On a winter’s day, I find myself daydreaming about the cozy lounge at Avenue Hotel in Copenhagen. The warm Danish charm of the place has captivated me. I imagine myself curled up on a soft, crushed velvet sofa in front of a flickering fire, leisurely flipping through a designer coffee table book.

The white pillar candles flicker, dripping wax onto an antique silver tray, while nightlights glow in their colored glass holders. I might even help myself to a chocolate thoughtfully left out on the table. I admire the kilims covering the oak floor and perhaps plan a trip to Marrakesh, imagining the thrill of bargaining with a carpet seller in the souk while sipping fresh mint tea from an ornate silver teapot. I covet the design classics like the coffee tables I’ve seen in designer magazines, the Bestlite lamps I want for my living room, and the soft woven Missoni throws that resemble semi-precious stones.

Above me, abstract photos in glowing colors catch my eye. I might order some tapas or today’s hot dish from the bar menu and later pour myself a nightcap from the drinks tray on the bar. Whether sharing a drink and gossip with friends or sitting alone to people-watch, Avenue Hotel’s lounge feels like a home away from home in Copenhagen.

When arriving from the airport by train to the Forum metro station a couple of blocks away, you might easily pass by Avenue Hotel, nestled in a residential neighborhood with cyclists whizzing by on the busy Åboulevard leading into town. With its large floor-to-ceiling windows, it looks almost like an interior design showroom or the turn-of-the-century apartment building it once was. The staff are lovely and efficient, and everyone in Copenhagen seems to speak perfect English.

At the back, there’s a decking patio for enjoying the outdoor lifestyle, complete with awnings, soft cushions, and lanterns flickering. During Halloween, I found pumpkin masks there. Behind the patio, there’s a small car park and a place to store or rent a bike. In Copenhagen, it’s customary to go everywhere by bike, whether dressed for a party in high heels or wrapped in a warm scarf and fur-lined boots.

I took the small lift up to my third-floor room, which had a quiet view of other neighborhood apartment blocks. Each of the 68 rooms, carved out of the original apartment building, varies in shape and size. I was lucky to have a spacious room with a sofa and desk. While the lounge has an exotic feel, the rooms are more about pale Scandinavian design with cream carpets, tan leather chairs against a glossy black desk, and gorgeous colored Missoni bedspreads.

The double bed, actually twin mattresses and duvets, was super comfortable with puffy and warm duvets. The clean lines continued into the bathroom, which had a functional feel with double sinks, a wall of mirrors, plain white tiles, a hairdryer, and neatly lined-up toiletries. Despite the sign encouraging environmental responsibility by hanging up used towels, I found fresh ones upon my return, or perhaps they were folded so cleverly that I couldn’t tell the difference.

Everything was fresh and clean, although there were a few signs of wear and tear, such as refreshed grouting in the bathroom and some marks on the tan cotton sofa covers. I loved walking up the elegant period staircase, which felt like the old apartment building, past the electric blue or burnt orange curtains. The corridors meandered charmingly at odd angles, reminiscent of large Victorian houses in England converted into flats, where communal areas open up to more elegant scenes behind each front door.

Breakfast was a delightful spread of croissants, cereal, juices, and a variety of cold hams and local cheeses. The Danes love their bread, and I eyed the dense bricks of sourdough with seeds on top. There was even a machine that cut thin slices of cheese. I calmed my excitement with a refreshing pot of Moroccan fresh mint tea in a silver teapot while munching on meusli, surrounded by arty food photos by Danish food photographer Claes Bech-Poulson.

Avenue Hotel appeals to a variety of guests. During the week, it’s popular with Danes on business, while on weekends, I spotted couples, groups of friends, and families with children. Although the hotel has a grown-up feel, younger guests are welcome with family rooms and a sandpit out back, creating a relaxed and informal atmosphere. As children get older, why shouldn’t they be introduced to lovely places like Avenue?

In terms of location, Avenue Hotel isn’t right in the center but not too far either. I love exploring the city on foot, and it took me about 15 minutes to stroll down the main road, past the lakes and endless stream of bikes, to reach the Tivoli Gardens. From the airport, it’s a direct line to the nearest Forum metro stop, a 10-minute walk from the hotel, and the journey takes around 20 minutes. The metro also takes you into the central area, or you can take several buses near the hotel, or it’s a 15-minute brisk walk to Tivoli Gardens. You could also hire a bike from the hotel.

You might not be able to pop back every five minutes between sightseeing, but you’ll look forward to returning to Avenue Hotel at the end of the day, sinking into those comfy sofas and sipping a cocktail in front of the fire. On a winter’s day, there’s no better place to be cozy in Copenhagen.

Rooms at Avenue Hotel, Copenhagen typically range from DKK 1200 for a standard double to DKK 1450 for a larger A+ room on a springtime Saturday night. The room rate includes breakfast with home-baked bread and taxes.