Background
Fairfield by Marriott launched in 1987, inspired by John Willard and Alice Marriott’s family retreat of the same name in rural Virginia. The “upper midscale” select-service brand comprises over 1,290 hotels, with over 450 properties also in the pipeline – including 17 hotels across Europe and the Middle East.
The majority of Fairfield properties are located stateside, but the brand is growing across Asia and now taking on Europe as well as the Middle East in 2027.
At the end of March 2024 the brand debuted in Europe with the Fairfield by Marriott Copenhagen Nordhavn, acting as a prototype for the forthcoming hotels in the region.
The hotel is part of a dual-branded new-build development, with Marriott’s long-stay Residence Inn property under the same roof.
Business Traveller visited the property shortly after the opening to find out more about the brand, its expansion across Europe and the difference between brands across the Marriott International’s portfolio. For more details on the brand itself, see our report here:
Where is it?
In Copenhagen’s waterfront Nordhavn (North Harbour) district, a fascinating new sustainable urban development in the city’s Arhusgadekvarter neighbourhood. The property is located on the waterfront at the tip of a pier, surrounded by similar new-builds.
Nordhavn is designed as a “five-minute city”, with useful facilities all within walking distance, and does not feel soulless like some of these new city projects.
The main square, Göteborg Plads, is just a stone’s throw from the hotel and is a popular area filled with independent restaurants and cafes, striking revamped silos (which now house offices), and open-water swimming. Beyond this is a 400-metre-long waterfront promenade, which makes for a lovely walking and cycling route.
In terms of transport, the hotel is just under eight minutes’ walk from the Nordhavn metro station, with the M4 line connecting you to Copenhagen’s city centre in just 15 minutes (two stops).
What's it like?
The red brick Residence Inn and Fairfield by Marriott properties look identical from the exterior, but inside have very different feels, with a lighter and more airy feel in the Fairfield property. (Technically the corridors are combined, but only via emergency exit doors – it’s not designed for guests to cross paths.)
The Fairfield hotel has been designed by OCCA Design Studio in collaboration with Scandinavian-based Mette Fredskild Design and Henning Larsen Architects, with the design acting as a blueprint for the brand across Europe.
The brand ethos and Scandi minimalism go hand in hand, with a calming and simple design featuring a colour palette of blues and greens, organic furnishings, geometric shapes and naturally-lit interiors.
There are also subtle references to the flora and fauna of Europe, with abstract tree-like patterns on rugs and carpets, plus more fine art-style floral illustrations framed on the wall.
The entire lobby is open plan, with a small reception on the left-hand side as you enter (check-in from 3pm and check-out at 11am). Staff are very friendly and happy to answer any queries during your stay.
Straight ahead is The Social Market area, a kitchen island inspired by large, family kitchens. This is used for a complimentary breakfast buffet (more on this later), but in theory can be enjoyed throughout the day by guests.
It’s a homely space and has a Mediterranean feel thanks to the beautiful communal table with a tree at its centre – the idea is that people can congregate here with a glass of wine, coffee or a bite to eat.
A few steps up from here is a hybrid dining and workspace, with plenty of seating ranging from two-person tables to booths and large tables – though the latter tended to be used by just three people.
More stylish and informal seating is located on the right as you enter the property (or a few steps down from the dining space). It’s clear that Danish “hygge” (cosiness) was considered when designing this area, which features comfy sofas, armchairs, greenery and floor-to-ceiling glass windows offering natural light and views of the waterfront.
Public spaces come to life during weekdays, possibly in part due to the small size of the rooms, with guests using the various areas to work, catch up with fellow guests or make phone calls. Everything is also very flexible, so furniture can be moved around if you’re a larger group, for instance, or there’s a panel discussion taking place.
I found it to be a laid-back area for working, though not all seats are ergonomic or close to plug sockets – if you’re working then opt for the wallside tables with plug sockets in the main public space, or the booths and counter in the dining space a few steps up.
Rooms
The hotel’s 222 rooms are located across levels 1-4 (plus some rooms just off the corridor from the ground-floor dining space).
To make things simple, all rooms measure 17 sqm and are almost identical, with just a choice between twin or Queen beds and the view – 20 of the rooms overlook the sea and the remainder face other buildings or the inner courtyard.
The design and amenities are very pared-back, with a similar colour palette to the public spaces (blue and green tones) and soft, organic furnishings alongside geometric patterns. Large windows flood the room with natural light, and the window can be tilted open to provide fresh air.
