Staying at The Audo: Menu’s hybrid hotel concept in Copenhagen

[Advertisement – this post is based on a press stay, but all words and opinions are my own]

There are hotels, and then there are hotels that are so beautifully designed that they instantly put you at ease. The Audo is one of the latter. Created by Bjarne Hansen, the founder and former CEO of Menu (which, as regular readers will know, is one of my favourite Danish design brands), it’s a serene and very stylish Copenhagen bolthole. I’d been for a brief look around when it first opened in spring 2019 and had wanted to stay overnight ever since, so when I unexpectedly ended up with a couple of free days in the city last month it seemed like the perfect opportunity to try out the full Audo experience. And it certainly didn’t disappoint!

Set in the up-and-coming Nordhavn district, The Audo occupies a neo-Baroque merchant’s house built in 1908. The location might look a little far from the city centre, but the metro whisks you there in minutes and the station is just around the corner from the hotel. What’s more, this former industrial port is becoming a real hotspot for creativity and food, with an increasing number of design brands, architectural studios and restaurants moving into its converted waterfront warehouses. There’s even a year-round harbour bathing zone, should you fancy a bracing dip!

Collaboration and versatility lie at the heart of The Audo (in fact the name is an acronym for the Latin phrase ab uno disce omnes, which means ‘from one, learn all’), and Hansen worked with long-time Menu partner Norm Architects to transform the building in a sensitive and considered way. The result is a contemporary haven that still retains much of its original character and that lends itself brilliantly to multiple uses. Behind the distinctive vermilion-coloured facade is a minimalist space with sleek concrete columns, metal-framed windows and chalky St. Leo paint, all softened by large potted plants, swathes of warm oak and lots of texture. On the ground floor is the ‘Salon’ – a cafe, bar, co-working space and events venue all rolled into one – together with a restaurant and a concept store stocking curated homeware and lifestyle products from Menu and others. The floor above acts as Menu’s HQ and at the very top, nestled under the eaves, are the 10 guest rooms of the ‘Residence’. Their design is constantly evolving, with a rotating selection of Menu’s own pieces as well as ever-changing artworks by various contributors, but they always retain the same sense of calm sophistication.

I was lucky enough to stay in the Studio Suite, which features exposed beams, Dinesen timber floors and deep terracotta walls. It’s a vast space encompassing sitting and sleeping areas, a desk, a dining table and a floor-to-ceiling window looking out over the courtyard below, but the earthy tones and natural materials ensure it still feels cosy, tactile and cocooning.

I couldn’t wait to kick back on the sofa after a busy few days, so as soon as I checked in I helped myself to a drink from the complimentary minibar and sat back to browse the coffee-table books provided. I also couldn’t resist playing around with the huge and very snazzy Bang & Olufsen TV, which at the flick of a button emerges from behind a grooved oak screen that looks more like artwork than technology.

But the biggest treat was the bathroom, hidden behind oak doors that at first glance appear to be part of the bank of wardrobes. Like the others at The Audo it’s designed in Norm Architects’ signature style, with grey stone-tiled walls, a matching stone sink, brushed-brass fittings and a bath tub so large it’s more like a plunge pool. The sheer size of it means it takes ages to fill, but my long, lazy soak was well worth the wait.

The bed turned out to be pretty luxurious too, and I slept like a log. Menu worked with Sweden-based DUX to create a custom design that features across all 10 rooms, with the softest linen from sustainable textile brand Aiayu finishing things off perfectly. I was woken around 9am the next morning by the housekeeper coming in to top up the minibar (the only thing The Audo is missing is a ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign to hang on the door), but I honestly didn’t mind – I would have snoozed until midday otherwise, and it gave me chance to appreciate the gorgeous morning sunlight streaming in through the windows over a coffee!

Once I finally managed to drag myself away from my room, I headed downstairs for breakfast (thankfully served all day for late risers like me). The array of dishes covers everything from seasonal fruit salads and organic yoghurt bowls to gooey cardamon buns, and I couldn’t resist tucking into one the latter, together with a traditional Danish ‘morning bun’ with cheese. The Salon is open to everyone for food, snacks and drinks and it made a lovely place to linger, with clusters of cosy seating, softly flickering candles, and the low hum of conversation from guests and locals alike.

As I was flying with cabin baggage only I had to resist the lure of the concept store, but it’s one of many reasons I’m already looking forward to heading back to The Audo when I’m next in Copenhagen. With its collaborative ethos and thoughtful design, it really does feel like a home away from home – the kind of place that adapts itself seamlessly to your needs, whether you’re looking for somewhere to stay, a quiet space to work or just a relaxing spot for coffee.

Book a stay at The Audo here. You’ll also find details of the restaurant (which I didn’t get chance to sample) and upcoming events.

All photography by Abi Dare