“We tried to make the hotel for the local people, for the tourists that come, for the businesses that can think outside of the box, for those that come because of activities and also for celebrations.”
We’re in great company with Lennart Lajboschitz, Founder and Owner of Kanalhuset, a boutique hotel nestled amongst the many heritage protected buildings and cobblestone streets along the Christianshavn Canal in the heart of Copenhagen, Denmark.
For years, Lennart has played an instrumental role in fostering social interaction between locals and tourists alike in Copenhagen, with experience in creating Absalon, a community space in the Vesterbro neighborhood, and Hotel Hornbækhus, in the more quiet part of northern Zealand. Kanalhuset is no exception as its communal dining and variety of activities build a connection between local patrons and foreign guests alike.
In this episode, Lennart passionately shares how his family inspires his lifelong values and daily business decisions, and how even in the happiest place on earth, never being satisfied leads to a world of curiosity and creativity.
Top Takeaways
[1:20] From humble beginnings selling broken umbrellas at flea markets to a successful exit of his global retail chain, Flying Tiger, Lennart shares how his family inspires his business decisions every step of the way.
[8:00] “How do we take the hotel out of the hotel?”
[17:30] Lennart explains the responsibility he feels in actualizing the values he believes in to make the world a better place.
[21:15] Expect to hang out with local people and enjoy a communal dinner. Even join in the running club, yoga club, or knitting club to experience the local culture!
[23:50] Picture this…a historical building with nostalgic style, bright artwork and modern Scandinavian design.
[29:00] The first signs of spring lead into warmer summer days and long summer nights to enjoy in the gardens and along the canals.
[34:45] As a lifelong entrepreneur, Lennart shares about his other passion projects in Folkehuset Absalon and Hotel Hornbækhus.
[36:30] How “trying to stay frustrated all the time” inspires Lennart and his team to constantly innovate and dream up new concepts such as…
Notable Mentions
- Flying Tiger
- EEN Kobenhavn
- Smørrebrød, a traditional Danish open-faced sandwich
- The Little Mermaid Sculpture
- Amalienborg Palace, home of the Danish Royal Family
- The Meatpacking District
- Freetown Christiania
- Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
- Glyptotek Art Museum
- Tivoli Gardens
- Ett Hem, Stockholm, Sweden
