Hotel 71 Nyhavn

71 Nyhavn is predictably located at number 71 of Nyhavn (meaning 'new harbour' in Danish), which is the old harbour of Copenhagen. The hotel also opened on the 71st day of the year. The area itself is one of the most picturesque of the city, but the hordes of tourists are off-putting. The area is worth the visit though as you'll find myriad photo opportunities, but the restaurants here tend to be a little more expensive without much to distinguish one from the other as they all serve pretty much the same food: a mix between Mediterranean (pasta and pizza) and herring, a Danish speciality. Otherwise the hotel is about 15 minutes' walk from Copenhagen's landmark, Little Mermaid statue and the Amaliensborg complex (the ruins and new buildings forming the royal palace). The 'Black Diamond', as the contemporary theatre is known, is also a few minutes away. Bredgade, the street where you will find the bulk of Danish furniture shops and the Design Museum, is a couple minutes away. The list of things to do in this area is endless as it is so conveniently located.

The hotel is inside a listed building, therefore the hotel cannot be at the height of technology like some of its rivals as permission to alter the structure is hard to come by - you will therefore notice the lack of air-conditioning in the summer. Every room does have a fan though. The hotel has parking but it is on a first-come, first-served basis and even if you pay for a spot for a 24-hour duration, the spot is not exclusively yours. However, it is cheaper than parking in the city (250 Kroner). Remember: parking is free at weekends all over Copenhagen.There is complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout the hotel. There is a safe at reception for guests staying in the old part of the hotel and in the new building all rooms have an individual safe.

The hotel is part of the Arp-Hansen group, one of the largest Copenhagen chains; some more contemporary than others. See our reviews of the Phoenix and Imperial hotels.

The 71 Nyhavn is a small boutique hotel located right at the end of the busy harbour in a pocket of peace and tranquillity on the canal side. A lovely little 3 star retreat with a well-maintained classic style that would be better-suited to an older clientele, the hotel is quaint and its staff is extremely welcoming. The hotel building is instantly recognisable due to the big 'Number 71' hanging outside it. A charming 1800s red-brick building with original features dating back to its days as a small storage unit for loads coming in from all over the globe via the harbour, the hotel, like most hotels in the city, is part of the city's cultural heritage. The hotel comprises of two buildings, the second of which was built in the year 2000. With its 150 rooms and six floors, the 71 Nyhavn is a little bit bigger than a boutique hotel, but still has the aspect and atmosphere of one. The two buildings are linked via the ground floor, where the rustic décor looks spic and span, the varnished earthen tiles sparkling clean. The hotel has an extremely warm and cosy feel. At reception there is plenty of seating, where guests like to relax with a book and on the other side of the entrance is the breakfast room-cum-bar area behind which is the small quaint cave-like restaurant. Otherwise there is also a small outdoor patio with a couple of tables looking out onto the canal to the back of reception, where guests like to enjoy a coffee on summer mornings. In terms of facilities there isn't much else at the hotel, but then again, who wants to stay at a hotel when you have the rest of Copenhagen to play with?

The 150 rooms are divided up into several categories: single, standard, superior, executive suite and junior suite. The executive rooms all have harbour views, which are worth the extra spend. Junior suites are roomier but have no particular view. The suites are duplexes, with the living area upstairs. The rooms in the original building are all beamed, adding to the charm of the hotel. However, the rooms are on the small side, which is the main issue when it comes to guest complaints. Also, as the building is listed, installing air-conditioning hasn't been possible. The rooms in the original building can get quite stuffy, especially in the summer months (June-September), but every room does have a fan hiding in the wardrobe. The rooms all have the same navy colour scheme teamed with the dark wooden beams; this makes the rooms look a little dark and old-fashioned, but it does contribute to the cosy atmosphere. The general feel in the beamed suites that you'll find in the old part of the hotel is that you are on a boat, which some guests may find off-putting. The furniture, dark varnished mahogany, is out-dated and should be swapped for something a little more contemporary, but this is in-keeping with the rest of the hotel. Otherwise you can expect to find the general mod-cons such as flat-screen televisions, stocked mini-bar and hair-dryer. The bathrooms, although well-appointed, are on the small side and are stocked with the hotel's own-brand toiletries. Some rooms have small bath-tubs, but they are so small that unless you have children to bathe, we would opt for a shower. Otherwise rooms in the old building do not have a safe, but guests can leave their valuables at reception, free of charge. Rooms in the newer part of the hotel have individual safes. We particularly liked rooms 206 and 216 with beautiful canal views and French windows - what a way to wake up in the Danish capital!

Unlike many small hotels in the city, the 71 Nyhavn actually has facilities to eat all three meals onsite, whereas others make-do with a breakfast bar. The hotel restaurant is the restaurant manager's pride and joy, which came across quite evidently as he was showing us around. The staff here is exceptionally friendly and helpful. The restaurant is open for breakfast and dinner and serves fusion food - a cross between Mediterranean, French and Danish fare. The menu changes sporadically and looks fantastic. For breakfast a buffet of healthy alternatives to stodgy English breakfasts and American pancakes is served from 7:00am to 10:00am daily. The restaurant itself is in the basement of the hotel, but the room is bright and pleasant. Small and intimate, it can get quite busy, especially in the evenings, so remember to book a table ahead. The owner is a big fan of local art, and you'll find pieces of his private collection hanging in the restaurant, which adds a personal touch and colour to the otherwise neutral tones and natural textures. Otherwise lunch is served next door in the bar and the menu consists mainly of snack food and light Danish fare like Smorrebrod (open sandwiches).