First Hotel Kong Frederik

Travelers choose this property for its commanding location and prestigious reputation; the hotel is indeed the oldest in the city, and its Wall of Fame plaque showcases prior patrons that range from pop icons, to political figures. Behind 19th-century stone facades, an old-fashioned yet stylish feel pervades throughout cozy interiors, and light from an internal courtyard keeps spaces bright. Paneled black walls in the striking lobby contrast a white coffered ceiling, illuminated oil paintings, and comfy armchairs in popping yellows and pistachios. The mix of old-fashioned and contemporary styles continues in the bright restaurant and indoor courtyard, where leather seating around a plant centerpiece is airy under lofty glass ceilings. The vibe is relaxed, and sightseeing leisure travelers join corporate guests and families. Limited amenities here mean no gym or dedicated bar, but the restaurant has a drinks spot, and the city's offerings are a short walk.

The hotel's central location may translate to noise in rooms, but it's a stellar pick for visiting the city. Copenhagen's City Hall and Square are within a five-minute walk, with main Stroget shopping street one minute farther. The Hans Christian Andersen Fairy-Tale House is a similar distance and amusement park, Tivoli Gardens, is about eight minutes. Nearby streets are packed with hip cafes, bars, and restaurants, and street food at Torvehallerne is a 12-minute walk. A bus stopping outside the hotel runs to many destinations, including the trendy Vesterbo district. Copenhagen Central Train Station is a nine-minute walk, while Copenhagen Airport is an 18-minute drive, or 21 minutes by public transport.

Well-appointed rooms come in Romantic, Classic, or Library styles, all of which are elegant and contemporary. Categories range from tiny Singles up to Suites, though none fit more than three adults. Striped, floral, or book-motif wallpapers and dark-wood furniture are accented by comfy beds topped with bed runners and matching throw pillows in forest green, blue, or silver. Quilted headboards and framed artworks are classy, but the colored carpet feels dated. Other downsides include a lack of AC (expect in Suites) and noise from nearby bars or morning trash collections. Additionally, rooms facing the internal courtyard lack fresh air, although fans are provided.Phones, cable flat-screen TVs, desks, and minibars with free soft drinks come standard, alongside safes and ironing facilities in mirrored wardrobes. White-tiled bathrooms can be tiny or spacious, and their shower/tub combos may have an awkward setup that can flood floors. Still, they come with toiletries and hairdryers. Upgrades add seating areas, slippers, and robes, while executive rooms supply kettles and Nespresso machines. Starting at 670 square feet (65 square meters), Suites have living rooms and city-view terraces. Sadly, other rooms may face walls. Room Wi-Fi and crib fittings are free.

Features here are limited, but that's expected for a historic city hotel. The aptly named "Italian" restaurant serves pizzas, pastas, and a breakfast buffet with an Italian twist, plus it offers a kids' menu. The modern space consists of glossy white brick, hanging lamps, light-wood tables and stools at the sit-up bar, and a butcher-inspired mural. Note, the restaurant is closed for lunch on Sundays. Guests can help themselves to free tea and Nespresso-dispensed coffee in the lobby lounge, and the airy courtyard offers a peaceful place to lounge. The 24-hour front desk also sells drinks and snacks. Although many guests are here for leisure, four meeting rooms managed by the restaurant hold between eight and 34 people, and a guest iMac in the lobby is free to use. Unfortunately, there's no gym. Many guests opt in for bike rentals though, and they're a popular way to explore the city. Travelers are generally without vehicles, and the hotel has no on-site parking, but paid parking lots are nearby. Pets are welcome for a fee, while Wi-Fi is free throughout.