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The Instagram worthy, thoughtfully designed Manon Les Suites is a remarkable hip boutique hotel with a commitment to ecology that can be seen in every aspect of the hotel. Plus, it has one of the prettiest pool in all of Copenhagen. Though, what this eco-luxe hotel lacks is the luxury quotient.
Overzealous about my fist all-eco holiday, my solo-trip to Copenhagen began with my decision to ditch the taxi and take the metro to the hotel instead, with two large luggage, one-laptop and a handbag in my hands - a decision I would soon regret. Right after coming out from Forum station, when the cold weather hit me on the face, I decided to order an Uber, only to realize that Uber and any other taxi-aggregator service is banned in Denmark. Too bad I didn't do thorough research on getting about in the city........ The only cabbie on sight refused to take me to the hotel, since it was only '660 meters' away and I had to, unfortunately, walk down with all that luggage.
After a good 30 minutes (instead of 8 if you don't have the luggage), I finally landed at Manon Les Suites, a luxury 5-star eco-hotel, which is part of Guldsmeden I Love Eco Hotels chain of upscale boutique hotels. All Guldmeden hotels are Green Globe-certified and are spread across Scandinavia (I later also stayed in their Reykjavik property).
Honestly, I was super excited to stay in my first all-eco luxury hotel that was not just greenwashing its eco-credentials but was founded on the principle of ecology and sustainability. But when I entered the hotel, I was a little disappointed, because it didn't feel like a luxury or a 5-star hotel at all. More like a quaint boutique hotel that somehow managed to get a 5-star status. Why? No doorman service or valet-parking (not that I planned to drive), no separate concierge and reception desks, but a small reception area instead of a spacious reception hall that you expect from a 5-star hotel and a few other things you'd learn further. What I also didn't like was the animal skins and deer heads used in the decor. For a vegan like me, this was an unpleasant site and something you don't expect in a hip new hotel. Thankfully, the staff was friendly and helpful to make up for all the disappointment.
Since the check-in time was 3pm, and I arrived at 9 in the morning, I decided to take a quick shower in the shower room near the pool area or the gym, leave my luggage and head out to explore the city. I was first informed that there were no changing or shower rooms near the pool area, but I could go to the gym and take a quick shower. I headed to the gym, to only find out that the shower area in the gym was open - no doors, what so ever. Hmmmm. Honestly, it was shocking, because an "open communal shower'' feature is not what you expect in a luxury hotel. As a 5-star property, its expected that you will have guests staying from all parts of the world, and in many cultures, it is not comforting or acceptable to shower in the open - even if it is an all-women shower. What can you say, maybe this is how things work in Denmark? Fortunately, the lovely personal trainer at the gym offered to watch the door for me until I showered and I managed to get past this and get ready to take over the city.
Such a bad start of the day, but my spirits were still high because for one I was traveling solo, something I enjoy, and second I was in Copenhagen!
After coming back from a nice vegan lunch, I managed to check-in later in the day, hoping the rest of the experience would be better. I was quickly handed over my room key card, and I was super happy to see a wooden card, not plastic {a good start}.
The reception lady helped me with the luggage since there was no separate bellboy or porter. And oh boy, the moment we walked down the sun-trapped bright patio and towards the room, my spirits were completely elated. I felt like I have landed in a tropical oasis - an Instagram wonderland with the turquoise blue pool in the courtyard, plants sprouting all over the balconies from terracotta pots from the ground floor to the rooftop, fish lights dangling from the top and sunlight flowing in from the glass ceiling.
All the rooms across all-six-floors overlook the funky pool, with cool music playing in the background and a set of chic cabanas placed down for lounging. This section is definitely the most striking feature of the hotel - that gives it its 'hip' and 'cool' status. You'd feel you're almost transported to Bali {or Ibiza?), and would completely forget about the one-degree temperature outside the hotel! I sure did.
How are the rooms?
