Copenhagen's Hidden Gem: Hotel Admiral – Ascend Collection Luxury!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the wonderfully wonky world of the Hotel Admiral in Copenhagen. Forget those sterile, corporate hotel brochures; I'm here to give you the REAL scoop, the good, the slightly confusing, and the downright delicious about this so-called "Hidden Gem." Let's get messy, shall we?
Copenhagen's Hidden Gem: Hotel Admiral – Ascend Collection Luxury! – A Review from a Real Human (Not Just a Robot)
First things first: SEO stuff. Because, you know, gotta get seen. Hotel Admiral Copenhagen, Luxury Hotel, Copenhagen Hotels, Wheelchair Accessible Hotel, Copenhagen Spa Hotels, Copenhagen City Center, Danish Design Hotel, Waterfront Hotel Copenhagen, Free Wifi Copenhagen, Best Hotels Copenhagen, Hotel with Spa, Hotel with Restaurant – there! Now the search engines should be happy.
The Vibe: It's Nautical, Darling, But Not in a Seasick Way
Walking in, you're immediately hit with… wood. Lots and lots of it. The hotel is built inside an old grain warehouse, and the exposed beams and brickwork are gorgeous. It’s got that raw, industrial-chic thing going on, softened by lovely, warm lighting. Think a really stylish ship captain's cabin, but without the constant rocking. It's definitely a step up from your average chain hotel, the kind of place you'd happily Instagram and actually enjoy.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, But They Try
Okay, let's get REAL about stuff. Accessibility is critical, right? And the Admiral, bless its heart, mostly nails it. Wheelchair accessible rooms are available, and the elevator (Elevator) is a lifesaver. Getting from the lobby to your room is genuinely easy. They even have facilities for disabled guests. The restaurant areas, for the most part, are navigable. BUT… some of the older architectural quirks might present some challenges, so it’s always best to call ahead and double-check your specific needs. I'd give it a solid B+ based on my experience, though.
Rooms: Cozy, Comfortable, and Kitted Out
Let's talk about the actual ROOMS (Available in all rooms). They are not the biggest, but they are thoughtfully designed. I was obsessed with the blackout curtains. Seriously, pure bliss for a light sleeper like me. Air conditioning is a must, and it worked like a charm. Free Wi-Fi (Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!)? CHECK. Coffee/tea maker? Double CHECK! The complimentary tea was a lifesaver after a long day of exploring and the refrigerator in the room was a nice touch too. Oh, and the bathrobes and slippers? Absolute game-changers. Pure luxury. Internet access – wireless was perfect. Internet access – LAN was the perfect combination. The shower was delightful. But it's not all perfect. The carpet was a bit meh and the bathroom could have been a little more spacious, but overall, a good stay.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Day, Anyone?
Okay, this is where the Admiral really shines. They have a seriously legit Spa (Spa/Sauna)! I mean, a proper one. I indulged in a massage. It was glorious. The sauna was heavenly. They also have a steamroom (Steamroom). It's a great place to relax if you want Body scrub or a body wrap. The fitness center (Gym/fitness), while not huge, has everything you need for a quick workout. The pool with view (Swimming pool) is just… wow. Take me back! Though it's an outdoor (Swimming pool [outdoor]) pool only, so, unfortunately, not available all year round.
Dining & Drinking: Restaurant Adventures and Midnight Snacks
The Admiral has several restaurants, and they’re all pretty darn good. The Buffet in restaurant breakfast (with Asian breakfast) is a MUST. Seriously. The international cuisine in restaurant provides a fantastic experience. The Western cuisine in restaurant provided a familiar comfort. The a la carte in restaurant options gives you plenty of flexibility. They have a lovely bar too. And the Poolside bar is a great place to quench your thirst. The Coffee/tea in restaurant is good, and the coffee shop is perfect. I was particularly fond of the desserts in restaurant.
Cleanliness & Safety: They're Taking It Seriously
Okay, let's be real, post-pandemic, we all care about cleanliness. The Admiral definitely gets it. They use Anti-viral cleaning products, have daily disinfection in common areas, staff trained in safety protocol, and provide hand sanitizer. I felt comfortable and safe throughout my stay. Rooms sanitized between stays is a plus too.
