STAY Copenhagen

Why have a room when you can have an apartment?

Word to the wise: In the summer, you can swim at the nearby Havneparken harbour baths.
These serviced apartments are well worth considering if you're more interested in experiencing the Copenhagen way of life than ticking off the sights. Situated a stone's throw from the water in Islands Brygge - off the beaten track, although the city centre is easily accessible by bike or metro - the complex consists of 15 apartments, all different sizes but all achingly cool and some not costing more than a modest hotel.

Minimalism is the name of STAY's game: think white, raw concrete and a few choice pieces of art and furniture by famed designers HAY. There's also a roof terrace, a gourmet supermarket downstairs, and the promise of an impromptu happening nearby: this is the kind of the raw, buzzy area where the arty crowd gathers.