Danish-owned hotel group Comwell Hotels is expanding its portfolio with a new high-end hotel in the centre of Copenhagen. In the iconic Panoptikon Building on Vesterbrogade 5 - right next to Tivoli Gardens and Copenhagen Central Station. Comwell will establish a modern hotel featuring 190 rooms, a restaurant, café and a rooftop bar with panoramic views over the city.
The Panoptikon Building, which Comwell will soon transform, has housed the headquarters of Arbejdernes Landsbank since 1927.
With deep respect for the building’s history and architectural heritage and a sharp focus on future guests Comwell aims to create one of the city’s preferred hotels for both Danish and international travellers seeking inviting surroundings in a prime location. Here, history and contemporary aesthetics merge into a hotel experience that reflects Comwell’s highest standards.
A new chapter for a historic landmark
“We are excited to be part of this prestigious project, which adds a truly unique hotel to the Comwell family. The Panoptikon Building is something special - a place full of character and history and we look forward to bringing it to life as an inspiring hotel with heart and personality. It will be a space where Copenhageners, loyal Comwell guests and international travellers can experience the city from a front-row seat,” says Peter Schelde, CEO of Comwell Hotels.
A key step in Comwell’s growth strategy
The opening of a high-end hotel in central Copenhagen marks an important milestone in Comwell’s ambitious growth plan. After a record year with revenue exceeding DKK 1.2 billion and a pre-tax profit of DKK 47 million, Comwell is now positioned to expand through a more focused and strategic portfolio. The ambition is to increase revenue by an additional DKK 500–700 million over the next five years.
“In recent years, we have built a stronger and more focused Comwell with clear priorities. We invest where we can make a real difference – and where our brand naturally belongs. The Panoptikon Building is a rare combination of location, history and potential – and an ideal next chapter in our growth journey,” says Peter Schelde.
The hotel will be defined by modern comfort and Comwell’s signature Nordic aesthetic.
The building will undergo a complete interior transformation, converting the current office spaces into an inspiring hotel environment. The façade will also be renewed and restored in line with the building’s original expression. Guests can look forward to 10 floors with spacious standard rooms and exclusive suites - all furnished with modern comfort, refined design and a strong sense of visual harmony. On the 11th floor, a rooftop bar with spectacular city views will serve as a new social hub for guests and locals alike.
In the basement, the building’s original bank vault will be preserved. The space is expected to host special experiences and events, contributing to the hotel’s unique story.
Prime location
With Tivoli Gardens and Copenhagen Central Station as its closest neighbours, the hotel will benefit from an outstanding location with direct access to public transport, cultural attractions, shopping and dining.
The Panoptikon Building will be officially handed over on 1 December 2025. Comwell will be co-owner of the property and operate the hotel, while long-standing partner AKF will serve as majority property owner. The hotel is expected to open approximately two years after takeover.
About Comwell Hotels
Comwell is a Danish-owned hotel chain with properties across Denmark, as well as ODEON in Odense and Centralværkstedet in Aarhus. For more than 55 years, Comwell has operated meeting and conference hotels and has received multiple awards for its hospitality, service and culinary concept.
Comwell introduced Denmark’s first modern meeting package in 1969. Today, this remains a core part of the business, supported by the chain’s trained MeetingDesigners who specialise in professional guidance, insight, learning tools and strategic sparring.
In addition, Comwell hosts educational courses, workshops, job interviews, board meetings, exhibitions and events, and operates approximately 2,500 rooms and 320 meeting and conference spaces.
Last night, Comwell Hotels lifted the trophy for Best Hotel Chain 2025 at the prestigious Danish Travel Awards, which took place at Wallmans Cirkusbygningen in Copenhagen. The award is based on a nationwide consumer survey conducted by the analysis and consulting firm EPINION, in which a panel of 3,000 Danes assessed their experiences with the country's hotel chains.
Comwell Kolding is in the midst of an extensive facelift of the hotel's theatre hall, which for decades has been the setting for major conferences, events and corporate parties in the Triangle Region. The renovation means that the hall will be ready in a new and modern version with updated materials, light-coloured flooring and newly painted walls and ceilings – and will thus be able to accommodate everything from congresses and conferences to parties and shows with up to 1.000 guests.
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