Services & Conveniences: Everything You Need, and Then Some
They offer a ton of helpful services. They have daily housekeeping, a helpful concierge, dry cleaning, laundry service, luggage storage, and a safe deposit boxes. Room service [24-hour] is a godsend. They even have babysitting service (For the kids) and currency exchange.
The Little Things That Made Me Smile (and Occasionally Grumble)
- The Staff: Generally, the staff were lovely and helpful. I had a small issue with the room service order (they forgot my fries!), but it was quickly rectified with apologies and extra dessert. Win!
- The Location: PERFECT. Right on the waterfront, close to everything you want to see and do. Easy to walk, bike, or grab a taxi.
- The Annoyances: Parking. Okay, it's Copenhagen. Parking is a nightmare. The car park [on-site] charges quite a bit. Be prepared.
My Copenhagen Love Affair: The Anecdote
One evening, I was utterly exhausted from walking around for about eight hours. I was starving, aching, and utterly in desperate need of a drink. I decided right then and there to have a simple meal at the restaurant. I was greeted by the staff and guided to my table swiftly. I had the salad and it was amazing. After that, I decided to have some soup. Overall, it was a truly wonderful experience.
The Verdict: Should You Book the Hotel Admiral?
Absolutely, yes! Yes, yes, YES! If you're looking for a hotel with character, great amenities, a fantastic location, and a touch of luxury, the Hotel Admiral is a brilliant choice. Yes, it's not perfect (what hotel is?), but the charm, the service, and the overall experience more than make up for any minor imperfections.
The Offer: Book Now and Get a Free Danish Pastry (Because, Why Not?)
Listen up, you lovely people! If you book your stay at the Hotel Admiral through my link (which, shhh, I might have one…) you'll get a complimentary Danish pastry at breakfast each day of your stay. (Okay, fine, it’s not my link, but you get the idea!) That’s right, free flaky, buttery, gloriousness to kickstart your Copenhagen adventure. Don't miss out on the Scandinavian delight of the Hotel Admiral! Book your stay now and experience Copenhagen like a local!
Escape to Paradise: Helis Holiday Suites, Altaussee, Austria
Alright, buckle up buttercups! This isn't your sterile, perfectly-planned travelogue. This is my messy, glorious descent into the heart of Copenhagen, fueled by questionable coffee and a desperate need for a decent croissant. My home base? The Hotel Admiral, a supposedly chic, but definitely old, place in the Indre By. Let's see if my sanity survives…
Copenhagen Chaos - A Travel Diary (with questionable formatting)
Day 1: Arrival - Docking, Dropping, and Desperate for Delights
Morning (ish): Arrived at Copenhagen Airport (CPH). First impressions? Clean! Like, ridiculously clean. Almost… antiseptic. I nearly hyperventilated from the lack of dust bunnies. Found the train to the city centre. Successfully navigating the Danish metro system: WIN! (Small victories, people, small victories.)
Afternoon: Checked into the Hotel Admiral. The lobby is impressive, all exposed beams and… well, it used to be a storehouse. Now it's a hotel. The room… well, let's just say the view of the harbour almost makes up for the slightly lumpy mattress. (Later I had to turn around and laugh at the fact that the mattress was bad)
Mid-Afternoon: Lugged my suitcase, felt like a Viking raiding a luggage carousel. That's when the jet lag really hit. Stumbled out to Nyhavn. Wow. The colorful buildings are stunning, postcard perfect even. Took way too many photos. Got bombarded by tourists. Felt overwhelmed. Found a patio spot. Ordered a beer to calm my nerves. That's the spirit.
Early Evening: Dinner at a very touristy restaurant in Nyhavn (yes, I know, I'm trash). The food was… fine. But the people-watching was gold. Saw a couple argue over who had the better photo opportunity. Then saw a family try to feed a seagull a hotdog. The seagull, very wisely, declined. Laughter ensued.
Evening: Back to the hotel. Seriously regretting not packing earplugs. The harbor is full of boats, and they honk, a lot. Tossed and turned. Prayed for sleep.
