Kongens Nytorv / Old Town

Wakeup Copenhagen Borgergade

★★★★★

Wakeup Copenhagen Borgergade is the answer to the most common problem of a trip to Copenhagen: the price of hotels. It is part of the Wakeup budget brand of the Danish Arp-Hansen group, and it combines low prices with a genuinely good location and good design. The hotel stands on Borgergade, in the historic district between Kongens Nytorv and Rosenborg Castle, a short walk from Nyhavn, Stroget, Amalienborg and the King's Garden, so the main sights of the old town are all reachable on foot. It was designed by the Danish architect Kim Utzon, and its modern building is light and well planned, with a large lobby and a breakfast restaurant in a glass atrium. It is a big hotel, and the rooms are compact, smart and functional, with comfortable beds, good showers and clever use of space; they are designed for sleeping rather than lingering, which is how most visitors use a hotel in Copenhagen. Room categories include larger rooms, connecting family rooms, and view rooms on the upper floors, called Wakeup Sky and Wakeup Heaven, with views over the rooftops and spires of the city, which are well worth the small supplement. Rates come in two kinds, a cheaper economy rate and a flexible rate that allows changes. Breakfast is optional and served in the atrium restaurant, the Wakeup Cafe next to reception sells beer, wine and cocktails, and drinks and snacks are available around the clock. Check-in is by self-service kiosk in the lobby or online through an app with a digital room key, and bicycle rental is available. For travellers who want to spend their money on Copenhagen rather than on their room, this is one of the best choices in the city.

The location is the hotel's greatest asset. Borgergade is in a quiet, central part of the old town, and from the door you can walk to Kongens Nytorv and Nyhavn in about five minutes, to Rosenborg and the King's Garden in about five minutes in the other direction, and to Amalienborg in about ten, in time for the changing of the guard. Kongens Nytorv metro station, with direct trains to the airport, is close by, which makes arrival and departure easy.

Rooms and extras: the standard rooms are small, so travellers with large luggage or families should consider the larger rooms or the family option of two connecting rooms. The Sky and Heaven rooms on the upper floors have views over the rooftops and are the best value upgrade. Breakfast in the glass atrium is a pleasant start to the day and saves the high price of breakfast in central cafes.

Who it suits: budget travellers, young travellers, friends on a city break and anyone who wants a clean, well-designed base in a central location at a fair price. Travellers who want a bar scene, a restaurant, a spa or space to relax in the room should look at the mid-range and luxury hotels instead.