Aarhus isn’t overrun by tourists — and that’s part of the charm. Denmark’s second-largest city has all the essentials for a great urban escape: culture, cafes, LGBTQ bars, coastal breezes, and a friendly, youthful vibe thanks to its large student population. It’s more grounded and compact than Copenhagen, yet packed with personality. Whether you’re enjoying rooftop cocktails and symphonic performances at Salling, catching a show at Musikhuset, or wandering the colorful Latin Quarter, Aarhus deserves your attention — especially for a long weekend.
And if you’re looking for a hotel that captures both the city’s heritage and its understated style, look no further than Hotel Royal.
Hotel Royal, Aarhus: Where Royalty Slept — and You Can Too
Hotel Royal is more than just a place to sleep. It’s a living piece of Danish history. Established in 1838 and now meticulously restored, the hotel has hosted everyone from H.C. Andersen and Johanne Louise Heiberg to Louis Armstrong. Today, it welcomes a different kind of cultural traveler — one who appreciates authenticity over trendiness.
The building sits at Domkirketorvet, right across from Aarhus Cathedral and walking distance to just about everything — new and modern harbor Aarhus Ø, cobblestone shopping streets, riverside cafes, Michelin-recommended restaurants, and galleries.
The hotel has been owned since 1983 by Jens Richard Pedersen, a prominent figure in Aarhus’ hospitality scene. Under his care, the hotel underwent two major renovations, the most recent one returning the property to top-class status. Hotel Royal is now part of the Bühlmann group, a family-run Danish hotel and gastronomy brand known for blending historical character with modern service. Bühlmann also operates Villa Provence nearby in Aarhus, as well as several boutique hotels across Denmark — all built on values like care, presence, and passion.
The interior is full of charming eccentricities: chandeliers, gilded mirrors, and a vintage elevator with a cozy velvet seat that looks straight out of a Wes Anderson film. It’s a place where you feel like you’re stepping into the past — but without sacrificing comfort.
Our Junior Suite: Spacious, Stylish — But Missing the Details
We booked a Junior Suite on the 4th floor, which ran around $500 USD per night. You get a nice sparkling wine (Cava) as a small present. The deposit was a bit too high, 150 USD, but the minibar was full of drinks, including a bottle of champagne, that’s why. The room was spacious and elegant, featuring tasteful furniture like a glass table supported by golden swans, comfortable bedding, and unique Danish snacks (we loved the flat potato crisps by a local brand — a nice touch).
But while the main room impressed, the bathroom left a lot to be desired. There was no shelf space for a cosmetics bag, no cup for a toothbrush, and nowhere to hang towels or clothes. So, our toiletries ended up sitting awkwardly in the bedroom area. It’s a clear case where style was prioritized over function.
Not all rooms have coffee machines — including some Deluxe Rooms — and that might be disappointing for some. On the plus side, these rooms often face the quiet inner courtyard, which offers peace (albeit with a view of the Queen’s Garden glass dome) rather than the clanging church bells you’ll hear if your room faces the cathedral square.
Breakfast: Don’t Expect a Feast
Breakfast is served in the attractive Queen’s Garden dining area, and while the setting is pleasant, the buffet was modest, especially compared to luxury hotels in other countries.
You’ll find:
- Organic skyr with muesli
- Fresh bread from Emmerys
- Slices of cold-smoked salmon
- Boiled eggs and scrambled eggs
- Some fresh fruit like pineapple and a selection of yogurts
But don’t expect avocados, fresh spinach, or a variety of hot dishes. If you’re used to the epic spreads of Dubai or Southeast Asia, it’ll feel underwhelming. That said, this is fairly typical of Denmark, where breakfast tends to be simpler and less indulgent.
Service: Warm But Understaffed (I Call It Slow Luxury)
The biggest issue during our stay? Service.
Check-in at 3pm came with a line — only one staff member was at the reception desk, leading to a slow and somewhat stressful arrival. Later, when we asked for an extra towel, it was handed to us directly in the lobby, while we were mid-conversation and heading out. That’s not what you’d expect from a hotel that markets itself as four-star-plus. It had more of a hostel energy in that moment.
The gym and sauna are at the hotel, but not really. I asked to turn the sauna on (you have to do it 45 minutes in advance), but when I was there the door with a label Sauna was locked.
The gym is more like a small private room with 2 machines, including my favorite CrossFit, but neither disinfection papers, no towels were found there.
To be fair, the staff were kind and helpful when they had time — they were just stretched thin.
Parking on-site? 500 DKK per night (around $72 USD), or you’ll have to navigate city street parking, which can be hit or miss.
Insider Picks Around the Hotel
Aarhus has a lot to offer — and much of it is right outside the Royal’s front door. Some of our favorite nearby spots:
- Casablanca Brasserie: right next door, with excellent mussels, oysters, and champagne
- Løve’s Bog- og Vincafé: cozy wine and book café
- Erlings Ølbar: top-notch craft beer, live jazz performances and funky-punky wibe
- LYNfabrikken: cool rooftop and coffee spot with a creative edge
- Clementine: brasserie-style dining
- Mefisto: great for seafood in the Latin Quarter, they served us right after 22.00 when the kitchen is normally closed
- Aarhus Street Food: casual but fun, best in warm weather
And for culture? Don’t miss the ARoS art museum, Musikhuset Aarhus (we saw a phenomenal performance of Kontakthof by Pina Bausch), or even just people-watching along the canal.
Our Verdict: Almost Royal
Hotel Royal has historic character, unbeatable location, and undeniable atmosphere. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’re part of Aarhus’ cultural tapestry — even if only for a weekend.
But while the hotel is beautifully restored, it’s not perfect. Service levels are too low for the price point, the bathrooms need functional updates, and the breakfast could use a little love. Still, if you can live with a few quirks, it’s a uniquely Danish experience that feels more like a grand home than a chain hotel.
Would we stay again? Yes — but with adjusted expectations and maybe a travel mug of coffee.
