We spent four nights in Copenhagen, and decided to spend them at Club Carlson properties. Arguably the greatest benefit of the Club Carlson Premier Rewards Visa Signature® Card is that the second night of every award redemption is free.
That meant we could stay at one Club Carlson property for two nights and only pay for one, and then switch up properties and do the same for the third and fourth night. Club Carlson actually has four properties in Copenhagen, and we decided to do the Radisson Blu Scandanavia Hotel for the first two nights, and then the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel for the second two nights (since it’s a bit more centrally located, and that’s where we’d be over New Years).
The rate options for the first two night were either 1,195DKK (~$180) on a paid rate, or 44,000 points per night.
So of course we redeemed 44,000 points per room, which covered the cost of both nights. While not the most aspirational Club Carlson redemption, it was still a very good deal, especially given how many points I have with them.
Anyway, we arrived at the hotel at around 8PM via taxi, which cost about 250DKK (~$37) for the 15 minute drive.
The hotel has a rather depressing exterior, and the fact that it’s one of the city’s tallest buildings with 500+ rooms doesn’t help.
Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel Copenhagen exterior
Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel Copenhagen driveway
Waiting outside the hotel to the left were bikes which could be borrowed, which I thought was cool (that being said, it was the middle of winter, so I wasn’t about to bike given the extra chill from the wind).
Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel Copenhagen bikes for hire
The lobby feels a bit 1990s cruise-shippy, with colored carpet and not much natural light.
Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel Copenhagen lobby
Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel Copenhagen lobby
Reception was located to the left, where we were immediately helped. The associate checking me in was friendly, and had my keys issued within a few minutes. She explained she had assigned me a high floor room with a view.
Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel Copenhagen reception
To the right of the reception was the lobby bar, a great place from which to play Cards Against Humanity (a game which I learned on this trip, and became sort of obsessed with).
Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel Copenhagen lobby bar
The somewhat cheesy decor continued near the elevators, as that’s where the Thai restaurant is located (funny enough, a certain Thai airline’s crews stay here as well).
Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel Copenhagen elevators
Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel Copenhagen Thai restaurant
I know this is a weird observation, but I kind of loved how there was a screen that showed which floors all the elevators were on, etc.
Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel Copenhagen elevator status screen
My room was located on the 23rd floor, room 2306. When getting out of the elevator it was a few doors down on the left.
Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel Copenhagen hallway
Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel Copenhagen room entrance
The room was what I expected from Radisson Blu — functional, clean, and nothing too exciting. There was a small entryway with the bathroom to the left and a closet to the right.
Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel Copenhagen floorplan
Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel Copenhagen room entrance
The room featured a surprisingly soft bed, though only had two pillows. As someone that loves to create a pillow fortress, that wasn’t enough, I thought.
Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel Copenhagen room entrance
Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel Copenhagen standard guest room
Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel Copenhagen standard guest room bed
The bed faced a flat screen TV, and then to the left of it was the desk.
Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel Copenhagen standard guest room desk & TV
Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel Copenhagen standard guest room desk
Then in the corner by the window was a chair with a small side table.
Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel Copenhagen standard guest room chair
On that table was a single bottle of water and a small chocolate bar. Club Carlson is supposed to offer Gold members a welcome amenity (status I receive just for having the Club Carlson Premier Rewards Visa Signature® Card), so I’m a bit confused as to whether that was the amenity or not, as I wasn’t otherwise offered one. And this was far from the first time I didn’t receive my Gold welcome amenity.
Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel Copenhagen standard guest room chocolate & water
Back near the entrance was a hot water pot with instant coffee and tea.
Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel Copenhagen standard guest room coffee machine
Below that was the minibar, which actually wasn’t that outrageously priced compared to what you’d otherwise pay in Copenhagen.
Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel Copenhagen standard guest room coffee machine
The highlight of the room was definitely the view of Copenhagen. The hotel is a bit outside the city center (unlike the next Radisson Blu we’d stay at), but one benefit of that is the nice view you get of the city. It really was a gorgeous view.
Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel Copenhagen standard guest room view
The bathroom was simple but functional, with a sink, toilet, and shower/tub combo.
Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel Copenhagen standard guest room bathroom
Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel Copenhagen standard guest room shower
The room had This Works toiletries, which are reasonably decent.
Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel Copenhagen standard guest room toiletries
I spent most of the time either sightseeing or working, so can’t say I checked out many of the hotel’s other facilities.
The hotel does have a “real” fitness club, which is free for hotel guests. In other words, it’s mostly outside members using it. That’s both a good and bad thing. On the plus side, it means it’s nicer than a normal hotel gym. But it also means it’s not 24/7, and hours are limited. Which sucks, especially if you live on a weird schedule.
Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel Copenhagen standard guest room gym
Radisson Blu Scandinavia bottom line
The Radisson Blu was exactly what I expected. It was functional, clean, and the staff were friendly. But it’s also completely unmemorable. Copenhagen isn’t a great hotel market in general, so it’s actually one of the better options.
And it was an especially good value thanks to the Club Carlson Premier Rewards Visa Signature® Card, given that I essentially paid just 22,000 points per night.
As I mentioned above, this property is a bit outside the city center. So stay tuned for the review of the Radisson Blu Royal, which is right in the heart of the city.
Have you stayed at a Radisson Blu in Copenhagen? What was your experience like?
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