Hotel Royal, Aarhus

Hotel Royal in Aarhus is a landmark of luxury and historical significance located in the central Indre By neighborhood, with views of Aarhus Cathedral and Store Torv Square. Founded in 1838 by Niels Larsen, the hotel was originally constructed from two Neoclassical-style buildings, one of which was the Kongens Gaard (King's House). It rapidly became a hub for the elite, attracting royalty, politicians, celebrities, and socialites, establishing itself as the city's most prestigious lodging.

The hotel's growth includes several renovations and expansions, notably in 1865, and 1868, and an addition of a new building in 1902 designed by Eggert Achen and Thorkel Møller. Despite changing ownership multiple times since its inception, it has continuously catered to the upper classes. Noteworthy offerings over the years have included stables, a horse-drawn bus service, and even car fueling and cleaning services as transportation evolved.

The hotel's social life has been centered around the Marble Room, built in 1913. Over the decades, this room has hosted a jazz club featuring international artists like Count Basie and Duke Ellington, a cinema, a steakhouse, and a discotheque. In 1991, the space was transformed into the Casino Royale. In terms of architecture, the hotel features an exquisite Neoclassical white facade, and a 1991 renovation introduced an art déco-style entrance reminiscent of early 20th-century Paris metro stations.

Art and culture are deeply embedded in the Hotel Royal's identity. The hotel boasts around 300 artworks, including pieces by renowned artists such as Asger Jorn, Karel Appel, Joan Miró, Wassily Kandinsky, and Polish painter Andrzej Kowalczyk, who is noted for his ceiling paintings in the hotel that depict significant events in Aarhus's history. The walls feature paintings of 53 Danish monarchs, tracing back to Gorm the Old.

Today, Hotel Royal stands as a fusion of historical grandeur and contemporary luxury, making it one of Denmark’s highest-ranked hotels and a testament to its rich cultural heritage and continued appeal to distinguished guests.