4* Ascot Hotel

Wakeup Copenhagen, Bernstorffsgade is a modern budget hotel near the waterfront, within walking distance of Copenhagen Central Station and Tivoli. The rooms are minimalist and fairly compact, but they're contemporary, air-conditioned and considerably smarter than the two-star rating might suggest. Higher room categories offer more space or better views, while the café and lounge provide somewhere to grab breakfast, snacks or a drink. It's further from the Studiestræde gay bars than citizenM or SP34, so nightlife isn't the reason to choose it. The appeal is simple: a decent central location at rates that can be much kinder than Copenhagen's more stylish hotels. GayMapper tip: a sensible budget base if you're happy to walk a little further to the gay scene.

Ascot Hotel has a location that's almost tailor-made for a GayMapper recommendation: it sits directly on Studiestræde, the street at the heart of Copenhagen's traditional gay area. The hotel occupies a characterful historic building and offers smart, contemporary rooms rather than full-on boutique theatrics. Tivoli, City Hall Square and Strøget are all just a few minutes away, while Copenhagen Central Station is comfortably walkable. Most importantly for a night out, you can simply head along Studiestræde towards the gay bars rather than worrying about trains, taxis or late-night navigation. GayMapper tip: location is the star here — particularly if you want sightseeing during the day and the gay bars within stumbling-home distance at night.

Hotel Danmark combines a very central location with enough personality to avoid feeling like another anonymous city hotel. It sits beside Copenhagen's cultural district, just a short walk from City Hall Square, Tivoli and the gay bars around Studiestræde. The rooms are spread across two contrasting historic buildings and have a stylish contemporary look, while the rooftop terrace is a particularly good spot when Copenhagen's weather cooperates. Guests also get Brøchner's daily complimentary wine hour and nightcap hour. You're close enough to walk almost everywhere you'll probably want to go during a weekend in the city. GayMapper tip: a strong alternative to citizenM if you'd prefer something more boutique while keeping the gay scene almost as convenient.

Set inside former university buildings near the Round Tower, 25hours Hotel Indre By is one of Copenhagen's more playful design hotels. The interiors revolve around themes of knowledge and passion, so expect something rather less restrained than classic Danish minimalism. There are 243 rooms ranging from relatively compact to decidedly generous, plus NENI restaurant, a basement bar, sauna and plenty of unusual communal spaces including a Vinyl Room and Love Library. Nørreport station is around five minutes away and most central sights are easily walkable. The main gay bars around Studiestræde aren't quite on the doorstep, but they're still straightforward to reach. GayMapper tip: a great choice if interesting design and a lively hotel atmosphere matter more than sleeping right beside the gay bars.

citizenM Copenhagen Radhuspladsen gets one of the locations GayMapper travellers are most likely to appreciate. It's right on City Hall Square, with the gay bars around Studiestræde only a few minutes away and Tivoli, Strøget and the city centre equally close. Rooms follow the familiar citizenM formula: they're compact, but the enormous bed, blackout blinds, smart controls and good shower make clever use of the space. Downstairs, the colourful living-room-style lounge and 24-hour canteenM give the hotel considerably more personality than the average chain property. Rådhuspladsen metro station is practically outside. GayMapper tip: still our favourite Copenhagen all-rounder — particularly if you want gay nightlife, sightseeing and transport all within ridiculously easy reach.

Generator Copenhagen is a good option if you'd rather keep accommodation costs down without heading out to the suburbs. It's near Kongens Nytorv, putting Nyhavn, Strøget and the central sights within easy walking distance. You can choose between private rooms and hostel-style accommodation, while the large bar and communal areas give the place a much more sociable feel than a conventional budget hotel. Regular events add to the atmosphere, so this can work particularly well for solo travellers. The gay bars around Studiestræde are on the other side of the centre rather than immediately nearby, but Copenhagen is compact enough that getting there isn't difficult. GayMapper tip: a sociable budget choice for travellers who value location and atmosphere more than hotel frills.