Sleep in Copenhagen's Former Royal Guest Palace – Where European Princes Once Stayed
For centuries, Hotel Phoenix Copenhagen welcomed Europe's most distinguished visitors as a royal guest house. This stunning 1680s Rococo mansion on Bredgade in Copenhagen city center hosted foreign princes, aristocrats, and diplomats before becoming one of Copenhagen's most exclusive hotel. From its ornate facade to its royal atmosphere, every detail speaks of genuine aristocratic heritage. Experience luxury the way royalty intended.
Step into Hotel Phoenix Copenhagen, and you're entering more than just luxury accommodation – you're walking through the pages of Danish history itself. This magnificent building on Bredgade has witnessed over 300 years of Copenhagen's most dramatic moments, from royal receptions to wartime occupation, from aristocratic elegance to communist revolution.
From Apothecary to Aristocracy (Late 1600s-1700s)
The hotel's story begins in the late 1600s when the property was owned by apothecary Esaias Fleischer, whose estate was valued at an impressive 16,000 Danish rigsdaler at his death in 1704. But the real transformation came when the building passed through a series of noble families – the Fleischers, Plessens, and Gyldensteens – each adding their own chapter to the story.
The most dramatic change came in 1749, when Jean Henri Desmercières inherited his father's town mansion in Bredgade (now Hotel Phoenix Copenhagen). Desmercières was no ordinary aristocrat – as the illegitimate son of Count Jean Henri Huguetan Gyldensteen, he couldn't inherit the title but received something far more lasting: this magnificent building.
In the mid-1700s, Desmercières commissioned the stunning Rococo facade that still graces Bredgade today. He also added the elegant wing extending toward Dronningens Tværgade, creating the architectural masterpiece you see today. The ornate details and flowing curves of the Rococo style made this one of Copenhagen's most admired buildings.
The Royal Guest House Era
During its aristocratic period, the mansion served an extraordinary function: it served as a kind of hotel when royals and noble folk let their important guests stay here. Imagine foreign princes, diplomats, and distinguished visitors from across Europe sleeping in rooms that are now part of your hotel experience.
Phoenix Copenhagen originally enjoyed a golden era as the preferred destination of the landed gentry and as a royal guest lodge for foreign princes. This wasn't just accommodation – it was a symbol of status and diplomatic importance, where international relations were conducted in elegantly appointed rooms.
The First Hotel Phoenix (1837-1847)
In 1837, entrepreneur William Murdoch purchased the property and transformed it into Hotel Stadt Hamburg, expanding the building upward and converting it for commercial use. This marked the beginning of the building's formal hotel history.
But the real legend began in 1847 when the building was demolished and completely rebuilt as Hotel Phønix (the original spelling), opening its doors in 1848. This first Hotel Phoenix quickly established itself as Copenhagen's premier destination for royalty and nobility, continuing the building's tradition of hosting Europe's most distinguished visitors.
Diplomacy and International Intrigue (1919-1939)
Between the two world wars, your hotel took on a fascinating new role as the headquarters of the Polish Legation in Denmark. For twenty years, from 1919 to 1939, these rooms buzzed with diplomatic activity as Poland rebuilt itself as an independent nation following World War I.
The building served as more than just offices – it was a crucial link between Poland and Denmark during a critical period in European history. Diplomats, trade delegations, and cultural exchanges all passed through these halls, making the building a quiet witness to the complex politics of interwar Europe.
Dark Days: Nazi Occupation (1940-1945)
When Nazi Germany occupied Denmark in April 1940, the building was taken over by the Germans during World War II and was confiscated by the Germans during World War II. The Wehrmacht established their local headquarters in this prestigious building, choosing it for its central location and impressive architecture.
During these dark years, the building that had once welcomed foreign princes now housed occupying forces. The contrast couldn't have been more stark – from diplomatic elegance to military occupation.
Revolutionary Headquarters: The Communist Era (1945-1990)
After Denmark's liberation in May 1945, the building underwent perhaps its most surprising transformation. The building was after the war converted into a new headquarters for the Danish Communist Party and the newspaper Land og Folk.
For 45 years, from 1945 to 1990, these aristocratic rooms housed Denmark's Communist Party headquarters. The newspaper Land og Folk (Land and People) was published from the same building that had once hosted European royalty. It was a complete ideological reversal – from palace to proletariat headquarters.
The irony was profound: a building designed for aristocratic elegance, enhanced with Rococo decoration, and used to host royalty, now served as the center of communist organizing in Denmark. The printing presses of Land og Folk operated in rooms where foreign princes had once slept.
Phoenix Rises Again: The Modern Hotel (1990-Present)
In 1990, Arp-Hansen Hotel Group recognized the building's extraordinary potential and purchased the property. In the early 1990's Phoenix Copenhagen opened after a complete renovation and redecoration of the historic building. Architect Robert GrĂĽnberger oversaw the meticulous restoration from 1990-1991, ensuring that the building's historic character was preserved while adding modern luxury amenities.
The attractive luxury hotel is famed for its romantic royal atmosphere as well as its considerable collection of paintings from the Danish Golden Age. The renovation didn't just restore the building – it celebrated all periods of its remarkable history.
Why Your Stay is Extraordinary
Unmatched Historical Depth: Your hotel room exists in a building that has been continuously significant for over 300 years. From aristocratic mansion to royal guest house, from diplomatic headquarters to revolutionary center, few buildings can claim such diverse and dramatic history.
Architectural Masterpiece: The stunning Rococo facade created by Desmercières in the 1700s makes your hotel one of Copenhagen's most beautiful buildings. You're staying in a work of art that has been admired for centuries.
Prime Royal Location: Located in the heart of Frederiksstaden, you're just minutes from Amalienborg Palace, the Marble Church, and Nyhavn. You're staying where Copenhagen's royal story continues to unfold.
Living History: Every room, corridor, and public space carries the weight of history. The building has hosted princes and revolutionaries, diplomats and journalists, aristocrats and communists – and now welcomes you.
Authentic Luxury: This isn't manufactured luxury – it's authentic grandeur built over centuries. The careful restoration means you experience genuine historical atmosphere with modern comfort.
Sleep Where History Was Made
When you stay at Hotel Phoenix Copenhagen, you're not just visiting Copenhagen – you're becoming part of a story that spans three centuries. From the Rococo elegance of aristocratic Denmark to the revolutionary fervor of the communist era, from royal diplomacy to Nazi occupation, this building has witnessed it all.
Your room connects you directly to European history. The walls around you have sheltered princes and revolutionaries, diplomats and dissidents. You're sleeping where Danish and European history was made, where every period left its mark on this remarkable building.
Book your stay at Hotel Phoenix Copenhagen through Golf Travel Denmark and sleep where 300 years of Danish history comes alive – from royal elegance to revolutionary change, all preserved in luxury for the modern traveler.
