Copenhagen, Denmark

25 Hours Hotel Paper Island

The Nordics • Stay • 25 Hours Hotel Paper Island in Copenhagen, Denmark

What is the hotel in a nutshell?

A short stroll from Copenhagen’s Nyhavn, 25 Hours Hotel Paper Island is part of a bold 45,000-square-metre development completed in 2024. Once a paper storage hub and later a hotspot for street food and exhibitions, Paper Island now balances co-operative housing, condos, retail and this striking hotel. Local firm Cobe’s architectural design draws from the historic warehouses of Christianshavn and Holmen, using bespoke bricks from Petersen Tegl. Their rough, coal-fired finish brings texture and depth, with shifting light casting shadows across the slanting facades. Inside, Gothenburg studio Stylt Trampoli has transformed the space into a treasure trove. Vintage globes, eccentric sculptures and second-hand curios create a sense of discovery, while the lounge brims with mismatched furniture that feels deliberately offbeat yet utterly inviting. It’s a seamless marriage of industrial grit and creative whimsy, perfectly at home on Paper Island.

What are the rooms like?

Strolling down the corridors of 25 Hours Hotel Paper Island is a highlight, as each door is marked with a completely unique room number sign, handcrafted by local artisans – a creative twist that sets the tone for the imaginative spaces beyond. The 128 rooms are inspired by Scandinavian summer homes, combining handcrafted furniture, soft-hued wallpapers and panoramic views of the harbour. Nostalgic details like wooden panelling, stick-back chairs and dressers reminiscent of seaside cottages create an inviting atmosphere. Collaged picture walls add personality, featuring family photos, nautical charts and artworks by Danish artists. There are stuffed animals, toiletries by Soeder and even a cheeky nod with condoms provided in each room. Six rooms include private terraces for an extra dose of serenity, while the Gigantic rooms up the ante with custom Schindelhauer bikes. A word of caution – the walls are thin and let’s just say, they might reveal more about your neighbours than you expected. It’s all part of the lively, uninhibited spirit of this quirkily crafted hotel. We especially loved sitting in the windowsills, perfect for daydreaming or watching the world outside.

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What else?

Tiger Lily, the hotel’s bold restaurant, serves standout dishes like spicy pork belly burnt ends with BBQ caramel, crispy sea bream with three-flavour sauce and grilled short rib with Korean chilli sauce and raclette. The Nomad Day Bar keeps things fresh with local Social Brew coffee, Danish pastries and pop-up collaborations in food and music. For evening drinks, Victory on the top floor offers expertly mixed cocktails, Guinness on tap and stunning views of Copenhagen’s skyline. Breakfast is also a treat, featuring a compact buffet with Danish specialities like stinky cheeses and seasonal æbleskiver, complemented by à la carte menu with coffees and eggs. The lounge area invites relaxation, with coffee table books and a cosy open fireplace, while the retail corner offers quirky finds. The candy station, where guests can mix their own sweet bag, is an irresistible touch – we certainly couldn’t resist. For exploring Copenhagen, the hotel offers stylish Schindelhauer bikes, perfect for cycling along the harbour.

What’s the neighbourhood like?

Christianshavn, founded in 1617 as part of Copenhagen’s defensive ring, is a district full of contrasts. The area is split into several zones, each with its own identity. The old Christianshavn quarter showcases 17th-century canals lined with historic houses and features the Church of Our Saviour, famous for its spiralling tower and 400-step climb. Holmen, once a naval stronghold, has been repurposed into a cultural hub, hosting the Royal Danish Opera House and design schools. Refshaleøen, once an industrial shipyard, now buzzes with creativity, offering street food markets, craft breweries and edgy art spaces. Paper Island (Papirøen), previously a paper storage facility, is emerging as a mixed-use site with hotels, housing and waterfront dining. Then there’s Christiania, the self-proclaimed free town founded in 1971, where an autonomous spirit thrives amidst vibrant street art and homemade houses.

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