A WARM STAY AT THE GRAND JOANNE IN COPENHAGEN
words by WIES KUIJPERS
A hotel that has graced the corner of Vesterbrogade since the 1800s has gotten a modern update. The location has made it abundantly clear why this corner building has been a hotel for many years. Located near the train station and many cosy cafes, boutiques and restaurants, it is an ideal location.
In April 2023, Grande Joanne opened its doors after years of renovating and updating the old building. After years of hosting many travellers, Grand Joanne took it upon herself to update and renovate the opulent building. The hotel updated the rooms and amenities to fit modern travel standards. During the renovation process, a focus was placed on quality, design, warmth, and femininity. The careful curation and eye for detail have kept the spirit of the old building alive with a modern feeling.
Who is Grande Joanne?
Grande Joanne is named after Johanne Sophie Frederikke von Bothmer, mother of the Danish politician Christian Reventlow. Women are often left out of the history books, but the legacy of the strong Danish women continues to be a fundamental part of Grand Joanne. This feminine touch is felt throughout the hotel. Grande Joanne is a hotel where travellers and locals come together. It is a location to relax, work, enjoy a meal, work out, or have a drink on the rooftop terrace. The hotel offers different-sized meeting rooms, all named after essential women from Danish history. At the top of the hotel is a rooftop bar where you can soak up the sun and sip from a cold, refreshing beverage. Joanne’s restaurant can be found on the ground floor. Here, you can enjoy an Italian meal inspired by the chef's hometown. The chef has produced a diversified menu with creative Italian meals and a range of tastes from popular Italian cuisine.
The hotel places a strong emphasis on employee relationships and mental health. You can sense the staff's enthusiasm and excitement as visitors, which fosters an atmosphere of safety and hospitality. If you need assistance or have any questions, the team is ready to talk to you or answer your questions. The head chef, Ricardo Oteiza, leads with a focus on the mental health of its kitchen staff. He says, “It is not a military system, so no shouting or negativity is coming from anywhere, normally from top to bottom. There is space to talk, discuss, and express yourself.” Good wine and beer is enjoyed at the bar located in the restaurant or at the rooftop bar. Here, locals, travellers, internationals, and staff mingle and enjoy good company
Grande Joanne offers six different types of rooms. The Cozy room, Standard room, superior room, Deluxe room, Junior suite, and the Penthouse. All rooms are decorated with the beloved Danish interior design, soft corners, curated art, and rich seated amenities in a beautiful bathroom. A combination of carpet or heated floors, each room is a clever made-up selection of anything you might need after a long day exploring the city. With each upgrade, you receive a more spacious room and a private balcony looking out over Vesterbro.
