What is Frederiksminde?

Frederiksminde is a Selected hotel located in Præstø, Denmark. It has been recognized by the Michelin Guide for its exceptional hospitality and unique experience.

How many Michelin Keys does Frederiksminde have?

Frederiksminde has been awarded Selected by the Michelin Guide, indicating a very special stay.

Where is Frederiksminde located?

Frederiksminde is located in Præstø, Denmark, in the Europe region.

What makes a Selected hotel special?

Selected hotels provide very special stays with excellent service and a unique sense of place.

How do I book Frederiksminde?

You can view more details and booking information for Frederiksminde through the Michelin Guide website. Each Michelin Keys hotel offers a unique booking experience tailored to their guests.

Frederiksminde | Selected in Præstø, Denmark

Name: Frederiksminde
Address: Præstø, Europe, Denmark
Rating: 4.5

Frederiksminde in Præstø, Denmark, a Michelin Key Selected property, is widely celebrated for its exceptional culinary experience and idyllic setting, drawing guests seeking a luxurious retreat with a strong emphasis on gastronomy.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Frederiksminde is overwhelmingly positive, often described as a "fantastic place," a "dream place to be," and an "awesome experience." Guests frequently highlight their satisfaction, particularly with the restaurant, indicating high expectations are consistently met or exceeded.

2. Key Highlights

The undisputed key highlight is the Michelin-starred restaurant, lauded for its exceptional food quality and innovative approach. The tranquil and beautiful location in a historic park with superb views over Præstø Fjord is another significant draw. The focus on sustainably sourced, local, and often organic ingredients, many from their own garden, is also greatly appreciated by guests and noted by the Michelin Guide. The attentive and friendly service in the restaurant also receives high praise.

3. Room Quality

The hotel offers 19 elegantly decorated rooms and suites, individually styled with antiques and classical interiors, often featuring great views. While described as tasteful and well-kept, it's important to note that the building is over 100 years old. This contributes to a charming, old-world feel, but it also means rooms may not be modern, can be small, and might have squeaky floors or lack air conditioning. Some guests have mentioned that certain rooms could benefit from renovation, specifically citing carpets. Amenities typically include free internet, television, Jensen mattresses, Siberian goose down duvets, a hairdryer, and NORTH by HEART organic skincare products.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Frederiksminde is the cornerstone of its reputation. The Michelin-starred restaurant, led by Head Chef Jonas Mikkelsen, is celebrated for its "New Nordic" cuisine, characterized by precise techniques and harmonious combinations of flavors. The menu heavily features sustainably sourced produce, with a significant amount of vegetables coming from the hotel's own garden. Guests often opt for the full tasting menu, describing the multi-course meals as "truly great," "amazing quality," and "food art at its best." The wine menu, featuring a selection of natural wines, is also highly regarded.

Breakfast is consistently highlighted as "fantastic" and "a feast," with guests enjoying a wide array of homemade items, including breads, cheeses, hams, eggs, jams, and fresh juices, served in the beautiful winter garden overlooking the park. A bistro menu for lunch, offering "petit gourmet servings," is also available.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Frederiksminde generally receive commendations for being attentive, friendly, and very competent, particularly the restaurant staff and sommelier. Guests often feel they receive "5-star treatment" and are made to feel like true guests. However, some feedback suggests that while friendly, the service at times might be perceived as "at a minimum expectations" or "not pro-active" for an establishment of this caliber, despite personalized welcome notes.

6. Location & Accessibility

Frederiksminde boasts a "fantastic" and "beautiful" rural location in Præstø, a peaceful and charming small seaport city approximately an hour's drive south of Copenhagen on the island of Zealand. It is situated in a historical park, once a monastery garden, offering superb views and direct access to Præstø Fjord, just 50 meters from the beach. The serene surroundings are perfect for relaxation, and the area is popular for cycling and fishing. Nearby attractions like Nysø Slot (Thorvaldsen's collection) and Møns Klint are within an hour's drive.

7. Value & Pricing

While specific hotel room pricing can vary, booking sites indicate a typical price range around $252-$318 USD per night for a double room, including breakfast. Given the Michelin-starred restaurant and overall experience, many guests consider the full tasting menu to offer "very good value." However, some have found the lunch bistro menus to be a bit expensive for the smaller serving sizes.

8. Common Complaints

While largely positive, some recurring criticisms include:

Room Characteristics: Due to the hotel's age, rooms can be smaller than modern counterparts, may lack air conditioning, have squeaky floors, and are not always well sound-proofed.
Room Maintenance: A few guests have noted that some rooms, particularly the carpets, could benefit from renovation.
Hotel Service Aspects: Issues like reception closing at 4 PM, difficulties with key retrieval, and a perceived lack of pro-active service (despite a personalized welcome) have been mentioned. Some guests also noted the absence of in-room coffee, tea, or kettle facilities.
Restaurant Opening Hours: The Michelin restaurant is closed on certain days, typically Sunday to Wednesday during colder months, which can lead to disappointment if guests are not aware.
Accessibility: The lack of an elevator to the rooms has been highlighted as a difficulty for some guests.