CPH Living
Christianshavn, Copenhagen, Denmark

Reviewed by
Michael Franco
To get an idea of how eager the owners of CPH Living are to please their guests, just look at what they did to build this floating hotel (boat-el). First they hauled an old barge from Germany to Poland, where they extended and refurbished it; then they towed it to Estonia and mounted 12 simple yet stylish bedrooms on its decks; finally, they sailed it to Copenhagen, where it’s now docked on a glittering waterway in a hip residential area, enjoying a new life as one of the city's quirkiest hotels.
As you might expect from the Danes, everything onboard is smartly designed and very clever. Large water-facing windows let light splash in, and each room has a magic box of an armoire with sliding drawers and panels accommodating a flat-screen TV and a surprising amount of storage space. The boat's communal area is dominated by a dangling, dazzling light fixture made up of oversized bulbs, and serves as the breakfast room and lobby. And crowning the whole affair is an expansive outdoor deck, where you can soak up Copenhagen's temperamental sun by day, and snuggle up under a glowing lantern to watch the fireworks above Tivoli Gardens by night.
As you might expect from the Danes, everything onboard is smartly designed and very clever. Large water-facing windows let light splash in, and each room has a magic box of an armoire with sliding drawers and panels accommodating a flat-screen TV and a surprising amount of storage space. The boat's communal area is dominated by a dangling, dazzling light fixture made up of oversized bulbs, and serves as the breakfast room and lobby. And crowning the whole affair is an expansive outdoor deck, where you can soak up Copenhagen's temperamental sun by day, and snuggle up under a glowing lantern to watch the fireworks above Tivoli Gardens by night.
Highs
- Floor-to-ceiling windows mean you can gaze out over the water from your bed
- With only 12 rooms it’s an intimate city escape - perfect for couples looking for something a little bit different
- Christianshavn is beautifully quiet yet full of cafés and restaurants (including world-renowned Noma). It's only a 15-minute walk from Copenhagen's main sights, and within easy reach of the train station and the metro to the airport
- Sweeping views from the vast deck, taking in city spires and the iconic 'Black Diamond' royal library building
- The extremely friendly staff are happy to help tailor your Copenhagen experience to your interests, whether they lie in architecture, art, music or food
Lows
- Don't expect much in the way of onboard amenities - rooms are fairly basic and there's no restaurant or bar, though rates include continental breakfast and you can help yourself to hot drinks in the lobby
- The rooms can get rather hot at night, and it can be noisy with the windows open
- The boat rocks slightly - not ideal for those prone to sea sickness, though stabilisers keep motion to a minimum
- Full payment is required upon reservation, and there's a surcharge for credit cards
- The lack of twin beds and walls of glass between the bedrooms and bathrooms mean this place is best suited to couples
Best time to go
Spring and summer, when sunshine and warm temperatures are more likely, are best for making the most of the hotel’s wonderful deck. Copenhagen’s weather is notoriously unpredictable, however, so expect showers and grey days at any time of year. Winter can be very cold, though the city glows with beautiful lights and a festive ambiance in the run-up to Christmas.
Our top tips
Consider buying a multi-pass metro card when you arrive. If you plan on seeing a good part of the city, it'll definitely pay for itself.