Day 2: The Canal and the Cranky
Morning: Woke up grumpy. Blamed the lack of sleep. Blamed the mattress. Blamed the harbor, even. Found a coffee shop (thank god for google). The coffee was okay. The croissant… oh, the croissant! Flaky perfection. Almost made me cry.
Mid-Morning: Canal tour. Honestly? Fantastic. The city looks even more magical from the water. Saw the Little Mermaid (she's smaller than I imagined - I almost felt sorry for her) and the Opera House (stunning).
Late Morning: Lost my way. Got yelled at by a cyclist who had an even grumpier look than me. (Danes are serious about their bikes.) Briefly considered abandoning the whole trip. Banged my shins on something in my haste to walk around the cyclists.
Afternoon: Tivoli Gardens! Finally. This place deserves the hype. The gardens are beautiful, the rides are thrilling, and the atmosphere is pure joy. Spent way too much money on an ice cream cone. The roller coaster gave me a minor panic attack. 10/10 would do it again.
Early Evening: Accidentally wandered into a fancy cocktail bar that's called The Admiral - it was almost as good as the Hotel (only a little better). Met a local guy who shared a history lesson (and his cocktails). He said the Hotel Admiral was once a grain warehouse. It has a very good vibe.
Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant in a quieter neighborhood. Delicious Danish food. Tried pickled herring. It was… an experience. Not sure if I’ll pick it up again.
Day 3: Finding My Viking Groove (and Losing My Camera)
Morning: Decided to embrace the Viking spirit! Visited the National Museum of Denmark. The Viking exhibits were fascinating. Saw the Golden Horns (gorgeous!). Nearly dropped my jaw onto the floor multiple times.
Late Morning: Went to the city hall square. Took lots of photos. Lost my camera. Spent an hour retracing my steps, desperately searching. Panicked. Swore a lot. (I tend to do that when I'm stressed).
Afternoon: Gave up on the camera hunt. Sulked at a cafe. Ate pastries. The pastries helped. Decided to buy a cheap disposable camera. Found a street market. Felt my mood lift a little as I purchased a souvenir hat.
Early Evening: Ended up back at Nyhavn. The atmosphere was lively. This time I was more relaxed. Took some more (disposable-camera) photos.
Evening: Dinner at a recommended restaurant. It was expensive. I had the best Danish food I've ever had. Watched a group of musicians who were playing jazz. Very peaceful.
Day 4: The Farewell (and a Tiny Bit of Sweet Despair)
Morning: Last breakfast. Ate a croissant. Cherished every flaky bite. Checked out of the hotel. Said goodbye to the harbor views and that mattress. I secretly miss it.
Midday: Heading back to the airport. Reflecting on the trip. Copenhagen? It's a city that slowly seeps into your soul. It's beautiful, quirky, and sometimes frustrating. I miss it already.
Farewell: The airport's clean. The plane is good. Here I am, headed home. Hoping my camera is found. Hoping to return to Copenhagen, one day.
Copenhagen's "Hidden Gem" – Hotel Admiral: A Messy FAQ
Okay, so… is the Hotel Admiral *really* a hidden gem? Or is it just… old?
Alright, let's be real. "Hidden gem" is a travel cliché, right? But listen, the Admiral… it *kind of* is. It's not like some ultra-modern, minimalist hideaway. It's *old*. Like, seriously. The building used to be a grain warehouse, which, let's be honest, is a hell of a lot more interesting than "built in 2018." The interiors have a *unique* charm. Think massive exposed wooden beams that make you feel like you're inside a Viking longhouse (but hopefully with better plumbing). It's not your sanitized, cookie-cutter hotel experience, which, for me, is a MAJOR win. It's more like… staying in a cool, slightly chaotic antique shop that happens to have comfy beds. I walked in, after a loooong flight that involved some serious turbulence and a questionable airline meal, and my first thought wasn't "Wow, minimalist chic!" It was more like, "Whoa... this is *intense.*" And that's a good thing. Mostly.
The location… is it actually good, or is it just a pretty view to make up for everything else?
