Story: Danhostel Copenhagen City.

Stay in a five star designer hostel. Somehow it feels like there is some kind of contradiction in that sentence. A hostel is supposed to be scruffy with bunk beds containing stains you would rather not know the origins of. Interior that has probably never been even close to modern. A crammed space, shared with at least one middle- aged hippie, a group of constantly drunk youngsters and the creepy loner. It is also a fact that one of these will snore.

Danhostel Copenhagen City can at least solve one of these issues for you, it’s not scruffy. It might still have bunk beds but they are designer bunk beds. The hostel opened in 2005 and the interior was designed by one of Denmark’s leading design firms GUBI A/S, who also supplied furniture to the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

The rooms are a simple and stylish blend of grey, white and light wood. All the shared facilities follow the same trend but with splashes of bright colours and provocative shapes. It is light, clean and spacious, no sign of filthy carpets or nasty smells. Danhostel Copenhagen City provides everything an ordinary hostel would, but better. Its 1020 beds make it the biggest city hostel in Europe and with the Scandinavian design, most likely the nicest.

The building towers up over Copenhagen as one of the few high rises in the city and from most windows there are stunning city views. It is ideally located on the river bank, with the Royal Opera House within eyesight and with only a short walk to Strøget, Tivoli Gardens and all other major attractions.

It might not be a five star accommodation compared to hotel standards but it certainly is in the hostel world. This is an excellent choice if you are travelling as a group or for families, since you can book out a room for a set price, making it a bargain. It then provides a hotel room feel, even if you have to bring/hire your own sheets.

A stay at this hostel will suit anyone from pensioners, stag/hen nights, families and backpackers. If you are travelling on your own and are looking to get to know new people, maybe a smaller more intimate hostel will be better.

There is no doubt that Danhostel Copenhagen City is a great base for exploring the cosmopolitan capital. After soaking up the atmosphere in chic and trendy Copenhagen, it makes sense to indulge in a bit of design even when you sleep.