Finding a place to crash in Copenhagen usually means choosing between a cramped "boutique" attic in the city center or a sterile box near the airport. But then there's the Crowne Plaza Copenhagen Towers. Honestly, if you’ve ever taken the train from the airport toward the city, you’ve seen it—a massive, sleek glass monolith rising out of the Ørestad district. It looks expensive. It looks corporate. It looks like the kind of place where people in suits have very important meetings about synergy.
But there is a lot more going on here than just IHG loyalty points and proximity to the Royal Arena.
The Crowne Plaza Copenhagen Towers is actually one of the world's first genuine forays into sustainable luxury at scale. Back when "eco-friendly" usually meant scratchy towels and dim lighting, this place decided to go all-in on high-tech green energy. They have solar panels integrated into the facade. They use a groundwater-based cooling system. They even have those famous gym bikes where guests could pedal to generate electricity in exchange for a free meal voucher—though, let’s be real, you’d have to bike like an Olympic athlete to earn a steak dinner.
The Ørestad Paradox
Most travelers worry that staying at the Crowne Plaza Copenhagen Towers puts them "out in the sticks." Ørestad is a weird neighborhood. It’s a showcase of modern Danish architecture—think Bjarke Ingels’ "Mountain" and "8 House"—but it can feel a bit quiet compared to the chaos of Nyhavn.
Is it isolated? Not really. You’re about a 3-minute walk from the Ørestad Metro and train station. From there, you can be at Copenhagen Central Station in 7 minutes or the airport in about the same time. It’s actually faster to get to the city center from here than it is from many "central" hotels that require navigating narrow bus routes or expensive taxis. If you’re in town for a show at the Royal Arena or shopping at Field’s (Scandinavia’s biggest mall), you are literally right there.
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What the Rooms Are Actually Like
Forget those tiny, 12-square-meter rooms you find in the old town. Because this building was designed with space in mind, even the standard rooms feel airy. They use classic Scandinavian design principles—lots of light wood, floor-to-ceiling windows, and furniture from Paustian.
The view matters here. If you’re on a higher floor facing the city, you can see the copper spires of Copenhagen glowing at sunset. If you face south, you see the vast, flat expanse of the Amager Fælled nature reserve. It’s a striking contrast: hyper-modern glass on one side, wild cows and wetlands on the other.
The beds are part of the Crowne Plaza "Sleep Advantage" program. It sounds like marketing fluff, but they actually provide aromatherapy kits and premium bedding. It works. The soundproofing is also top-tier; despite being near a major road and the train line, it is eerily quiet inside.
The Sustainability Reality Check
People talk about "greenwashing" a lot in the hotel industry. You know the drill: a little sign asking you to reuse your towel while the hotel pumps out tons of plastic waste.
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The Crowne Plaza Copenhagen Towers is different. It was the first hotel in Denmark to join the UN Global Compact. The building is a "CO2 neutral" structure. Their cooling and heating system reaches 100 meters underground to tap into stable temperatures, which reduces energy consumption for climate control by nearly 90%.
Then there’s the atrium. It’s basically an indoor forest. They have thousands of plants that aren't just there for the "Jungle Vibes" Instagram aesthetic—they actually help regulate the humidity and air quality of the lobby and restaurant area. It’s a genuinely pleasant place to sit with a laptop, even if you aren't staying there.
Dining: Bark and Beyond
The main restaurant, Bark, tries to do the "New Nordic" thing without being pretentious. They focus on organic, local ingredients. Honestly, the breakfast buffet is where they shine. Danish breakfast is superior anyway—expect high-quality rye bread, local cheeses, and smoked fish that actually tastes fresh.
One thing people miss: there are tons of food options in the Field’s mall across the street if you don't want to pay hotel prices for every meal. There’s a Gorm’s for great pizza and plenty of casual spots. It’s a lifesaver for families traveling with kids who might not appreciate a deconstructed beetroot salad.
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The Business Side of Things
Let's not kid ourselves; this is a business hotel. The conference facilities are massive. If there’s a major tech summit or a pharmaceutical conference in Copenhagen, it’s probably happening here. This means the lobby can get hectic during "check-out rush hour."
However, if you are a business traveler, the perks are legit. The Wi-Fi is fast enough for 4K streaming or heavy uploads, and the "Club Lounge" offers a quiet sanctuary with free snacks and drinks if you have the right status or room tier. It’s one of the better lounges in the IHG circuit in Northern Europe.
Why You Might Not Like It
Let’s be honest. This isn't a "romantic weekend in a fairytale" hotel. If you want the creaky floorboards and 18th-century charm of a boutique hotel in Indre By, you will be disappointed. The Crowne Plaza is a machine. It’s efficient, clean, and modern.
Some find the Ørestad area a bit soul-less after dark. Once the mall closes and the office workers go home, it’s just you and the wind howling between the skyscrapers. If you want to walk out of your hotel and immediately be in a smoky jazz bar or a 200-year-old tavern, this isn't the spot. You’ll be taking the Metro for that.
Practical Tips for Your Stay
- Request a High Floor: Anything above the 10th floor significantly improves your experience. The views of the Oresund Bridge (connecting Denmark to Sweden) are stunning on clear days.
- The Metro is Your Best Friend: Don't bother with taxis to the city center. The M1 line runs 24/7. It’s driverless, which is still fun to watch if you sit at the very front.
- Check the Arena Schedule: If a major artist is playing at the Royal Arena, the hotel will be packed and the prices will spike. Check the schedule before you book.
- Explore the Commons: Walk five minutes south into Amager Fælled. It’s a massive nature reserve. It’s the best way to clear your head after a long flight or a day of meetings.
The Crowne Plaza Copenhagen Towers by IHG manages to pull off a difficult trick. It feels like a massive international hotel, but it functions with a very specific Danish conscience. It's the right choice for the traveler who values efficiency and space over "cutesy" aesthetics.
Actionable Next Steps
- Download the DOT Tickets App: This is the easiest way to handle Metro and train fares from Ørestad to the city or airport.
- Join IHG One Rewards: Even if you aren't a frequent flyer, the member rates here usually save you about 10% compared to third-party booking sites.
- Pack a Water Bottle: The tap water in Copenhagen is some of the cleanest and best-tasting in the world. Don't buy plastic bottles at the hotel bar; just fill up in your room.
- Plan Your Arrival: If you're coming from the airport, take the regional train toward Helsingør or Nivå. It's one stop (5 minutes) to Ørestad. Don't take the Metro from the airport to this hotel—it requires a transfer and takes twice as long.