Coronavirus continues to cause major disruption to the hospitality industry, but in Copenhagen, a new design hotel welcomes guests inside a former post office.

Villa Copenhagen is part of the Nordic Hotels & Resorts and revives the century-old Telegraph and Post Office, built in 1912 next to the Central Station. Award-winning London firm Universal Design Studio overhauled the Neo-baroque structure, crafting interiors that match the grandeur of the building’s facade.

For Villa Copenhagen’s 390 guest rooms, which start from £160 per night, Universal Design Studio evoked the atmosphere of a grand Danish townhouse and colours inspired by the paintings of 19th-century master Vilhelm Hammershøi.

Rooms have high ceilings, herringbone floors and original windows that have been carefully restored. Gold accents accentuate the peaceful colour palette, while the hotel itself champions an eco-sensitive ethos designed to connect it to the urban landscape. Danish architect Eva Harlou has crafted the hotel’s coveted ‘Earth Suite’, outfitted with recycled materials and textiles, and eco-friendly furniture by Mater Design.

Besides the rooftop bar, a sustainable lap pool crowns the hotel, heated using excess heat from the building’s cooling system. There’s also a spa, sauna and fitness centre elsewhere in the building.

The Old Board Room harks back to the building’s former life and is part of 24,757 sq ft of event space. Meanwhile, Epicurean – the hospitality arm of interiors firm Goddard Littlefair – developed all five of the hotel’s culinary haunts. These include The Public and Rug Bakery, inside the former sorting room, and all-day brasserie Konstrast across from Central Station.

Tietgensgade 35-39, 1704 Copenhagen, Denmark

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