Re-opened under a new name in 2014, the 118-room Hotel SP34 is an upscale property ideally located in Copenhagen's Latin Quarter, a five-minute walk from Rådhuspladsen and the popular Strøget shopping street. This design-conscious boutique combines modern minimalism with Scandinavian and industrial flair. The hotel’s on-site restaurants and bars are a cut above standard hotel fare, and the coffee shop and bar is a particularly lively spot frequented by tourists and locals alike. Rooms are more minimalistic than the common areas and have nice amenities including electric kettles, free Wi-Fi, and big wall-mounted flat-screen TVs; some have balconies and soaking tubs plus walk-in showers. There’s no air-conditioning, though, and street-facing rooms can get noise from outside. For something with a more historic atmosphere, travelers could try the Scandic Palace Hotel, which occupies a historic art nouveau building right on City Hall Square.

Built more than a century ago by Knud Arne-Petersen, the head architect at Tivoli Gardens, this upscale boutique property looks like an arabesque castle, with onion-shaped domes and turrets in shimmering white Italian marble stucco. The 12 suites and five rooms are tasteful, luxurious, and homey, thanks to the hardwood floors, huge antique wooden wardrobes, walnut four-poster beds, and fresh flowers (including live orchids). Most rooms have open fireplaces and views of Tivoli Gardens, and spacious bathrooms that come with Aesop toiletries and rainfall showers. While the hotel has a handful of bars, restaurants, and meeting rooms, it lacks a spa, pool, and fitness center. 

Situated in a beautiful grand old building on a quiet Copenhagen street, the Hotel Kong Arthur blends modern Danish design with both Asian and medieval inflections. Its 155 rooms vary in size, but are all equipped with free Wi-Fi, a limited minibar, flat-screen TV, coffee- and tea-making facilities, desk and chair, safe, and hairdryer. A standout feature at the Kong Arthur is the Ni'mat Thai spa -- an outpost of Copenhagen's oldest spa -- with beautiful Asian decor, hot tub encased by mosaic-tile pillars, and wide range of massages, facials, and body treatments. There are also three restaurants: an upscale Italian restaurant, a Spanish tapas place, and a Japanese sushi restaurant. 

A modern yet romantic alternative to the chain hotels in the touristy parts of central Copenhagen, Bertrams, part of the eco-friendly Guldsmeden chain, is located in the hip, residential Vosterbro District. Its 47 lovely rooms -- with four-poster beds and claw-foot tubs -- mix modern Danish design with Balinese touches. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi, and an impressive organic breakfast buffet. Although amenities are limited -- there's no spa, fitness center, or business center --  there is a large lounge area and a stunning breakfast room, terrace, lobby, and garden.

Located within walking distance of many of central Copenhagen's most popular attractions, the 73-room Andersen Hotel is a quirky, brightly colored boutique hotel with kitschy retro decor that puts style-conscious travelers in a prime location for exploring the city on foot. Its facilities comparable to most other mid-range hotels in central Copenhagen: a free breakfast buffet, free Wi-Fi, and a lounge bar with an afternoon happy hour for guests, but no dedicated restaurant or extras such as a fitness center or spa. Although the hotel is suitable for families, room types are limited to double occupancy, and the generally small room sizes and trendy Vesterbro neighborhood appeal more to adventurous young tourists and business travelers on a budget. The hotel's most appealing feature is its unique check-out system, which allows you to check out 24 hours after you check in (or the equivalent on your day of check-out).

Located in a building that dates from 1910, the mid-range Alexandra has 61 rooms and an overall aesthetic that harkens to the '50s and '60s era of Danish design. Rooms range from tiny singles to individually styled suites, and the location on Hans Christen Andersen Boulevard, which is a short walk from the train station, is fantastic. On-site amenities are limited to bike rentals and free Wi-Fi. Breakfast comes with a fee. Nevertheless, its convenient location and enchanting mid-20th century Danish aesthetic add much to the Alexandra's appeal.

This design-centric, youthful hotel in hip Vesterbro neighborhood has 161 rooms that are abundant in color, charm, and light (from big casement windows). A free, extensive Scandinavian-style buffet breakfast includes standard fruit and cereal but also pate, herring, and an astonishing array of breads and pastries. And the spacious, faux-grass courtyard offers alfresco lounging. The modern hotel's "Concept 24 booking" allows guests to check-out whenever they wish at no extra fee provided they inform the front desk (staffed 24-hours) in advance. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, and newspapers are free in the lobby. 

Located about a 20-minute walk from the city center, the Avenue Hotel Copenhagen is a 68-room, upper-middle-range boutique hotel that makes for a refreshing alternative to properties in more touristy areas. With soft, neutral colors, high-end Missoni fabric accents, and cozy couches, the decor is stylish, modern, and welcoming, and highlights the work of Danish designers. Rooms are tastefully decorated and come with mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi, but they don’t have AC and can get street noise. There’s a comfortable on-site bar, lounge, and outdoor terrace filled with soft couches and homey extras like books, games, and a children’s play area. Guests rave about the free breakfast buffet and take advantage of the on-site bike rentals. There are special amenities for kids and pets (though pets cost an extra fee). Travelers looking for something a bit more central could try the Andersen Hotel Copenhagen.

Located in the heart of Copenhagen’s hip Vesterbro area, the First Hotel Mayfair is an eclectic 100-room, mid-range boutique hotel. An ideal launching pad for guests who want to explore the city and beyond, the property is an easy five-minute walk to Copenhagen’s Central Station, and local attractions are usually less than 20 minutes away by foot or public transportation. The hotel has a quirky modern vibe with eclectic decor and bright accents, but otherwise offers few frills. There is little in the way of extra amenities beyond free Wi-Fi and some extras for an additional fee, such as a breakfast buffet. As is fairly typical for a three-pearl hotel in Copenhagen, guest rooms are small and simple but functional. Light sleepers should consider a courtyard-facing room that’s higher up to avoid street noise. The Andersen Hotel Copenhagen is a similarly eclectic hotel in the same area, but offers a free breakfast buffet.