Hotel Royal

“What a classic elegant boutique hotel!”

We were very impressed with the Royal Hotel in Aarhus. First, the location just can’t be beat – it sits just off to the side of the Aarhus Cathedral, which is considered the very center of town. It’s a relatively small hotel but with a great-looking architected building. The entrance façade is also… more

We were very impressed with the Royal Hotel in Aarhus. First, the location just can’t be beat – it sits just off to the side of the Aarhus Cathedral, which is considered the very center of town. It’s a relatively small hotel but with a great-looking architected building. The entrance façade is also impressive, with three tall statues supporting the glass cantilever cover. It is a very small lobby, with the reception desk off to the side. But what impressive Victorian-style furnishings everywhere – murals, an old-style central elevator (aside from a more normal elevator to the side) with gold trimmings everywhere, including a sign “ELEVATOR’. Beside it is the staircase, another opulent architecture element. The room key is a heavy brass key, not your usual magnetic key card. The staircases are very beautifully done. We had a suite, so the large heavy front door led into the foyer-living room, with a sofa, an elegant dining table with similarly-elegant chairs, a ref cabinet with wine glasses and electric kettle (but no nespresso machine), a seat that transformed into a bed, and two very modern Danish coffee tables that seemed a little out of place. There was also a large TV that was uniquely resting on a type of artist’s easel. We were frustrated by a floor lamp with two lights that we couldn’t get to work. Two doors opened into the bedroom area with beautiful night tables that had built in electric outlets on the side, plus lamps and reading lights. There was also a footstool that was the length of the bed. Then a heavy door led to the T&B. What impressed us was the gold trim on most of the things in the T&B. Two negatives – there was no house phone to call housekeeping or reception, and there was no AC. Good thing Aarhus’ July summer was cold enough. Breakfast was in the oh-so-elegant Queen’s Garden, a giant gazebo-like structure in the hotel courtyard. The atmosphere was fantastic. They had custom egg orders and they had all the buffet items – not too much variety though - written up in a custom menu. The wait staff was very attentive. Some of the food were served in tiny but cute shot glasses with glass covers. The reception staff were very friendly and still very professional. I broke a wine glass but when I offered to pay for it, they said it was no problem – it happens. I was so impressed.

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“superbly decorated”

superbly decorated and furnished hotel with beautiful rooms. everything was perfect from start to finish. thanks especially to the doorman for his tips for coffee and breakfast places. this place is a joy to stay at or visit. would love to return.

“A nice hotel but a very hot room!”

The hotel is very nice and centrally located. Staff are very friendly and helpful. However, the room was very hot and had no air conditioning (only fan). The room was also not well-lit. There are many small lamps that you can turn on, but no central light. TV only work as a smart TV with only YouTu… more

The hotel is very nice and centrally located. Staff are very friendly and helpful. However, the room was very hot and had no air conditioning (only fan). The room was also not well-lit. There are many small lamps that you can turn on, but no central light. TV only work as a smart TV with only YouTube and pay per view available. No local channels. Decorations are nice and it's easy ta walk to the city attractions.

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“Centrally located”

The hotel is located right in the centre of the old town of Aarhus, a stone throw from the Domkirke. There is no off-street parking available but you could always use the Navitas car park or even the amazing Dokk1 Parkering in the docks. The handsome stucco façade stands out in the locality and th… more

The hotel is located right in the centre of the old town of Aarhus, a stone throw from the Domkirke. There is no off-street parking available but you could always use the Navitas car park or even the amazing Dokk1 Parkering in the docks. The handsome stucco façade stands out in the locality and the owners took great care in tastefully decorating the interior of the building, that includes its historical elevator, wall paintings and the reception area. Therefore, it’s a bit of shame that the same has not been extended to ensure the comfort of its guests. Our Standard Room was overlooking the main square but it was rather dark and not very spacious, with a classic décor. The lighting was limited with the main switch not working – side lights had to be turned on individually. There was precious little storage space as only about a third of the wardrobe was available and no other appropriate closets/drawers around. There was a rather high step between the bedroom and bathroom, just ideal for tripping on, in the dark! The bed was quite uncomfortable, with a very thin foam mattress and topped with a smallish duvet. The TV set was on the side of the bed (!) and programmes were only available if you had a suitably tuned smartphone device. We’re all for the options being offered to tech-savvy travellers but surely there has to be easier access for those guests who are less clued-in? The bathroom was of standard size, with a walk-in shower. The hairdryer had to be plugged in by the mirror, above the bathroom sink (there was literally nowhere else to do so, with a mirror!), so not quite sure about the safety aspect of such an arrangement. Bathrobes and slippers were provided. There was a safe-box but it was not working despite the valiant efforts of one of the receptionist. WiFi signal was good. Tea and coffee facilities were offered as well as a frugally stocked minibar. No free water was available. The breakfast was quite limited with a minimal selection of cold dishes and even less cooked food, available. The bread was very tasty. The hotel doesn’t provide dinners. The staff in the reception and the breakfast room were very friendly, helpful and enthusiastic. They couldn’t do enough for us and always responded with a smile. Overall, it felt like the hotel has lots of potential although lots of that seems to have been squandered on half-baked ideas. Good enough to stay in as long as you don’t expect fireworks.

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