Skovshoved Hotel: Far away, but close to it all

Seven kilometres north of Copenhagen lies a little hotel that has it all: easy access to central Copenhagen, sea views, proximity to the old royal woods, and the type of warm and personal service you won’t usually find in a big city. “We like to say that we’re big enough to serve you, but small enough to know you,” says Eva Nadelmann Haahr, who manages Skovshoved Hotel together with her sister-in-law, Line Nadelmann.

The boutique hotel must be doing something right – it first welcomed guests inside as Skovshoved’s Inn in 1660 and has been highlighted by Condé Nast Traveler for its charm, convenience and service. Eva’s father, Ivan, acquired the hotel in 2003. Thanks to his loving renovation work, the long and colourful history of the place is tangible in every room and detail, from the twinkly chandeliers to the brass keys hanging in reception. “We know that some floorboards creak a bit and the bathrooms are a little quirky,” Eva says, “but that’s part of the charm: we don’t want to be just another busy Copenhagen hotel.”

Eva and Line took over the running of the hotel last spring. “We knew it’d be a lifestyle. If one of our brilliant members of staff becomes ill, it’s up to Line or me to step in, so it’s not unusual to see us doing dishes or clearing up after breakfast,” Eva, a former banker, explains. “But hotel life has even more upsides than I would’ve thought. We’re very proud of the hotel and cherish being here, and we love caring for our guests, whether they’re in for a quick coffee or a business meeting, or they’ve stayed with us 18 times before.”

Over the past year, Line and Eva have added their own little touches. As part of their Room Service art initiative, all of the 22 architect-designed rooms have been decorated by young artists, curated by Natalia Gutman. If guests fall in love with a particular painting, photo or sculpture, they may purchase it and bring it home.

While Eva, Line and their staff take care of the hotel’s luxurious breakfast themselves, lunch and dinners at the hotel, as well as conference and event menus for up to 150 attendees, are provided by the restaurant A Hereford Beefstouw. They moved in last year and, apart from their own famous menu, now feature a special Skovshoved menu celebrating Skovshoved’s famous seaside location. “We feel very lucky to live and work somewhere that feels like its own little self-sufficient bubble, but is really only ten minutes from everything else,” Eva concludes.

Eva Nadelmann Haahr and Line Nadelmann.

Web: skovshovedhotel.com
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Instagram: @skovshovedhotel