In conversation with Karim Nielsen, CEO of Kølpin Hotels (Exclusive Interview)

How are your properties positioned? Is there a common DNA?

The common thread among the three properties in the Kolpin Hotels collection, or the so-called DNA that connects them, is that they are all family owned. Owner and Creative Director, Alexander Kølpin, took over the three properties together with his father. It is evident and strongly felt throughout the three hotels that Alexander, who grew up with his father, a former architect from the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, is creative and passionate about creating experiences.

As a former ballet dancer and director, he understands how to stage an experience and draw people into a very specific universe. Although the three hotels—Hotel Sanders, Helenekilde Badehotel, and Tisvildeleje Strandhotel—are very different from one another in design, location and market positioning, their shared DNA is clearly felt and noticeable.

You recently launched Sanders Residence in Copenhagen. Tell us more. 

Our newest addition to the Sanders universe, the Sanders Residence, is an exclusive and luxurious extension of Hotel Sanders, offering guests the full services of a hotel while providing the privacy of a private setting. Spanning 220 square meters, this luxury serviced apartment caters to both individual, couples, families and business travellers. With three bedrooms, a living room, and an open-plan kitchen and dining area, there is ample space to enjoy a “private home” at the heart of Copenhagen.

The Sanders Residence Manager will cater and personalize the experience based on your preferences and give you the best tips to live like a local during your stay in the city. Additionally, the dining area is particularly well-suited for either private and intimate gatherings or business meetings.

What is your view on Copenhagen as a luxury destination? 4. How do you achieve and maintain desirability? What about relevance? 

Sanders was the first and only luxury boutique hotel in Copenhagen when it opened.  Today we have competition, but our story remains different from the others. Privately owned by Alexander Kolpin, his vision of the property came with a unique DNA as a former ballet dancer who traveled the world.  You see pieces of that history woven into our story.  We are also directly a cross from the Royal Theatre where he performed. He describes Sanders story perfectly:

“Entering Sanders is like stepping into a theatre. Guests will always remain center stage, but the scenography and carefully curated interiors will be the elegant and exquisite backdrop for their experience. The passion, generosity and professionalism of our staff will orchestrate the production to provide a memorable experience for our guests.” Alexander Kølpin, Owner.

We were recently acknowledged and awarded as the ‘Best City Hotel in Scandinavia’ by Conde Nast Traveler’ and considering the broader competition, we consider that to be quite a feat.  We maintain the roots of what was created and at times make slight tweaks in our story and delivery.  For example, we have had a Courtyard are for dining and cocktails since the beginning, but beginning this fall it will feature a new concept of serving Port wines.

Luxury travellers nowadays are seeking more and more value. 

As luxury travelers today seek more value in their destinations, Copenhagen leads the way as both a green and historically rich city with a great diversity on the accommodation offering. Travelers are eager to engage with and experience the culture we have in Copenhagen, including immersing themselves in the design heritage, well-known Scandinavian cuisine, our minimalistic and quality-oriented lifestyle, and our cycling culture.

At Kølpin Hotels we embrace the authenticity of the Danish and family heritage, and we bring personality and authenticity in everything we do, which we hope, exceeds our guests’ expectations.

Is there a recipe to motivate your team? What about consistency in service?  7. Tell us more about your approach to F&B.

At Hotel Sanders, our Food & Beverage concept embraces an international flair, offering a blend of beloved classics and diverse dishes from around the world to cater to our well-travelled guests. The restaurant Sanders Kitchen welcomes our guests with a culinary experience that reflects this global inspiration.

In contrast, at restaurant Kilden at Helenekilde Badehotel, our focus is on Danish classic cuisine, reimagined with a modern twist and a strong emphasis on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.

Lastly, at restaurant Kysten at Tisvildeleje Strandhotel, we present a rustic yet refined menu featuring fresh, homemade dishes. Here, a family-style menu encourages conversation and connection over a delightful dinner paired with natural wines from our selection.

Which are your top 5 off-the-beaten-track tips in Copenhagen?

The various neighborhoods of Copenhagen each have much to offer, providing visitors with different perspectives of the city itself. but our bakeries have flourished, providing both exceptional baked goods and cozy, intimate café spaces. The best among them includes ‘Hart,’ ‘Skipper Bageri,’ and ‘Juno.’ For outstanding food, wine, and ambiance, a true hidden gem is“ENOMANIA” which draws both a local and international clientele. For an evening of fine wine and atmospheric charm, I recommend“VESTERBRO VINBAR ” wine bar, located in Vesterbro.

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