Worth Traveling For
My balcony at Nimb Hotel hovers over Tivoli Gardens as if it were one of the most exclusive rides at this storied Danish amusement park — the second oldest in the world. I feel like I’m flying above the humming throng of revelers as they mill about playing classic (but upscale) carnival games, shopping in vogue-ish boutiques, canoodling on benches, and dining at pop-up Michelin-starred restaurants and other gastronomic, park-sited epicurean hotspots. I think back to a conversation I had recently with a Danish friend in Italy as we extolled the virtues of Nimb and the park.
“You can’t really explain Tivoli Gardens to someone who hasn’t been here, can you? I say to Jeanette Thottrup, who owns Borgo Santo Pietro (a sublime hotel in Tuscany) and Seed to Skin, a luxurious organic skincare line. She’s a Dane, and she knows. “It’s impossible,” she agrees. “It isn’t Disney.” In fact, Tivoli may have inspired Disney, but this nearly 200-year-old playground, though accented with modern flourishes, set in the city center, seems thankfully frozen in time. It’s richly small and not a bit garish. Up market, yet old-fashioned, Tivoli Gardens (and Nimb Hotel as a part of it) feels like a portal to a fairytale. That’s all very apropos considering that Copenhagen remains the bailiwick not just of mid-century modern design, but of Hans Christian Andersen, too.
Hotel Highlights
Overall, this is hygge without precedent or pretense. Nimb cossets, strikes awe, and stirs souls.
Obviously Copenhagen’s known for its Michelin-starred food — even its hot dogs get rave reviews. But, at Nimb, which began ages ago as a renowned restaurant, you’ll partake of delights from six distinct eateries, plus a few magical bars. Some occupy space in the hotel, others lie in the park. Nimb Brasserie, the all-day restaurant, is atmospheric and buzzy; Cakenhagen tempts with first-class pastries, and Gemyse, set amid leafy trees, features plant-based gastronomic dishes. We love Fru Nimb for its offerings of smørrebrød, that towering Danish open-faced sandwich and, of course, the au courant Nimb Rooftop does sunset snacks and cocktails with festive verve. Bar Nimb is quixotic — its literary-inspired drinks honor Hans Christian Andersen and awaken the inner child within thanks to their creativity. In the park, The Japanese Pagoda hosts Michelin-starred chef pop ups year round under Nimb’s tutelage.
In terms of wellness, the spa balances Tivoli’s vivified mood and Copenhagen’s general haute chic with an ambiance that exudes utter tranquility. Besides the rooftop pool with its counter current for in-place lap swimmers, a state-of-the-art Technogym and a Crossfit room support fitness. Overall, the spa reflects the Moorish undertones of the building with a Turkish hammam, mosaics, and keyhole arches.
Rooms And Experience
I’ve stayed at Nimb many times, though not enough to have tried every single one of the hotel’s gobsmacking 38 rooms and suites. As thrilling as opening a fetchingly wrapped gift, each black lacquered door opens to a sight sure to elicit a shriek of delight.
Unique, each room and suite holds deftly placed treasures, both modern and antique, from chunky candlesticks to Scandi artwork including covetable lamps, art books arranged just so, Geismars bedding, and four-poster beds. Everything is state of the art — think high-end Bang & Olufsen electronics. Bedroom-sized bathrooms with huge soaking tubs (big enough for two) and shower fixtures originally designed for Copenhagen’s Christiansborg Palace are stocked with Meraki bath products, anti-aging masks, and shaving kits — what a joy. Most rooms have fireplaces. Many have terraces — and that’s what I’d book again as it’s part of the extraordinary experience. I love the Terrace Junior Suite when traveling alone, though it has plenty of space for two.
What to Know Before You Book
Nimb Hotel is open year round, but Tivoli Gardens closes a few times a year to prepare for its biggest seasons. (It’s generally open mid-April-January.) If visiting the park is a priority (and we recommend it for its history, glamorous ambiance, and upscale fun), plan your stay when Tivoli Gardens is abuzz.
Address: Bernstorffsgade 5, 1577 Copenhagen, Denmark
Closest Airport: Copenhagen Airport (CPH) is a 15-minute drive to the hotel
Feature image by Anders Bøggild, courtesy of Nimb Hotel. Travel Curator may earn a commission for booking links on this page.
