Stylish Theme Hotel Opens in Copenhagen; Family Tivoli Package from US$100pp

Considered to be the first theme hotel in Scandinavia, the new Tivoli Hotel opened in Copenhagen on July 1, 2010. To those who admire Denmark for its refined Danish Modern design, I say: Have no fear. This family-welcoming hotel and conference center will delight lovers of great design even more than kids. That's because the hotel has pulled off the near-impossible -- recreating the delightful atmosphere and ornate visual style of a local amusement park while maintaining a spare, elegant and very adult aesthetic.

Some students of architecture might quibble that it's easier to succeed when emulating Denmark's legendary Tivoli Gardens (circa 1843) than it is if you're forced to embed cartoon characters in lampshades.

In fact, the Tivoli Hotel takes full advantage of the traditional lighting of Tivoli Gardens: arches lit with colorful bulbs; the multi-colored checkered fabrics; and other playful patterns that adorn Tivoli. No mice here. The only characters you'll find at the hotel are the lithe figures of the harlequin clown Pierrot and his pretty ballerina Columbine. The silent dancers greet children checking into the hotel, and patrol the dining room at breakfast to pose with families.

Artwork evoking Tivoli's painted clown masks and light patterns, twisted white paper lanterns and Arne Jacobsen-designed swan chairs with red metal legs add to the fantasy feeling of the hotel's decor. Soon, a full-size carousel designed in Germany will be installed in the hotel's lobby, contributing even more to the stylishly playful air. The ambiance is similar to the fun described in this firsthand account of a Night at Tivoli in Copenhagen, and it's sure to guarantee success.

Rooms are spacious for Europe, with a full size bed dressed with two duvets and clown pillows, and a pullout single sofabed for one or two small children. Larger families will want to add rollaway beds or book an adjoining room. The dark spare furniture is accented with more bright pillows, fun and decorative light fixtures, a glass bathroom door etched with the harlequin's checkerboard patterns and patterned curtains framing the city or river views.

Hotel facilities include a second floor bar opening onto a pleasant, tree-lined patio and two top floor river-view restaurants to be open by September. On the lowest level, a large and well stocked fitness room overlooks a children's play area with climbing structures, toys, and a ball toss drawn with Tivoli characters and animals. In this safe and cozy environment, parents can work out or even swim laps in the infinity edge pool while kids play on the other side of a glass wall. The river-view breakfast room has a large and varied morning buffet that is included in the rates. Best yet is the child-high table (pictured above) filled with cereals and fruit for little ones who aren't able to reach the main tables.

Although it's a 15 minute walk to Tivoli or the main tourist sites, the Tivoli Hotel is just one of the development projects that has sprung up near Vesterbro as Copenhagen continues to expand. A public shuttle bus line pulls up regularly in front of the hotel to transport guests to the central Nyhavn for dining, shopping and sightseeing. If you're too impatient to wait, you can always take the water taxi from the yacht harbor across the street. (The harbor and its boat life is one of the best features of this up and coming neighborhood.)

To celebrate the hotel's opening, they will be offering a special "Family Holiday" rate of US$100 (595DKK) per adult over 12, including breakfast and tickets to Tivoli Gardens, its Aquarium, and all rides. Families will have an enhanced standard room with two extra beds; and added perks such as a family photo; a meal at a participating Tivoli Gardens restaurant; shuttle bus service to and from the park; and a Build-A-Bear backpack for each child ages 3 to 11. This rate applies now through September 26; October 15-24; and November 12-December 30 (except December 24 and 25).

A single room with breakfast was priced at US$324 per night at my visit, so the family offer is a great deal. Children under 3 stay and eat for free. Note that Tivoli Gardens is open full time from May to September and reopens for the holidays at Halloween and Christmas.

The Tivoli Hotel (+45 4487 0000) is located at Arni Magnussons Gade 2, 1577 Copenhagen V Denmark; reservations can be made through a travel agent or at the Tivoli Hotel website.