Scandic Front

A stylish pad on the water's edge, a short walk from downtown but just far enough away to escape the bustle

Some places try really hard to be cool but just don't quite pull it off. Others seem to achieve hipness fairly effortlessly – and Front is in the latter camp, for sure. It opened just in time for 2006's MTV Europe Music Awards and hosted plenty of stars for the event, and since too: Snoop Dogg, Pink and Gwen Stefani among them.

Now managed by Scandic, its mood remains the same: to debunk any possible stuffiness as soon as you step in through the sliding front doors. There’s a large chalk board on which guests are free to scribble whatever thoughts come into their head. To the right there's a quiet lounge area where you can chill out, with its fireplace decorated in a pink and purple theme (it works – not as garish as it sounds); to the left a small bar where you can peruse the newspapers and magazines, and an open-plan restaurant. Head downstairs and there's a sauna, spa and fitness area; head upstairs and you'll find 132 cool bedrooms, spread over 6 floors.

Highs

• Hip but relaxed vibe
• Young, friendly staff
• Good location on periphery of downtown – Within walking distance of Copenhagen's main attractions, including the famous Nyhavn Canal, but not smack in the middle of things
• Free WiFi
• Family friendly

Lows

• The area immediately around the hotel is a tad residential and staid with quite a few embassies; you'll need to walk 5-10 minutes to get to decent shops, restaurants and bars
• The bedroom walls are thin - bring earplugs
• Bathrooms are on the small side and the décor is a bit shabby in places