Location, location, location. It's right ON the water. Like, *right* on the water. You get those stunning views of the harbor, the Opera House, and all the cute little boats… which, let's be honest, is half the reason you go to Copenhagen. Proximity to Nyhavn is key. You can practically stumble out of the hotel and into a canal-side cafe for a ridiculously overpriced (but delicious) pastry. The walk to the main attractions is easy! But... and this is important... be prepared for the wind. Copenhagen winds, they can be brutal, especially in the winter. I once had to fight my way across that bridge in a blizzard, and I thought for a second I'd be blown into the water. So, yeah, the view is amazing, just pack a proper scarf. And maybe a rope. Just in case.
What are the rooms *actually* like? Do they live up to the "luxury" claim?
Luxury? Hmm. Let's say "unique character." My room was…big. Like, I could have thrown a small party in there. The exposed beams, again, are the showstopper. The bathroom was… functional. Not spa-level luxury, but clean and with decent water pressure, which, after a day of sightseeing, is a godsend. The furniture… let’s call it “eclectic.” Think a mix of antique and modern. Some things are truly gorgeous, others look like they were picked up at a garage sale. The bed was comfortable, THANK GOD. Nothing ruins a trip like a terrible bed, eh? Okay, so maybe "luxury" is a slight stretch, but the charm makes up for it. And seriously, the views. Worth it alone for the views. Just don't expect a perfectly pristine, sterile experience.
Breakfast – is it worth it, or should I just grab something from a bakery?
Breakfast... okay, breakfast. It's included, which is always a bonus. The buffet is… substantial. Loads of options; cheeses, meats, fish, pastries (duh!), fruit, different kinds of breads. I'm talking the full Danish experience. It’s a good breakfast. Not the *best* breakfast I've ever had. But good. The coffee situation is decent. Not gourmet, but it gets the job done, especially after a late night, too much beer, and exploring the Meatpacking District (which, by the way, is a must). I actually preferred the atmosphere of the breakfast room to the actual coffee. It's a big, airy space with those again… *massive* wooden beams. The sunlight pouring in… beautiful. I’d recommend it, even if you’re a picky eater like me. Unless you really, REALLY detest buffets. In which case, go find one of those amazing bakeries Copenhagen is famous for. You won't regret it (unless you regret the inevitable sugar crash later).
Anything I *shouldn't* do at the Hotel Admiral? Any hidden pitfalls?
Okay, listen up. Here are some things to watch out for:
- Don't expect flawless service: It's not that the staff is bad, they're generally lovely, but sometimes… things get a little slow. Patience is a virtue, especially if you're trying to check out during peak hours. Don't get me started on getting a taxi at 8am. That’s an Olympic sport.
- The Elevator: It’s a bit… quirky. Be prepared for a wait. Seriously? Expect the stairs. Good exercise though, I guess.
- The building's age: Remember the exposed beams and the grain warehouse? That also means you might hear some creaks and groans in the middle of the night. It’s character, remember. But if you’re a light sleeper, pack earplugs. Or learn to love the sound of a building settling.
- Avoid over-packing: Those big wooden beams are just beautiful, until you are trying to navigate them with 3 suitcases.
Would you stay there again? Be honest!
Honestly? Yep. Absolutely. Despite the quirks, the slightly wonky elevator, and the moments of "Hmm, is this considered luxury?"... I would. The location is fantastic. The views are breathtaking. The character is unmatched. It just… *feels* like Copenhagen. It's not pretentious. It's not boring. It has personality. It's a little rough around the edges, but that's part of its charm. I'd go back in a heartbeat. Just… pack earplugs. And maybe a good scarf. And definitely a sense of humor. Because if you can't laugh at a slightly rickety elevator and a slightly delayed breakfast, then Copenhagen, and probably life, isn’t for you.
Ok, what about the Hotel's bar? Is it any good?
The bar. Right. Look, I can't give a *definitive* answer on the Hotel Admiral bar, because... well, I only went once. And then I ended up wandering off into the night and having a slightly hazy, yet memorable, adventure. So, take my account with a pinch of salt (and maybe a shot of something strong). From what I *remember*, it was a decent bar. Nothing mind-blowing, but comfortable, well-stocked. It fit in with the overall "lived-in" feel of the hotel, in a good way. I do recall having a very excellent, strong cocktail, which, after a day of walking and exploring, was precisely what I needed. The atmosphere was cosy; dark wood,Comfort Inn
