The Danish have a word for that feeling of warmth and togetherness that can be found on dark winter evenings, gathered with friends or alone with a hot chocolate in front of a fireplace. The word hygge (pronounced “hue-gah”) is about the atmosphere and mindset that can happen when you’re in the throes of extreme coziness. It’s a rejection of the fast-paced anxiety of modern times, and although the word itself has been around for centuries, it experienced a resurgence along with the dawn of the internet era.

Beyond its design culture and warm sense of hygge, Copenhagen itself is a city shaped by harmony—between old and new, nature and urban life. Consistently ranked among the world’s most livable cities, it balances innovation with a deep respect for sustainability, reflected in its extensive bike network, clean harbor baths, and ambitious carbon-neutral goals. Historic palaces and colorful waterfronts share space with cutting-edge architecture, while everyday life unfolds at a slower, more intentional pace. It’s a city where community is nurtured in cafés, parks, and lively public squares, and where thoughtful urban planning makes even a simple walk feel like part of the cultural experience.

Today, interior designers, bloggers, and retail products have used this word to describe everything from candles to certain rooms, but the root of the word isn’t in products but in a snug or comfortable environment, which Hotel Ottilia has in spades. The hotel honors its brewery beginnings in its name, inspired by Ottilia Jacobsen, the wife of a Carlsberg brewer.

Walking into the many rooms of the lobby floor, furnished with long tables and cozy chairs, proves that the Danish know how to spend quality time. It’s no wonder that the country is often ranked as one of the happiest populations in the world. A mixed-use space that features repurposed materials and thoughtful design details? That’s the recipe for an ideal space to spend the day.

Formerly two Carlsberg brewery buildings, built in both 1881 and later, a storage cellar built in 1969, the hotel opened in 2019 after an adaptive reuse and renovation of the brewery structures. Thoughtfully done, the industrial landmark was reborn with sleek and minimalist interiors that blend modern bold design with functional spaciousness and soft lighting. The result is a design that feels unmistakably Scandinavian.

The lobby of Hotel Ottilia unfolds as a series of communal spaces featuring long tables, cozy chairs, and visitors enjoying a beverage, often in lively conversation. Unlike many other boutique hotels, the lobby of Ottilia invites guests to linger. A great place to catch up on emails or join friends for a nighttime hangout, the lobby functions as a living space for both travelers and locals alike.

Inside the rooms of the hotel, there’s a palpable design-forward, industrial luxe feel, with some rooms featuring a large mid-century inspired circle window, complete with a sitting area, with a view of the city below. Spaciousness is at the forefront in the room designs, and the aesthetic mixes boldness with rawness. Refined Scandinavian elements like soft textiles and plush designer furniture create a pleasant experience.

True to Copenhagen form, thoughtful design extends beyond the interiors. The rooftop restaurant and terrace offer panoramic views over the city. The restaurant’s menu boasts plenty of organic options, based on a Danish twist on traditional Italian food. In the mornings, a healthy breakfast becomes the ideal way to start your day before exploring the city. Fewer rooms in the hotel make for a more bespoke experience, with a 24-hour front desk team that is attentive and adds to the experience.

The hotel’s charm also lies in its location. Set slightly beyond the city’s tourist core, Hotel Ottilia is situated within Carlsberg Byen, a historic neighborhood where brick breweries and contemporary architecture coexist. An emerging neighborhood, new cafes and restaurants often open in Carlsberg Byen. Located a stroll away from the busier areas of the city, it’s both far enough for peace and quiet but close enough to be convenient to shopping and dining.

One of Copenhagen’s biggest draws is its many shops, from beloved secondhand stores to home design stores, and its many renowned cafés and restaurants. Although the hotel is a bit outside the busiest tourist core, it is still within easy access. Central areas can be reached by walking or public transport. For those who want a more typical Copenhagen local experience, the hotel offers complimentary bike rentals to guests who want to explore the many bike paths.

In a city where design is a way of life, hotels like Ottilia are a part of the cultural fabric, blending Danish culture with the intimacy of boutique hospitality. A great central location to explore the Danish capital’s many cafés, galleries, and cycle paths, staying at Hotel Ottilia feels less like checking into a hotel and more like stepping into a living expression of Danish culture

Within its brick walls, the legacy of the famous brewing company Carlsberg’s industrial past is softened by modern and innovative contemporary design, creating an atmosphere that is both grounded and uplifting. Guests sip wine during the evening hour, linger over organic breakfasts bathed in soft northern light, and return after exploring Copenhagen's galleries or wide city streets to a room that feels effortlessly personal. It’s this seamless blend of history and hospitality that makes Ottilia more than a place to stay– it’s a quiet invitation to slow down, to savor, and to rediscover the art of comfort. In a world that rarely pauses, hygge endures here– not as a product or trend, but as a way of being.