The Darling
Eye Scandi
Window-dressed Strøget Street
The Darling, a boutique stay with three self-contained pieds-à-terre in Copenhagen old town’s shopping district – will inspire many more declarations of affection as you take in its iconic Danish furnishings (a Who’s Who of Scandi design: Hans Wegner, Arne Jacobsen, Børge Mogensen) and delicious wall-candy. It’s a labour of love by the arbiters of taste who published Dansk Magazine and founded Darling Creative Studio, and they’ve also slyly made it a dangerous zone for impulse buyers, as pretty much all you see is available to purchase too. But, it’s no lifeless show-home – with mixologists, butlers and chefs on call and a beautiful backdrop for – genteel – gatherings, this darling is a charismatic character.
Facilities
Rooms
Three elegantly kitted-out residences.
Checkout
Noon, but flexible, subject to availability and on request. Earliest check-in, 3pm.
More Details
Rates don’t include breakfast.
Also
We’re afraid these design dens aren’t accessible for guests with mobility issues.
Free Internet Access
Laundry
At the Hotel
Pre-arrival concierge service and free WiFi. In rooms: housekeeping every two days (for bookings over two nights), maxibar, Aiayu bathrobes and custom slippers, hairdryer and straightening irons, clothes steamer, teas from Sing-Tehus, Nespresso coffee machine, and organic Rudolph Care bath products.
Our Favourite Rooms
There are only three, the Grand and the Classic, but they’re all the stuff of design dreams. Furniture nerds, eat your heart out – all the gang are here: Hans Wenger, Arne Jacobsen, Finn Juhl, Børge Mogensen… It’s like flipping through the pages of the owners’ (Jens Løkke and Uffe Buchard) former project, oh-so cool Dansk Magazine. But – even though you can buy these statement pieces, these are homes as well as showrooms, with a custom Københavns Møbelsnedkeri kitchen, fully stocked larder and very considered touches, including a steamer, straighteners and more. It’s hard to favour one over the other, but the Grand is that little bit bigger.
Spa
The Darling has a connection with local cosmetologist Sultana, renowned for facials that leave you radiant. Or if it’s your back that’s in need of attention – easy – ask for masseur Alexander. In-room treatments are available, and the hotel also has partnerships with Sats Blox Gym, Amazing Space and Aire Ancient Baths.
Packing Tips
However many Euros you think you’ll need, double it – not only will you be inspired to start collecting iconic Danish furniture (an expensive hobby, trust us) but many of the artworks – by established local artists such as Jørgen Haugen Sørensen and Peter Bonde, and ones to watch – are available to buy too. And, nearby shopping district Amagertorv is lined with luxury-label boutiques. Bring a large suitcase, because you may need to live in it when you return home… If you need any help packing, your own personal Jeeves is one of the Darling’s add-on services.
Also
You’ll need to supply your shoe sizes in advance so your slippers can be tailored to you – how darling, indeed. And pre-arrival, a florist can be called on to add more colour (in Tage Andersen ‘folding vases’, of course, because no detail is spared here).
Children
To reduce the risk of scratched surfaces, toppling vases and crayon-scribbled artworks, perhaps unsurprisingly, the Darling is usually for over-18s only (from 15 and up if accompanied by parents).
Gallery
Food & Drink
Top Table
If you’re staying in the Classic, sit up at Børge Mogensen’s Library table, and if you’re in the Grand, dine at Poul Kjærholm’s PK54 table – and whatever else you do, use coasters, please.
Dress Code
While this is your own private home for the stay, the calibre of the design on display may make you feel underdressed if you don’t make some effort.
Hotel Restaurant
There’s no restaurant, but each residence has its own custom-made kitchen from Københavns Møbelsnedkeri (in smoked or oiled oak), which has all you need for giving Nordic gastronomy a go; and the concierge can arrange for food deliveries before your stay. A breakfast of eggs, granola, cheese, berries and Skyr can be purchased too. Or, you could have a chef do it for you (for an extra charge): private dinners can be arranged (in advance) for up to eight guests, at a table arranged like a design studio window, with tableware from Royal Copenhagen, Holmegaard and Georg Jensen, and arrangements of seasonal flowers. Or, if there’s a restaurant you’re particularly fond of nearby, your hosts can help arrange a delivery.
Hotel Bar
Raid your maxibar for pre-mixed cocktails, or spirits, mixers and garnishes. Or if you’d prefer a kicky soirée – this is a very photogenic setting, after all – the concierge has the number of a skilled mixologist (must be arranged before arrival).
Last Orders
You’re the boss here, so go nuts for midnight snacking or lock-in snifters.
Room Service
The concierge can arrange delivery for a formal meal, otherwise, try the Wolt app.
Planes
Copenhagen Airport is about a 25-minute drive from the hotel. House driver Micheal can be called upon to pick you up in a Mercedes-Benz EQS (for a charge), if you want to arrive in style.
Trains
You’re very close to two Metro stations: Gammel Strand, a five-minute walk away, and Kongens-Nytorv, a 10-minute walk away. And Copenhagen Central Station is a 10-minute drive away.
Automobiles
It’s unlikely you’ll need a car in the hotel’s very central setting – walking and the Metro will get you where you need to go, and a driver can be hired for longer excursions. But, if you do bring a car, there’s street parking on Niels Hemmingsens Gade and a carpark at Silkegade.
Worth Getting Out of Bed For
The Darling’s location really does make it feel more like a ‘dahling’, set by Amagertorv and along Strøget Street, both major shopping enclaves in Copenhagen. Its boutiques range from high-street to splurge (Prada, Dior, Louis Vuitton and Jimmy Choo are all within a credit-card swipe of one another), but also stop by Ilums Bolighus, Royal Copenhagen, Normann and Ditte Fischer for hip homewares; and Mads Nørgaard and Birger Christensen for elegant wearables. And divert down Hyskenstræde for time-worn treasures at Palette26 and Audrey Vintage. Round off your tour of Copenhagen aesthetics with visits to GL Strand, YellowKorner and Nikolaj art galleries, and swing by waterfront Nyhavn for a snap of its colourful historic townhouses. Then cross over the canal into free-spirited self-governed creative commune Freetown Christiania, where the paintings get more psychedelic. Within walking distance there’s the 17th-century Round Tower, Christiansborg Palace, the National Museum, old City Hall, and Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek for more classical artwork (yes, it houses the collection of the famous brewer). Further north is fairy-tale Rosenborg Castle and its breathtakingly landscaped botanical gardens; and maybe even more Disney-fied is 19th-century theme park Tivoli Gardens. The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art warrants securing the hotel’s car service for a day-trip, with 4,000 pieces by the likes of Picasso, Giacometti and Henry Moore. And come nighttime, there’s plenty to do nearby, with the Grand Theatre, stand-up at the Comedy Zoo, and live music at Hotel Cecil and Den Grå Hal.
Earn or Redeem Points with World of Hyatt
This Mr & Mrs Smith hotel participates in the World of Hyatt loyalty program. As a member, you can earn and redeem points and enjoy exclusive benefits for qualifying nights. .