At first glance I though the room was too basic, with everything located in one small open-plan space. All you’ll find in the bedroom is a bed, a small mobile desk next to an armchair, a stool, a large flatscreen TV, a full-length mirror, three hangers for clothing, and a ledge for a suitcase.
Missing from the rooms is a safe, wardrobe, minibar – or coffee machine/kettle for that matter. There’s no need for bottles of water, as tap water is very clean and safe to drink in Copenhagen (there’s a cold water tap in the Social Market area if you prefer).
That said, I grew to embrace the fuss-free interiors. There’s no clutter and my room was never once in a disorderly state.
Bonus points are awarded for the great soundproofing, incredibly comfortable bed (much nicer than some mega luxury hotels I’ve visited), blackout curtains, well-located plug sockets (USB-A and USB-C sockets beside the bed, as well as EU plug sockets) and easy-to-use lighting (there’s a master switch by your bed). The hotel gets the simple things right!
The bathroom is compact but has a great shower cubicle (rain shower and showerhead) with refillable Nirvae Botanicals bergamot and tea tree shampoo, conditioner and grapefruit & mint shower gel. Surprisingly, there’s a needless mini body lotion.
When it comes to working, however, it can get quite uncomfortable. The mobile desk is perfectly fine for a laptop, but the seating isn’t ideal for long periods of time – there’s little back support when the options are a stool or a reclined armchair. But, then again, the hotel wants you to use the public spaces as much as possible.
There is great complimentary wifi throughout the hotel, which requires your room number and surname to connect, and further amenities include an ironing room on the first floor with two steam irons.
Note that linens are changed every third day, and guests are encouraged to reuse towels by hanging them up inside the shower.
Food and drink
For this Fairfield property, the owners decided not to have a restaurant and favoured local businesses in the area instead, but guests are offered a complimentary breakfast buffet at The Social Market from 6.30-10.30am (until 11am on weekends).
The kitchen island features mini pastries, cold cuts, fruit and fresh juice, yoghurts and cereals, scrambled eggs and soft-boiled eggs. It’s simple, tidy and well-arranged, but packed into a small area so it gets very crowded at peak times.
The buffet is entirely self-service, with plates, trays, cutlery and napkins as you enter – and areas to stack your trays once you’re done.
There are also two coffee machines, along with a variety of tea bags, though your best bet is to use the machine on the dining space level as it’s less busy. During the day there is a charge for coffee, tea and hot chocolate (DKK 25; £2.90) which was a shame given there are no facilities in the room.
The hotel also has a 24/7 market, with shelves of snacks and a fridge filled with soft drinks, small bottles of wine and bottles of beer. Guests can pay at the front desk and, for an idea of prices, soft drinks and snacks start from DKK 30 (£3.40), while wines start from DKK 65 (£7.45).
If you want a more deluxe breakfast, head to the nearby Andersen & Maillard bakery, which has a delicious selection of indulgent pastries.
There are plenty of restaurants in the local area offering various cuisines – from Danish to Italian, American and Middle Eastern. We had dinner at John&Woo, which had a lovely buzzy atmosphere and great food.
Meetings
The hotel has an 18 sqm meeting room towards the back of the dining room, and has also partnered with neighbouring meeting and event venue, CodeNode, which can offer a venue for up to 150 people.
Leisure
There’s a well-equipped 90 sqm fitness centre on the first floor, open 24/7, with separate doors for Fairfield and Residence Inn guests. There are also bikes available to rent for DKK 150 (£17) per day.
Verdict
Fairfield by Marriott has chosen a fitting location for the debut of its European brand, with the Copenhagen property living up to the brand values of having a seamless, stress-free experience with a good night’s sleep.
When it comes to guest expectations, this isn’t a hotel with lots of amenities, large rooms and ample facilities – but the hotel gets the simple things right, making it an ideal option for short stays. The neighbouring Residence Inn also offers an apartment-style alternative.
I found the minimalist design to be peaceful and in keeping with the Scandinavian location, enjoyed exploring the Nodrhavn area, which will only gain prominence in the coming years, and was grateful for the quick access to the city centre.
FACT BOX
- Best for Minimalist travellers
- Don’t miss Waterfront strolls and breakfast at Andersen & Maillard
- Price Internet rates for a flexible midweek stay in June start from DKK 1,875/£215 for a Queen Room
- Contact Tallinngade 10, 2150 Copenhagen, Denmark; +45 30 30 4963; marriott.com
