Archival-Quality Danish Design: Hotel Petra from &Tradition in Copenhagen

When I was last in Copenhagen, I found myself picking up a daily coffee at Lille Petra, a cafe designed and operated by &Tradition and tucked into the courtyard of the brand’s showroom. Now, &Tradition extends its offering with Hotel Petra, a 40-room boutique hotel in a landmark building meticulously restored by the brand.

Like many buildings in Frederiksstaden, the structure is historic—designed by renowned Danish Functionalist Kay Fisker. Completed in 1943, the Dronningegården complex comprises a series of L-shaped buildings surrounding Adelgade and Dronningens Tværgade. The 1,550-square-meter space now home to Hotel Petra once housed Guest House Christian IV.

Here, distinct design details remain: terrazzo flooring, handcrafted stair bannisters, brass fittings, and curved wood accents. All elements which have been carefully preserved and restored to honor Fisker’s architectural legacy, subtly updated with modern sensibilities. The result is a living archive of Danish design, set within a piece of Danish architectural history. Hotel Petra opens this week in Copenhagen.

Photography courtesy of &Tradition.

Above: The lobby is compact and refined, clad in stained oak veneer with views into Petra Bar & Restaurant. The uniquely shaped stool at front is the Massif Stool in dark-stained oak and warm black by Andersson & Voll. The reception counter is finished in the Formafantasma-designed ExCinere Tile from Dzek. Above: To the right, a sitting area marked by the Margas series by Louise Liljencrantz, The Moor Rug in Golden Brown by All the Way to Paris, the Lato Table by Luca Nichetto, and Verner Panton Flowerpot Floor Lamp. All artworks were sourced in collaboration with Bricks Gallery. Above: The bar and restaurant feature custom leather upholstery, beech and walnut Daystak Side Chairs by Robin Day, and various tables by Sami Kallio. Overhead, the Formakami paper pendant by Jaime Hayon. The table lamps are portable Como Table Lamps by Space Copenhagen. Above: A stainless steel prep kitchen. To the right, oiled oak Drawn Chairs by Hvidt & Mølgaard; to the left, Verner Panton Wire Stools with custom leather seat pads. The wall sconce is the Tabata Sconce by Luca Nichetto in a custom finish. The short green marble table lamps are the Mist Portable Lamps from All the Way to Paris launching later this year (2025). Above: Another view of the seating area reveals the &Tradition JH45 Standing Shelf in Sky Blue tailored to the dimensions of the hotel lobby space, the Space Copenhagen Bonnet chandelier, and the Little Petra Lounge Chair by Viggo Boesen in oiled walnut with Sahara sheepskin. Above: Among the 40 ensuite guest rooms are the Small Double Rooms, Double Rooms, and Double Superior Suites. The large Petra Lounge Chair is shown here in custom blue upholstery. Above: The P376 Pendant by Kastholm & Fabricius hangs in one of the guest rooms. Above: On the linoleum-topped Pavilion Desk by Anderssen & Voll, a curated stack of design books includes a tribute to Fisker’s legacy. Above: Custom beds are softly lit by Bonnet sconces from Space Copenhagen. Above: The window coverings combine sheer and wool curtains in layered textures. The throw pillow in the foreground is the Collect Weave Cushion by Space Copenhagen. Above: Custom beds designed custom by OEO Studio for Hotel Petra paired with warm wool carpeting. Above: A clever desk, tucked between closets, is outfitted with a black lacquered oak Drawn Chair, a Collect Tray by Space Copenhagen, and Momento Jug in ivory by Jaime Hayon. The Capture Hook, also from Space Copenhagen, completes the utilitarian set up. Above: The Pavilion Desk, once again, is paired with the Tripod Table Lamp by Hvidt & Mølgaard. Above: The building was originally constructed in red machine-moulded brick with yellow brick detailing, visible in the gabled sections of open, recessed balconies. Above: The original handcrafted banister and terrazzo stair. The stairwell is lit with Solid Sconces in a custom brass finish by Space Copenhagen. Above: Petra by &Tradition is located at Dronningens Tværgade 45 in central Copenhagen. Above: A wide view of Kay Fisker’s historic architecture.

For more of our favorite Copenhagen hotels, see our posts:

• Behind the Curtain: A Former Ballet Dancer’s Romantic Hotel in Copenhagen
• Nobis Hotel Copenhagen: 11 Ideas to Steal for a Minimalist-Maximalist Interior
• Copenhagen Clubhouse The Audo: A New Creative Hub with Hotel Rooms Under the Rafters
• Vipp Loft: The Latest Lodgings in Copenhagen by a Danish Design Favorite