Hotel Sanders

Hotel Sanders is the creation of Alexander Kølpin, a former principal dancer with the Royal Danish Ballet, who converted a townhouse on a quiet lane behind the Royal Danish Theatre into one of Europe's most admired boutique hotels. The theatrical pedigree shows: the house runs on charm and choreography, from the honesty of its residents-first spaces to staff who manage the trick of being warm without a script.

The interiors, by London studio Lind + Almond, invented a look now much imitated—rattan, brass, dusty pinks and greens, bespoke furniture and low evening light that photographs like a film set but lives like a home. Rooms range from snug doubles to apartment-style suites with kitchenettes; none are enormous, and none need to be, since the ground-floor lounge and courtyard operate as a genuine living room.

The rooftop conservatory, with its wicker chairs and views over Kongens Nytorv's rooftops, serves cocktails that draw locals as well as guests, and TATA bar downstairs is one of the city's handsomest rooms. Nyhavn's canals, the Amalienborg palace and Strøget are all within minutes on foot. For travellers who prefer personality and intimacy to marble and chandeliers, Sanders is Copenhagen's benchmark.