Helsingør (known classically in English as Elsinore) is a city in Denmark that is situated on the Northern coast with only less than 3 miles separating it from the nation of Sweden, just over the Øresund Strait. Here, the cobblestone streets of the city are filled with historic beer gardens, eateries, and shops, with the Kronborg Castle and vast sand dunes filling the background. Nestled behind those sand dunes, neighboring the marina where rows of moored fishing boats are docked, is a historic hotel called the Marienlyst Strandhotel, a place with over 300 rooms that features a world-class spa and dining options.

For visitors finding their way to the Marienlyst Strandhotel, all stress melts away long before they arrive at the hotel’s famous spa. Guests walking through the hotel’s front doors are immediately greeted by a 360-degree fireplace as the centerpiece for the impeccably designed lobby. With many rooms that feature a balcony overlooking the ocean and its many cozy amenities, such as a room service menu and heated bathroom floors, the Marienlyst has proven itself for generations as a great place for rest and relaxation.

After checking in, many guests enjoy the hotel’s massive spa, which features multiple outdoor saunas on the sand and hot tubs overlooking the beach. The design of the hotel, featuring nautical-style windows, balconies, pink and blue carpeting, and plush furniture, is reminiscent of Old World charm. The details, from golden lamps and low-light chandeliers, create a relaxing ambience that conjures old photographs of luxury ships from yesteryear.

Although the Marienlyst Hotel is a bustling spot for many visitors in the summer, who want to swim or take to the seas via boat, other times of year still offer plenty to do and see, making it an ideal destination of its own. Even in rainy or foggy weather, the views of the Øresund Strait are breathtaking, and the city is still bustling with locals and visitors enjoying the local shops and restaurants.

One of the biggest draws to this area of Denmark is the historic Kronborg Castle, which was made popular as the setting and inspiration behind the castle in William Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the castle, which was first constructed towards the end of the Middle Ages and the beginning of the Renaissance, welcomes guests to walk the grounds, where you can explore Danish artworks and modern exhibitions. Opened to the public and just a short walk from Marienlyst, the castle’s multiple exhibitions showcase everything from how the kings lived in the castle in years past to how guests of the royals might have partied throughout the centuries.

It’s impossible to explore the city without being reminded of its connection to Hamlet. Since 1816, which was 200 years after Shakespeare’s death, there have been many productions of Hamlet performed at the castle. Famous actors, including Laurence Olivier, David Tennant, and Jude Law, have all had the opportunity to perform in the exact setting that Shakespeare imagined.

While the Kronborg Castle dates back centuries, the original Marienlyst Hotel didn’t open until the 19th century, when a developer saw the opportunity for visitors who wanted to visit the sites of Helsingør, Denmark. The hotel gets its name from Marienlyst Palace, which was a vacation house in Helsingør visited by royals and the affluent for generations.

Although the area is great in the summertime for swimmers and boaters, the wintertime has a special appeal. With large blue skies and a calm ocean on the sound, the signature Danish coziness can be found throughout the hotel. Throughout the lobby, there are sitting areas, games, and plenty of places to curl up with a good book and coffee.

Today, despite its historic pedigree, the Marienlyst Hotel is known as a place where anyone, regardless of royal status, can enjoy themselves. The hotel’s fine dining restaurant, called 1861, boasts an incredible menu using Nordic ingredients. Most diners enjoy the full experience, which consists of a five-course meal with a wine pairing. The courses range from veal to fresh-caught fish, and each course is a delectable experience.

If a more casual (but still unforgettable) dinner is more your style, the hotel’s other restaurant Isabell, is located just off the lobby. Offering a brasserie-style dining menu and heavenly cocktails, the restaurant and bar is a great place to sip a martini and enjoy the views of the blue ocean and sky outside. If online reviews of the hotel are any testament, many visitors leave the hotel still dreaming of the delicious breakfast menu, which is served until 10 AM each morning in a windowed dining room.

Today, there’s no denying that the town of Helsingør has kept its tourist charm, even centuries after becoming a seaside getaway for the monarchy. If a quiet stroll along the beach, a stop in a unique antique shop, or enjoying a Danish beer in a hole-in-the-wall pub sounds like your idea of a great time, Helsingør has you covered. For visitors who want the royal experience, the Marienlyst has a resort-by-the-sea feel, a charm that can be nearly impossible to find in the modern world. Whether you come to the city to appreciate Kronborg, known for being one of the best preserved Renaissance castles in all of Europe, or its beloved blue-toned sea views, Marienlyst has year-round appeal and is destined to attract visitors for centuries to come.