t want to skip over the appetizers—particularly the pizzette al tartufo, a fluffy flatbread stuffed with mascarpone cream and sprinkled with a heavy-handed dose of truffle shavings. Of the pastas, the ravioli (stuffed with spinach and ricotta and served in a light brown butter sage sauce) and the spaghetti di frutti di mare are complete standouts. For those who don’t imbibe, Donna also offers an impressive list of zero-proof options, including dealcoholized wine, which is hard to come by in Copenhagen restaurants, and the refreshing Basilico Fresco mocktail that’s far from glorified juice in a fancy glass.

The neighborhood/area

The hotel is in the most central spot within Copenhagen’s old town. You’re located near some of the prime tourist spots—just a 10- to 15-minute walk from historic rainbow houses along Nyhavn, Tivoli Gardens Amusement Park, and the Rosenborg castle—but won’t feel suffocated by crowds. Down the block from Bella Grande, you’ll find Copenhagen City Hall, with a vast square and the entrance to the smoothest-running metro system I’ve ever traveled upon. (Seriously, these trains rarely run late and are sparkling clean.)

If you go in the opposite direction of the city center, you’ll stumble upon the picturesque Copenhagen Lakes. In the summer, strolling and biking along the four reservoirs completely reset my nervous system; in the winter, the water becomes a frozen playground where people of all ages build snowmen and figure skate to their heart’s content. It’s quite whimsical to see.

The service

Casual yet professional. The staff are extremely friendly and are glad to help you book a restaurant or spa reservation nearby. Plus, you are able to contact the front desk 24/7 via WhatsApp with questions or requests, and they are quick to answer.

For families

While I didn’t witness any families staying at the hotel while I was there, Bella Grande does accommodate families of four with their family suites, which include bunk beds.

Eco effort

Bella Grande is powered by solar energy sourced from Cofoco’s solar farm in the Jutland region of Denmark.

Accessibility

Overall, Bella Grande is not well-suited to wheelchair users or those with mobility concerns. The entrance does not feature a ramp, and many of the guest bathrooms are not wheelchair accessible.

Anything left to mention?

One thing I didn’t get to take advantage of during my visit was the bike rentals. (I was there during a blizzard, so obviously, it wasn’t recommended.) Rentals are complimentary for those staying in Bella Grande’s suites, but anyone in the hotel can book the bikes to cycle around the extremely bike-friendly city for a small fee.