This three-pearl hotel occupies a nondescript building on an equally nondescript street in Copenhagen’s increasingly trendy Vesterbro neighborhood. The public space right inside its glass doors, however, makes a better first impression: The lobby features a low ceiling and plain white reception desk that are typical of chain hotels, yet it also has a cool little bar, angular leather sofas punctuated with bright red pillows, plus a long aquarium and abstract art which, taken together, make it a cut above. Factor in a gray-scale color scheme and the effect is masculine and modern. The hotel’s central location is another mark in its favor, particularly for sightseers. But guests sensitive to noise may want to consider another option as both the nearby night club and the early morning trains can interrupt a good night's sleep.

The Copenhagen Mercur sits on a busy street in Vesterbro, a neighborhood on the western edge of the Indre By. This location makes it convenient for tourists because Vesterport Station (serving urban/suburban S-trains) and Copenhagen Central Station (the country’s main rail hub) are both within easy walking distance, as are some of the Inner City’s top attractions -- including the Rundetaarn or Round Tower, the National Museum, and Stroget’s pedestrian strip, all of which can be reached on foot in 15 minutes. The famed Tivoli Gardens Amusement Park is even closer. Of course, the streets of Vesterbro itself are also worth exploring. Formerly known as a gritty working-class area, it’s evolving into a hipster haven with the requisite shopping, dining, and entertainment venues. 

• Two-minute walk to Vesterport Station 
• Six-minute walk to Copenhagen Central Station
• Nine-minute walk to Tivoli Gardens
• 15-minute walk to the Rundetaarn
• 15-minute walk to the National Museum
• 15-minute walk to Stroget's shops
• 10 minutes to Rosenborg Castle by public transit
• 17 minutes to Nyhavn by public transit
• 18 minutes to Designmuseum Denmark by public transit
• 19 minutes to Copenhagen Harbor by public transit 
• 20 minutes to Copenhagen Airport by public transit
• 23 minutes to Little Mermaid Statue by public transit
• 20 minutes to Copenhagen Airport by public transit

Ranging from wee singles to two-bedroom/two-bathroom suites, the bright rooms here have clean-lined furnishings that inject an element of Scandinavian style. Distinctive artworks provide a further splash of contemporary panache; nevertheless, their patterned wall-to-wall carpeting and practical colors create an overall look that’s best described as “21st-century chain hotel.” Each includes coffee/tea-making equipment, a flat-screen smart TV tuned to international channels, and free Wi-Fi. Deluxe Rooms add perks like air-conditioners, mini-fridges, safes, and ironing boards, plus higher-end bathrooms with walk-in rainfall showers that are a vast improvement over the white-tiled versions in lower categories with their molded sinks and standard showers or shower/tub combos. Light sleepers should be advised that many guests have complained about noise from the nearby train station and loud music from a neighboring nightclub. Poor soundproofing between rooms only heightens the problem. 

The Copenhagen Mercur has more amenities than many hotels in its class. Admittedly, the lobby bar is on the small side and the fitness room has an institutional look, but the former is well stocked and the latter well equipped. There’s a free recreation room with a pool table, dartboard and foosball table, too. Surprisingly, the hotel even has its own rooftop tennis court: overlooked by a furnished sundeck, this outdoor facility comes complete with a training machine which gives solo travelers an automatic opponent. Balls and rackets can be rented at the desk; however, those who book accommodations directly can borrow them for free (note that these guests also benefit from room upgrades, bar discounts and extended check-in/check-out hours). Other on-site features include a 24-hour reception desk with multilingual staff; a bright though rather bland breakfast room serving an add-on morning buffet; dry-cleaning/laundry services; free newspapers in the lobby; and free Wi-Fi throughout.