History

Between the late 1800´s and mid 1900's, several ideas were put forward regarding the construction of a hotel near the Marselisborg forest. All ideas were unfortunately quickly dismissed due to objections toward any developments.

In 1965, a local master mason named Anker Jakobsen, was given permission to build a hotel by the city council. This was on condition however, that he would buy the half-timbered cottage 'Frydelund' situated on the property and preserve it as part of the hotel.

Hotel Marselis was designed by the famous Danish architects Friis & Moltke. The design however, had been subject to much criticism by the locals and a Danish newspaper once wrote an article stating the hotel was "vandalism against one of the most beautiful forests in the Denmark".

Hotel Marselis opened in 1967. The grand opening took place on the land of Marselisborg where the Royal Family's summer residence, the Marselisborg Castle is also situated.

The hotel is characterised by its location on the beach, with the forest and the Aarhus Beach Promenade leading to the Marina.

Hotel Marselis was Anker Jakobsen´s dream and life project. Anker Jakobsen took pride in his profession, and would not accept factory-manufactured bricks, therefore insisting that every brick be hand-made. This can clearly be seen in the many hundreds of thousands of bricks, used both on the outside and inside of the hotel. Just as the pyramids in Egypt, no two bricks have the same size nor shape.

Hotel Marselis was owned by the Jakobsen family until it was taken over by the international hotel chain, Helnan International Hotels. The chain was founded by its President, Enan Galaly who came to Denmark the same year as the hotel was inaugurated.

Since the takeover, Helnan Marselis Hotel has continuously undergone renovations and expansion in a modern maritime style. This has allowed Helnan Marselis Hotel to be recognized as one of Denmark's most attractive hotels with a unique location and high international standards. Helnan Marselis Hotel offers a restaurant, bar and terrace as well as banquet and convention facilities, an indoor swimming pool, a wellness area, and parking facilities.

With the slogan "Symbol of Scandinavian Hospitality",
Helnan International Hotels combines quality, service, elegant accommodation, and facilities to meet every need and desire, be it for business, leisure, or conventions.