Review: Nimb Hotel in Copenhagen

Pulling up to Nimb Hotel in Copenhagen, it was after 10 p.m. and I was fresh off my seventh flight in as many days — needless to say, I was more than a little road-weary.

“You must be Kelly,” said a Nimb hotel employee as he opened the door of my taxi, collected my luggage and ushered me into the hotel. “We’ve been waiting for you.”

As soon as I entered Nimb, I realized that the hotel was also exactly what I had been waiting — and wanting — for. The elegant lobby was just a teaser for what awaited in my spacious, sumptuous suite: With 1920s-era music setting the mood, I felt totally transported as I tested out the couch, armchair and bed, before marveling at the working fireplace and the biggest freestanding bathtub I had ever seen.

Clients who appreciate attention to detail are sure to love the Nimb as much as I did. It seemed that every corner of my room held another surprise, from the minibar’s elegant crystal carafes of liquor and whole lime (twist, anyone?) to the sleep set left out on the bed, complete with earplugs, a lavender sachet and the room-service breakfast menu. In the bathroom, I found a Dyson hairdryer and a box full of additional amenities, from make-up remover pads to a razor and shave gel, toothpaste and a toothbrush, a manicure set and more. If the property was looking to anticipate my every need, they had thoroughly succeeded.

Rooms and Suites

My superb suite is just one example of the Nimb’s 38 accommodations, each of which is uniquely decorated with hand-picked art and upscale antiques.

The hotel, which was built in 1909, originally had just 17 guestrooms. In 2008, the property reopened after an extensive renovation that added personal style to each room — a design aesthetic that carried over when it added 21 accommodations in 2017 within the newly built Tivoli Corner. 

Altogether, the interior design seamlessly blends the ambiance of Old-World Europe with modern luxuries (such as that Dyson hairdryer), making it easy to see how the property became a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

Location, Location, Location 

Guests staying at Nimb are privileged in another way, too: The hotel’s location offers easy access to just about any part of  Copenhagen.

On one side of the hotel, an appropriately theatrical, Moorish-inspired exterior faces (and perfectly captures) the playful Tivoli Gardens. Even better, Nimb guests have complimentary access to the theme park, which dates back to 1843 and is the second oldest in the world. Exiting on that side of the property takes travelers straight into the park, skipping the entrance lines and offering easy access to rides, restaurants and scenic walks.

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It's worth noting that most rooms and suites face Tivoli and come with fantastic views, but also some associated noise. It didn’t bother me much (and I felt that it quieted down at a reasonable time of night), but if clients are sensitive to noise, travel advisors may want to let them know.

On the other side of the hotel, the entrance out into the city looks minimalist and modern, and offers prime access to Copenhagen’s historic core, where many of its top attractions are located. While out on a walking tour that left from the hotel lobby, I took in city hall; Stroget, an extensive pedestrian-only street full of shops; Amalienborg Palace, home to Denmark’s royal family; Rosenborg Castle and its scenic gardens; the city’s three lakes; and the iconic Nyhavn waterfront area. (Clients could also easily get around by bike or the nearby metro.)

Nimb Brasserie, Fru Nimb and More Dining Options

On-site dining at Nimb Hotel comes by way of two upscale restaurants that focus on organic, sustainable and locally sourced products. 

Nimb Brasserie is an elegant, light-filled French bistro that looks over Tivoli Gardens and serves three meals per day. Breakfast fare includes a selection of continental breakfast bites, plus a la carte dishes including Danish rye bread porridge, a spinach waffle, a croque madame sandwich and more. Come dinner, guests can enjoy special offerings such as three-course seasonal menus or an oyster and Champagne pairing, or opt for menu items ranging from caviar to white asparagus with hollandaise, fried North Sea cod, steak frites and much more.

Fru Nimb, meanwhile, offers a variety of takes on the classic Danish open-faced sandwich smorrebrod (available for lunch). The eatery’s dinner menu features cold-smoked salmon, wiener schnitzel, a vegetarian version of biksemad (a kind of Danish hash) and other options. 

Clients with a sweet tooth should be sure to visit Cakenhagen, associated with the hotel but located inside Tivoli Gardens. Gorgeous, delicate cakes, French macarons and other tasty treats are the order of the day, and can be paired with coffee, tea or — my vote — Champagne. 

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Finally, I’d recommend the afternoon tea in Nimb Bar for the ambiance alone. The bar, located in its own secluded area of the hotel, is elegantly yet whimsically decorated, with a cozy fireplace at one end. Bookings are available multiple times per day, and include two different teas paired with sweet and savory treats. 

Pool and Wellness

Nimb’s rooftop is a prime place to relax, thanks to its pool, terrace and bar — served with a side of stunning Copenhagen and Tivoli views. During the summer, the rooftop also plays host to a program of events, such as dinner concerts, jazz performances and even opera. 

Hotel guests also have free access to Nimb Wellness, which includes a fitness studio, a Moroccan-style hammam and a relaxation area. Treatments such as massages, facials, newly added infrared therapy and more are also available for booking. 

For me, however, the beauty of Nimb Hotel is that the entire experience felt like an exercise in wellness. From its serene public spaces and impeccable service to all the pampering in-room extras, I left the property feeling rested, rejuvenated — and above all, eager to return.