We review Nimb Hotel, a Moorish-style palace in Copenhagen facing the Tivoli Gardens

It’s hard not to stop and stare at the impressive architectural feat of the Nimb Hotel. The Moorish-inspired ‘Bazaar’ was designed by Tivoli director and architect Knud Arne Petersen, a palace-esque marble façade facing one of the world’s oldest amusement parks. Nimb opened in 1909, at the time with just 17 rooms, but later expanded to 38 with the addition of Tivoli Corner. Awards upon awards rolled in, for the hotel and also for its food and beverage outlets, and today Nimb is to Copenhagen what The Ritz is to London. The Hotel Journal unpacks our bags in a Junior Suite for a dose of glamour in the Danish capital.

While this stay was complimentary, all thoughts and opinions are our own

Nimb Hotel Copenhagen review

Hotel snapshot

Hotel: Nimb Hotel
Address: Bernstorffsgade 5, 1577 Copenhagen, Denmark
Number of rooms: 38 individually designed rooms and suites
Brand: Independent luxury hotel and member of Small Luxury Hotels’ Finest Collection
Year opened: 1909 (luxury hotel within Copenhagen’s historic Tivoli Gardens)
Style: Fairytale-inspired boutique luxury combining Moorish architecture, Danish design and contemporary five-star comforts
Family amenities: Direct private access to Tivoli Gardens, family-friendly rooms and suites, children’s welcome amenities, and easy access to Copenhagen’s top attractions
Wellness facilities: 300m² Nimb Wellness with Moroccan hammam, steam room, relaxation lounge, fitness studio, treatment rooms, and an exclusive rooftop terrace with heated pool overlooking Tivoli Gardens
Best for: Romantic city breaks, luxury travellers, food lovers, special celebrations and anyone wanting the most exclusive address in Copenhagen
Prices starting from: DKK 6,000 (£700) per night, depending on season and room category.

Season’s greetings from the Tivoli Gardens

As the world’s second-oldest amusement park, Tivoli Gardens has been a base for holiday memories since way back in 1843. This isn’t just roller coasters and Ferris wheels (although those are some key draws), it’s a central destination, dotted with markets, restaurants, light shows, and there’s even an ice rink. At the time of our visit, Christmas cheer was in full effect, but the park is in fact open all year round with themes that align with each season, whether that be a summer concert series or spooky Halloween pop-ups. Visit the website for full details on each season’s makeover.

Nimb sits right by the entrance of the park, and we were delighted to find that hotel guests get VIP access to Tivoli Gardens and complimentary unlimited ride tickets, which are valid throughout each stay. Something we obviously took full advantage of in the evening (the lights are more magical after sunset).

The Junior Suite

Every room within this boutique hotel is uniquely outfitted, infusing the best of Danish design and hygge ethos. Our Junior Suite was well-sized, the focal point of a four-poster bed surrounded by original works of art. It really was like wrapping up in your own palace wing. All of Nimb’s bedrooms and suites, with the exception of one, have window views of Tivoli Gardens. Ours at room number 13 provided a mesmerising moment to sit and enjoy the twinkling lights from multiple angles.

The log fire area was the cosiest nook to park at on a winter’s day. Snuggle up with a good read from their coffee table selection, sip on a cup of Mariage Freres tea, or turn the chair to face the gardens, and the hours will melt away. You need to ring down and request that they put on the fire for you for safety reasons.

Bang & Olufsen is the room companion, but with views and a very enticing bathtub, we doubt you’ll be watching much TV. The bathroom was generously proportioned – large enough for a deep soak oval bathtub that fits two. Pamper products came from the Amouage brand. A pair of soft Nimb slippers and a robe were tucked under the sink, so you need not run outside in search of cover. 

The minibar is rather exciting. Aside from alcoholic beverages, the snacks and soft drinks were all complimentary. It’s a chance to sample what Nimb proudly wants to showcase of Denmark, including local crisps, chocolate-coated liquorice, and even kombucha. You’ll discover a new favourite for the ride home.

Food and drink

Nimb is somewhat of a gastronomic universe, with multiple F&B destinations to select from. These are popular with locals and travelling guests alike, who come for French cuisine at Nimb Brasserie and Danish open-faced sandwiches at Fru Nimb. Nimb has its own patisserie, Cakenhagen, an irresistible counter filled with cream cakes, pastries, and delicate petits fours.

We didn’t have a chance to dine at Nimb’s except for breakfast, which was beautifully presented, part buffet and part à la carte options. The highlight? Danish pastries, of course.

Meanwhile, Nimb Bar serves cocktails and afternoon teas under chandeliers (at our time of visit, they were fairy tale themed), and in the summer, Nimb Roof is where to join in on a DJ soundtracked event.

Wellness

The hotel’s wellness facility is a spacious sanctuary comprising a fitness studio, hammam and steam area, and a relaxation lounge complete with loungers, tea facilities, and lush green decor. Guests have complimentary access to the facilities, and there are treatments available for a fee.

Nimb also has a roof terrace, and when the sun is scorching, guests can enjoy its emerald green pool, with an adjacent bar to keep the frolics going.

Things to do in the area

To tick off all the star attractions, like Rosenborg Castle and the National Museum, we recommend the Copenhagen Card (which you’ll use as an app on your smartphone). It includes entry to over 80 places of interest, and free transportation between them, including to the airport, all the way to Elsinore.

Visit Copenhagen has some solid itinerary suggestions, and if you’re looking for a Christmas skate, look no further than Broens Skøjtebane. One of our favourite scenic wonders is the Nyhavn Canal, and it’s always great for photos. If you want a magazine-worthy photoshoot, you can hire a local Flytographer. We did that on another trip and had some epic snaps, and would have done it here if we had more time (and it was warmer to stay outside).

That being said, Copenhagen is hot in the kitchen, and if you’re looking for an unforgettable meal, you’ve come to the right place. We had dinner at Ark, a vegan restaurant that won a Green Michelin Star award for its dedication to sustainability. This is truly our favourite eatery in Scandinavia. Everything from your plate to the table it’s placed on is designed and constructed mindfully for the planet, and the team’s innovative mastery will change all perceptions of vegan dining. Dishes are seasonal and use local produce—Ark co-owns a mushroom farm. At the time of dining, we enjoyed lion’s mane mushrooms, which were unlike anything we’d ever tasted before. Definitely do the wine pairings, selected from natural wines, though the non-alcoholic options are equally delightful and have an impact on every note, sometimes even with a change.

Frequently asked questions: Nimb Hotel