Danish operator Brøchner Hotels has transformed a former public library in Aarhus into a luxury hostel that caters to the modern traveller. Named Book1, the property is Brøchner Hotels’ first outside of Copenhagen.
Located next to the city’s ARoS art museum in a building that dates back to 1934, Book1 aims to raise the bar for the hostel category, combining classic elements like bund bed dorms and laundry facilities with luxury hotel amenities such as private suites and a sauna. One of the standout hybrid elements is the property’s ‘pod dorms’, inspired by capsule hotels in Japan and a reflection of the former bookshelves in the library.
“We want to offer guests the same cool vibe you meet at our boutique hotels, but at the same time give them something unique in its own category,” says Brøchner Hotels’ CEO Nickolas Krabbe Bjerg. “We believe that the modern traveller cannot be categorised. Today, we travel based on needs and needs fluctuate – from a family vacation one week to a business trip the next and perhaps a romantic getaway in the weekend. Consequently, identifying with a place and value for money becomes essential for the modern traveller.”
As such, Book1 – billed as a modern meeting place that respects the original architecture of its historic location – offers guests and locals a new bar, lounge areas and a food court serving various cuisines.
The food court is led by local entrepreneur MIB and offers a mix of culinary concepts, from an organic breakfast to Nordic pizza, Danish ‘smørrebrød’ and a bakery, while the lobby bar echoes a sense of place and offers ‘Bunks & Buckets’ – which simply means drinks in plus-size versions – as well as ‘Bottoms Up’ every day from 5-6pm. There’s several lounge areas too, where guests can grab a coffee, have a meeting or work.
Residents will also get access to special treats from shops, cafés, and restaurants in Aarhus that are part of Brøchner Hotels’ newly launched Go Local concept, which aims to connect travellers to the surrounding area.
“Book1 really challenges the notion of a stay in the Nordic countries,” concludes Krabbe Bjerg on the brand’s fifth opening in Denmark. “We know from our guests that they want to be surrounded by cool design and interior, but at the same time want to prioritise budget for experiences, culture and gastronomy. Additionally, our guests value staying at a place where locals like to hang out. And all of this is possible at Book1.”
