
Hotel Royal
Grand historic boutique — antique furniture, leaded stained-glass windows, glass chandeliers, and walls covered floor-to-ceiling with original art including works by Asger Jorn, Kandinsky, and Miró. Classic rather than minimalist. The vibe is old-money Aarhus, not Scandi-cool.
Book directly on hotelroyal.dk — breakfast is included free and prices are matched to any cheaper rate you find elsewhere
Why It Matters
Aarhus's oldest hotel, founded 1838. Unmatched location directly on Store Torv opposite the cathedral. Art collection of 300+ works including Asger Jorn and Miró. Green Key certified. Part of Tablet Hotels collection.
Hotel Royal has been standing on Store Torv since 1838, making it Aarhus's oldest hotel. The Neoclassical building faces Aarhus Cathedral directly — you can practically touch it from certain rooms — and sits 50 metres from the harbour. Inside, the walls are lined with over 300 artworks, ceiling paintings by Polish artist Andrzej Kowalczyk transport you somewhere between a Florentine palazzo and a Danish royal residence, and the original glass elevator is still in use. It is the kind of place that H.C. Andersen and Louis Armstrong once called home, now thoroughly restored under the Bühlmann hotel group.
Where You'll Stay
7 room types available
The Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Hotel Royal's take on Afternoon Tea: freshly baked scones, macarons, and the pastry chef's finest cakes — but with locally roasted organic Arabica served in a French press instead of tea. Topped off with champagne or sparkling wine.
Over 300 artworks throughout the hotel, including works by Asger Jorn, Karel Appel, Joan Miró, and Wassily Kandinsky. The stairwell and hallways feature Andrzej Kowalczyk's ceiling and wall paintings depicting scenes from Aarhus history. The corridors display portraits of all 53 Danish monarchs back to Gorm the Old. No guided tour format but exploration is very much encouraged.
Bicycles available for guests to rent — a practical way to explore Aarhus beyond the city centre.
Charging facilities for e-bikes available on site.
Located in the same building as the hotel (but separately operated since being divested). Has around 70 slot machines, 12 gaming tables, and a VIP room. Opened in 1991 in the former Marble Room basement. The hotel can direct you — it's a trusted neighbour.
An intimate meeting room accommodating up to 8 people. Available for business meetings, strategy sessions, or private events. Priced at DKK 3,000 per day, with optional add-ons including coffee/tea, cakes from Gotfreds, and lunch at DKK 425 per person.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
A large fish tank built into the reception desk — a noted quirky feature guests frequently mention.
Original antique glass lift — a genuine period feature that reviewers consistently mention as adding charm to the hotel.
Dogs and cats allowed in guestrooms. Pet amenities available.
Hotel holds the Green Key international environmental certification, covering food, energy, water, and waste standards.
Hotel staff park and retrieve your car. DKK 695 per day.
Complimentary 24/7 access (minimum age 16). Stepper, exercise bike, weights 1–20 kg, mats, exercise ball.
BUILD YOUR HOTEL ROYAL PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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