Travel writer Aruna Rathod discovers that BC Hospitality’s flagship property redefines chic hospitality, while it sets the benchmark in sustainability.
Copenhagen greeted me with clear blue skies and fantastic weather. Getting off at Orestad station, it was just a short walk to my hotel – the majestic Crowne Plaza, Copenhagen Towers. A green canopy greeted me in the atrium, which I later got to know as the shady lady grove – black evergreen olive trees, 60 in all, especially imported from Miami. The atrium has the feel of an Amazon forest with the trees, with money plant (Epipremnum aureum) foliage at the base.
Crowne Plaza Copenhagen Towers is not just about green trees, but also a lot of green technology. In 2010, the hotel won the EcoTourism Award as the ‘World’s Greenest Hotel’.
The facades facing south, east and west are covered with solar panels, thus harnessing the solar energy while providing a chic exterior. With a unique technology, the hotel processes even leftover food, which is used as bio-fuel to run some of Copenhagen’s buses.
With its innovative use of technology and eco-friendly initiatives – from recycling of resources to maximum usage of renewable energy, the BC Hospitality Group hotel sets the benchmark in energy-efficiency and minimizing carbon footprint. The Group’s commitment to sustainability extends to its other hotel properties in the city – the AC Hotel Bella Sky and the Copenhagen Marriott.
Danish decor
Adding a dramatic element to the lobby and atrium are the V-shaped pillars in exposed concrete. The curved walkways, flanked by plants and wooden benches for seating add an interesting dimension. The stylish-looking wooden slats in some parts of the atrium are re-cycled window frames, originally from a farm, cut into strips, polished and fixed into the wall adding a totally refreshing dimension to the area.
Other innovative design features are ceilings partly made from recycled plastic bottles, floors from recycled rubber and concrete and sails from a boat that have been converted into an art work, keeping with the tradition of up-cycling in Denmark.
Even in the restaurants and cafés, the focus is on sustainability. Situated in the lush green surroundings of the atrium, the restaurant called BARK is a chic diner. Its USP is the use of sustainable ingredients and its own organic beer from Amager, Bryghus; this was also the first restaurant in Denmark to introduce the Treatbox food-waste box, and have its own in-house food waste app to track and minimize wastage of food.
Everything at Crowne Plaza is focused on sustainability. The Coffee Shop Orango supports the Orang Utan Coffee Project in Sumatra and has even adopted an orangutan named Cece.
Rooms with a view
Each window on the higher floors of the hotel provides a panoramic view of the green cityscape, aeroplanes taking off from the Kastrup runway, the Oresund strait and a bit closer – the Royal Arena. The furniture in the room is by Danish designer Paustian – including a lounger to sink into and enjoy the view.
The club room offers access to the lounge every afternoon and evening, with access to the finest wines and spirits. Also on offer are beers and beverages, with finger foods like cheeses, cold cuts, sausages, wafers, flavoured almonds and assorted nuts to keep you replenished and refreshed.
Copenhagen calling
It’s effortless to get around in well-connected Copenhagen using the superb network of subway, buses and even waterways. Start with the Old Town, where a cluster of important buildings can be covered on foot – starting from the Round Tower that served as an observatory for the Christiansborg Palace (the present Danish Parliament) – a unique sprawling building with its dark brown exterior.
The old stock exchange is a charming building with a red brick exterior and green, copper roofs. Standing out is its spire topped by three crowns, symbolizing the Scandinavian empire – Denmark, Norway and Sweden.
The famous Nyhavn (New Harbour) is renowned for its joie d’vivre and colourful buildings dating back to the 1600s. Make sure to visit house number 18, 20 and 67 as these were the homes that writer Hans Christian Andersen lived in at different times of his life.
You can’t leave Copenhagen without visiting the Little Mermaid. Walk down the Langeline promenade to take a close look at the Little Mermaid or you can photograph Copenhagen’s iconic lady from the comforts of a boat while on a canal tour. Stop by at the Gefion Fountain nearby. Carl Jacobsen, founder of the Carlsberg brewery, funded the statue and donated the fountain to the city.
Address: Copenhagen Towers, Oerestads Boulevard 114 – 118, Copenhagen, 2300 S, Denmark
Phone: 45-88-776655
Website: ihg.com/crowne plaza
