CABINN Metro

The 2009 CABBIN Metro Hotel is situated in a funky, modern building with a dark glass facade finished with an abstract design in silver. This hotel is part of a low-cost chain, CABINN, with nine budget properties in Denmark. The chain prides itself on keeping low rates throughout the year, and seems to follow through. A nautical "ship" theme runs throughout the chain's properties, though this theme mostly comes through in room names (like "Commodore" and "Captain's Class") and size (tiny, like the cabins of a ship). The hotel has a vaguely hostel feel -- there are few extra property features or amenities, simple decor, and a crowd that skews towards the young. Unlike many hostels, though, guest rooms are private with en-suite bathrooms, and cleanliness isn't an issue. The spacious lobby is modern with a titled floor, exposed concrete columns, and lots of seating in the form of black faux-wicker chairs and black cafe tables. The 24-hour reception desk doubles as a cafe and bar, giving the hotel a bit of a social atmosphere. In addition to young travelers, this hotel attracts budget-minded business guests and tourists, including solo travelers and families, as well as those heading to a conference at the nearby Bella Center.

Cabinn Metro is located just outside of the city in a business district, near a shopping center and several office buildings. It's quite removed from the city center, but convenient to transportation. The Ørestad metro stop is about an eight-minute walk, and from there guests can get to Copenhagen Airport in a little over 10 minutes and to central Copenhagen in as little as eight minutes (a total of about 20 minutes including walking to the metro). Field's Mall is right across the street, a two-minute walk, and the convention center, Bella Center, is about a 15-minute walk. Parking is available for an extra fee, but is limited and should be booked in advance.

Rooms are clean, but small and basic affairs -- a ship's cabin is a pretty fair comparison -- with patterned wall-to-wall carpeting, white walls, and wood laminate furniture. Robin's egg-blue accents add a bit of color. Beds, which include bunks in some rooms, are comfortable enough but narrow and the wet room-style bathrooms are downright tiny, with the whole bathroom essentially functioning as the shower. Rooms include 27-inch flat-screen TVs, coffee and tea service, and small work tables, plus free Wi-Fi. Towels and bedding are provided, as are very basic toiletries (bars of soap and packets of shampoo). Rooms don't have hairdryers, and borrowing them from reception will cost an extra fee. Sizes range from Economy Singles, ideal for solo travelers, to the Standard or Commodore Family Rooms, which sleep up to four guests. All rooms have single or bunk beds; there are no rooms with double beds. Guests occasionally complain about airflow -- there's no AC, and windows don't open very far.

As a budget property, features are limited, but CABINN does offer a few extras that add to its value, plus a few public spaces to provide more square footage for lounging. The hotel's lobby features lots of tables and chairs for hanging out or impromptu meetings, plus a the 24-hour reception desk which also doubles as a small, 24-hour bar and cafe, with light snacks (including sandwiches) and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. The lobby also has a soda machine, foosball table, and a computer stations with Mac desktop computers for guest use. Wi-Fi throughout the hotel is free. There are few other property features other than meeting rooms and the cafeteria-style breakfast room. The continental breakfast is decent with a selection of cold meats, bread, juice, etc., though it costs an extra fee. Paid parking is available but limited, so the hotel recommends booking in advance.