The iconic Royal Hotel, designed by the legendary Danish architect and designer Arne Jacobsen, has undergone a stunning transformation that breathes new life into its timeless charm. This renovation project has preserved the original features while introducing updated classic furniture that highlights the hotel’s rich history and architectural significance.
Now known as the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, this landmark in Copenhagen was originally built in 1960 for Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS) and is considered one of the most important examples of Danish modernist architecture. The entire design process was overseen by Arne Jacobsen, who even designed the cutlery for the restaurant, showcasing his meticulous attention to detail.
The renovation was led by Space Copenhagen, a design studio founded in 2005 by Signe Bindslev Henriksen and Peter Bundgaard Rützou. Their goal was to modernize the interior while preserving the hotel’s unique character. The team worked closely with Danish furniture brand Fritz Hansen to update classic pieces like the Egg, Swan, and Drop chairs using fabric from Kvadrat’s collection, designed by Raf Simons. They also introduced new designs for another Danish company, & tradition, blending old and new seamlessly.
One of the standout features of the redesigned space is the renewed lobby, where a former bar and retail area have been removed to create more open space around the reception desk and guest lounges. Marble floors were reinstalled across the ground floor, paired with wood and marble wall panels to maintain a sense of elegance and continuity.
The lobby now flows more smoothly into the restaurant and bar, with floor-to-ceiling wooden screens used to create subtle divisions. The original suspended spiral staircase remains, but it now features leather-wrapped handrails and an illuminated halo above the mezzanine, adding a contemporary touch without overshadowing the historic design.
Guest rooms have also been thoughtfully updated, taking advantage of the horizontal bands of windows that wrap the building. Deep marble window sills were reintroduced to enhance the connection between the interior and the outside world. The goal was to create warm, cozy spaces with upholstered beds and furniture such as the Fly Sofa, making each room feel like a home away from home.
The renovation of the lobby, bar, restaurant, meeting rooms, and several guest rooms was completed in time for spring 2018, with the remaining rooms set for completion soon after.
This project is a perfect example of how heritage and modernity can coexist beautifully. It’s not just a hotel—it's a living museum of design, where every detail tells a story.
Photography by Joachim Wichmann.
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