1) I was in London businesswise in July 2005 when terrorists targeted the public transport system and several bombs exploded in the tubes and on busses in the morning rush hour. The only reason why I was not in one of the tubes on fire was my kind collegue from Denmark, coming up to me in the lobby of the hotel, smiling and saying, "I am so old, they pay me a taxi to go to the conference venue. Do you want to join me? There is room in the car!" So I went with her and was lucky not to get blown up. (Other collegues went by tube this morning and definately had stories to tell, many of them about fire and explosion.) This warmed me up for Denmark and its very kind people enormously.
2) For my thesis I had to do a lot of research on Hans Christian Andersen, and while reading his diaries I learned a lot about Denmark, its rough sea and its long, cold Winters at warm fireplaces. So this wish built up inside me to go and see it all for myself.
It was a very early flight but the cool thing is: From Vienna you are in Copenhagen at 8.30 a.m. and have a full day ahead.
Our hotel was the BELLA SKY COMWELL, a very stylish hotel, only recently built, and we learned that it won "Best Architecture in Europe” at the International Hotel Awards, which is actually no surprise if you see it for yourself. http://www.bellaskycomwell.dk/hotelsite2011/frontpage/?gclid=CN2YnNbRlLQCFcq9zAoduEsAhw
The Nordic people definately have a feeling for design - just think of Finnland´s Iittala or Marimekko, or IKEA from Sweden - and just the same is found in Denmark. The difference to the often stylish but cold design I found in many other places of the world like e.g. Miami Beach with its loads of glass and coolness: The design in the Nordic countries is mostly very practical and still comfy at the same time.
Everywhere were lights and green - real green by the way, no plastic stuff - and the staff of the hotel was extremely friendly. And if you sat on one of the design chair it was always comfy.
Our room of course was the same. Stylish but so very comfortable! The best shower in the world, and the bed was heaven.
I need not say anything more about the skybar. Comfy seats, wonderful view, lovely staff, nice drinks.
The hotel is situated in an area outside Copenhagen which they probably want to build up. The station (bus and metro) is called Bella Center, but actually we did not see much of a center except our hotel. Still it only takes you 15 minutes to the very center of Copenhagen, which is fabulous of course! But still you can take photos like this just by stepping outside....
I definately would recommend this hotel any time, we really, really loved it.
Food is ridiculously expensive in Denmark, I was told that it is the high taxes, and I guess the people living there cope with it and have an income that is adapted. But if you come from a non-nordic country (except Switzerland or Japan) it really is ridiculous. A nice sandwich and a coke easily can come up to 100 Denish Crowns, which would be around € 14,-. So you better make sure that you book your hotel with breakfast, and I assure you you won´t be disappointed. Nowhere in Scandinavia I ever got a breakfast buffet that was not ample and with everything you could think of and wish for.
And there is something else I recommend in Denmark: The Yam-yam chain! It is basically an Asian food chain that offers a certain number of dishes, you simply chose if you want noodles or rice and which of the dishes on top, you will find Chicken Tikka Masala, Yellow Thai Curry, aso. And believe me: Outside Asia I have never had better Asian food! You smell the fresh ingredients, taste the Coconut milk... and it is actually a bargain compaired to a "real" restaurant. It is to go, but you can also sit down and enjoy it right there.
Yes, shopping is an issue in Denmark! In Copenhagen you find lots of great (and wonderfully decorated) shops and department stores - the most popular being the famous "Illum" - and people definately enjoy going shopping there. Of course it is expensive for non-Scandinavians, but of course you can get a tax exempt any time. We bought a little something for me, but I will officially only get it at Christmas. *smile* Usually people go to places like New York or London for Christmas shopping, that is fine of course, but try Copenhagen the next time!
The Christmas spirit is anywhere to be found in this lovely country, so do come here in Winter time and enjoy it! Go with the flow, experience the very special flair and get to know Denmark and its kind people! We certainly loved it and are absolutely happy that we chose exactly this time of the year to come here. Here you see the Townhall and its Christmas tree, so I am really close now to tell you more of the sights and the place itself. More to come soon.
Until then: Have a good time!
