Front Hotel, Copenhagen

On a recent trip to Scandinavia we visited Copenhagen, Denmark, and stayed at the Front Hotel, a 4-star hotel. I was mostly intrigued with the trendy appeal of the hotel, and it’s location in the popular Nyhavn district. The hotel is a 6-story building located one block from the new waterside theatre, and across the canal from the new Opera House. The Amalienborg Palace (home to Denmark’s royal family) is a block down the street. The old castle grounds, Little Mermaid sculpture, and cruise ship pier are a 10 minute walk from the property. The popular canal street hangout in Nyhavn is two blocks away. The neighborhood is full of small antique shops, galleries, and restaurants. As such the location is quite good. There are several hotels in the area, and some, no doubt, offering finer accommodations and services at higher prices. Rooms a the Front include high speed internet access and free use of the limited mini-bar, which were both a very nice plus. The Mini-bar included water, beer and soda drinks. Bicycles are available for rent on a daily basis (but you might want to request in advance as all were rented when we arrived).

What the Front Hotel offers of note is a trendy attitude, and a desire to be helpful. (Unfortunately, the front desk staff were mostly trainees during my stay, and their level of knowledge was limited, though this didn’t create any problems.) The Front has 132 rooms, and five size categories, from small to XX large. The staff was eager to please guests.

The Front has a small lobby area and fireplace which is moderately comfortable for socializing. The black floors, white walls and furniture upholstered in shades of pink or black create the ambience. At the front door the two pots with plants are lit purple at night. A full size chalkboard wall near the reception counter invites guests to write or draw whatever they’d like on a daily basis.

The large rooms were adequate in size, including a black leather sitting chair or two, large desk in black wood, and plenty of closet space. The shag carpeting was a surprise, but obviously meant to go with the property’s overall look and design. Carpets seemed to be gray or orange. Flat screen TVs affixed on the wall. Beds were comfortable. Bathrooms were adequate, with interesting polished cobbled stone flooring, Kiehl toiletries, rain shower fixtures as well as hand-held option, and complimentary use of bathrobes.

I was a bit put off by the scuff marks on the white walls, and felt the hotel could do a better job on upkeep. Perhaps a refurbishment is scheduled soon. There are two elevators, one quite small. An adequate fitness center is on property, and spa treatments available.

The Front publishes a fabulous hefty magazine, available in the lobby, that detailed museum and gallery exhibits, shopping and such. The magazine was befitting of a 5-star luxury property, and was somehow not in keeping with the rooms. But kudos to the property for offering it.

The bar and Urban Kitchen restaurant was casual, and featured American diner fare, including burgers and shakes. Breakfasts (not included in the room cost) was a small buffet of cold cuts and bakery items. Seating was available at small tables, or on sofas with coffee tables.

As for getting around the city, there is no local bus stop at the hotel, (apparently one is 100 meters away but the hotel staff failed to point that out when asked) and the metro stop is about a ten-minute walk away.

For those not wanting a more upscale or more luxurious property, the Front Hotel served its purpose well, and with it’s trendy decor, fun to stay at.