May 6, 2021

From public library to design hostel: Brøchner Hotels opens new design hostel in Aarhus - a hybrid between hostel and hotel

Today, on 6 May, Brøchner Hotels opens the doors to the former public library in Aarhus. The acknowledged Danish boutique hotel chain has transformed the original library building into a luxury design hostel, BOOK1, that caters to the modern traveller. BOOK1 also marks Brøchner Hotels' first opening outside of Copenhagen.

Brøchner Hotels can now add a new expansion to its portfolio. This time outside Copenhagen and with a completely new concept: BOOK1 Design Hostel. The design hostel is in the centre of Aarhus, the second-largest city in Denmark, next to the acclaimed ARoS art museum and vibrant city life. BOOK1 is in the city's former main library from 1934 - transformed into a design hostel with respect for the original architecture.

With BOOK1, Brøchner Hotels aim to push the boundaries for the hostel experience and raise the bar for the hostel category altogether. It is a hybrid that combines classic hostel elements like bunk bed dorms, laundry facilities, and ping pong tables with luxury hotel elements such as private rooms and suites, a sauna, and unique designs. One of the most iconic hybrid elements is also the 'pod dorms', inspired by luxury capsule hotels in Japan and a reflection of the former bookshelves in the library. BOOK1 thus caters to the modern traveller looking for extraordinary experiences, quality, and design.

'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. We believe that the modern traveler cannot be categorized. 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. At BOOK1 we cater for exactly that with our take on a hybrid between hotel and hostel,' says Nickolas Krabbe Bjerg, CEO at Brøchner Hotels.

Brøchner Hotels is known for transforming historic buildings into new meeting places with respect for the original architecture. BOOK1 is no exception. Both staying guests and locals can look forward to visiting a new bar, lounge areas, and a food court packed with delicious food experiences.

Experiences and unique design

The characteristics of BOOK1 are experiences, design, and dining. The food court is led by a local food entrepreneur, MIB, and offers a mix of food concepts, such as a Nordic pizza concept, Danish 'smørrebrød', and a bakery. The delicious organic breakfast 'Good Morning. It's organic! is also served in the food court.

The lobby bar is tailored to the place and has its very own signature 'Bunks & Buckets', which simply means drinks in plus size versions. The bar also offers 'Bottoms Up' every day from 5-6 PM with great prices in the bar. With several lounge areas around the premises, BOOK1 is also the perfect place to grab a coffee, have a meeting, or for working on the go.

Along with the opening of BOOK1, guests will also get access to special treats and offers from local shops, cafés, and restaurants in Aarhus that are part of GO LOCAL, a curated concept launched by Brøchner Hotels for staying guests and locals.

'BOOK1 really challenges the notion of a stay in the Nordic countries. We know from our guests that they want to be surrounded by cool design and interior, but at the same time, they want to prioritize 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,' concludes Nickolas Krabbe Bjerg.

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ABOUT BOOK1 Design Hostel

Former main library transformed into new design hostel with interior and custom-made designs that reflect the building's original architecture and former use
Centrally located in Aarhus with a view towards ARoS' iconic rainbow, the recreational park Mølleparken and the pulsating life in the Latin Quarter
444 beds ranging from shared bunk dorms for 4-14 persons, larger pod dorms, private double rooms and 4 private hostel suites
MIBfoodcourt with a mix of food concepts including a bakery, Nordic pizza concept and Danish 'smørrebrød' - amongst other
Organic breakfast 'Good Morning. It's Organic!' served in the food court
Cool lobby bar and lounge areas
Events every week and 'Bottoms Up' every day from 5-6 PM
Classic hostel elements like self-service laundry facilities and ping pong combined with hotel elements such as sauna and unique designs

Address: Møllegade 3A, Mølleparken, 8000 Aarhus C, Phone: +45 88301500
Website: BOOK1 Design Hostel (original link retired)

Staying safe

BOOK1 Design Hostel meets all current restrictions from the Danish health authorities. There will be distance between all guests, both staying guests, and visitors in the food court and lounge areas. Guests can also pay and check in and out with their phone, which eliminates any physical contact. Read more about what initiatives BOOK1 has implemented the original guidance (link retired).