All the rooms in the hotels are 'so-called' suites with separate seating and sleeping zones, a basic kitchenette area with sink, fridge, and kettle. While not exactly the size you'd expect from a suite, the petit suite (their basic category) is a cozy space with the bedroom area featuring a four-poster king-size bed spruced up with crisp organic cotton sheets. The natural and local materials are at the heart of the design with minimal touches including a warm color palette and atmospheric lighting.
The suite has no enclosed closet for keeping the luggage, but the bedroom has a cabinet with an open clothing rack, where they had some extra hangers and organic cotton robes hung for the use inside the hotel. The view from the room is nothing to talk about since it was overlooking the street.
The bathroom was quite cramped out, but with its clean wooden decor and lovely organic and eco-friendly toiletries, its something I did not really mind. I don't use the tub in the hotels, anyways.
Funny thing is, some of the rooms do not even have an in-house phone to call for housekeeping, reception and room dining. I had moved rooms, when the rest of my party arrived on the last day, and was quite shocked to learn that some of the rooms in the hotel do not have a telephone port. Another reason why I wouldn't call it a luxury hotel.
Eco-credentials
Among all the eco-hotels I have stayed during my travels, I'd definitely give Guldsmeden's Manon Suites a 5 star when it comes to their eco-credentials. Their commitment to keeping the hotel green is exemplary, with great attention to every detail including the toiletries, packaging, printing, minibar and working with fair trade and certified organic suppliers. In fact, the hotel made sure to reuse everything in the design and integrated everything from the raw ceilings to the door handles in the building.I was excited to get my hands on the toiletries and amenities in the bathroom. The shampoo, conditioner and shower gel are by I Love Eco, Guldsmeden Hotels’ house line of eco-friendly products. Instead of the small throw-away bottles for shampoo and shower gel, they provide full-sized upcycled plastic 500ml bottles that you can purchase if you like. Other amenities like toothpaste (cool toothpaste tablet), razors, toothbrush, and even earbuds are plastic-free and are made from bamboo or wood. Plus, all the packaging is printed in eco-friendly and vegan soy ink. Even the toilet rolls they provide are from recycled paper.
The hotel has a no-plastic policy and where needed they use compostable biodegradable plastic. In fact, in each room, they have provided a reusable organic cotton shopping bag for the guests, so they don't have to waste plastic or paper bags at stores. All the cleaning products used by the hotel is also eco-friendly.
The tea and coffee provided are also all organic and come in plastic-free packaging. Every guest gets a reusable plastic-bottle for carrying their own water-bottle to eliminate the use of single-use plastic.
Activities
The massive hotel gym with its own giant boxing ring is known to be one of the best gyms in the town, a local friend told me and I could see why. I did manage to do a quick 20-minute workout there and interacted with some of the locals, who recommended me few vegan restaurants in town.The hotel also has a steam and sauna room on the rooftop.
The Breakfast
For $350 a night, the breakfast was not included in the room, which was a big downer. We, nevertheless, went to explore what's they offer and were happy to see the lovely organic spread on the beautiful rooftop cafe of the hotel that overlooks the city's skyline from the terrace.
With multiple plant-based milk options, freshly cut organic and fair trade fruits, and salads, vegan croissants and a plant-based hot meal on request, they had plenty of vegan options on the breakfast menu.
This cafe cum bar is the only dine-in option inside the hotel, aside from some drinks and nibbles you can get at the poolside. This cafe, like the rooms, also has a new yet very vintage vibe.
Location
Located right next to the lake, and walking distance from the center, the location is one of the best parts of the hotel. Tivoli is just a 10-minutes walk and Vesterbro and Nørrebro is about 15-minutes.
Overall
Manon Les Suites is definitely a beautiful hip hotel with a strong focus on sustainability. The unique pool area is quite like anything I have seen by far and I have stayed in some of the best hotels in the world including Burj Al Arab in Dubai, The Ritz in London and Portrait Roma in Rome.
However, it does not feel like a 5-star luxury and in terms of pricing, it is quite expensive for what you get.
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