Hotel Bethel Sømandshjem

You know that quintessential Copenhagen postcard picture—the one of the canal with all the colorful 17th-century houses, a giant anchor, old-fashioned sloops, and crowded outdoor restaurants? Well, that's the scene that sits in front of the Hotel Bethel Sømandshjem. Situated on the "quiet" half of the picturesque Nyhavn Canal, this former seaman's hostel offers decent rooms in a wonderful location at fair prices.

The Sømandshjem (a real mouthful for the non-Scandinavian speaker) used to be a guesthouse and chapel for sailors; hence the name, which translates roughly to "seaman's home."

The hotel has 30 simple en suite rooms, about half of which offer that famous view. The rooms, which are singles and doubles only, feature 1990s décor with plain-Jane wood furniture, pastel blankets, and little else in the way of ambiance. However, all the facilities are quite clean, including the bathrooms, which look very fresh (even if they haven't been recently renovated). Naturally, rooms on the bustling Nyhavn-Holbergsgade corner are a bit noisier than those that overlook the sunny courtyard in the rear—but then you get that fabulous view.

The Sømandshjem serves a hearty included breakfast and dinner on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. Otherwise, you won't have to go far to find a Danish meal—Nyhavn's cobblestone streets are practically bursting with them (though you may want to head further afield for mealtime values). And, as an extra, unusual amenity, the hotel still boasts a chapel which guests are free to use.

Note: Due to the Sømandshjem's very popular location and a limited number of rooms, we suggest booking well in advance. There's also a discount for stays of ten nights or more—and a discount for sailors.