The capital of Iceland is a land of natural wonders. There are dozens of magnificent volcanoes in the Golden Circle, while incredible whales await in the Faxa Bay during summer. Yet at the same time, this young city continues to reinvent itself to be tourist-friendly. Fish packing factories have been turned into visitor attractions, cutting-edge Nordic restaurants are opening at many points, and the Grandi Area by the Old Harbor continues to be revamped by adding a variety of leisure facilities. If you’re planning on visiting the Land of Fire and Ice, our curated list of recommended hotels in Reykjavik Iceland here might help
Where to Stay in Reykjavik
Despite being the capital city of Iceland, Reykjavik is considered to be one of the smallest cities in Europe. That said, you’ll find lots of top things to do in Reykjavik since the region is the country’s government, financial and cultural hub. The key is knowing exactly where you’re staying while choosing a hotel that suits your budget and needs.
One that we recommend, of course, is Mioborg. This downtown area is home to some of the best hotels in Reykjavik Iceland, notable attractions, and some popular bars and restaurants. It’s also great to get a taste of Icelandic nightlife. Some of the notable landmarks here are the Church of Hallgrimur, which has existed since 1945, and the National Museum of Iceland, founded in 1863 and has a collection of many Islandic and antiquarian objects.
For those traveling with family, the enchanting vibe of Laugardalur will be perfect. The Reykjavik Zoo and a number of theme parks can be found here, as well as cozy cafes and the perfect spot to enjoy lunch. There’s even a Reykjavik Campsite, for a more exciting and fun-filled experience. But if you come around December to February, make sure to bring your best tents for winter camping, considering it can be very cold around here!
For those who prefer to admire the city landscape, Haaleti og Bustadir is the place to be. The area is surrounded by pristine blue waters and incredible greenery. There’s also the Fossvogur Valley, a recreational area that’s very popular with tourists.
Have you decided where to stay? If you’re not sure yet, our recommended list of hotels in Reykjavik Iceland might help. Let’s check it out.
Hotel Island – Spa & Wellness Hotel
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When it comes to leisure facilities, Hotel Island – Spa & Wellness is no joke. Located just 600 meters from Reykjavik’s main streets, this four-star property offers a spa, beauty salon, and yoga facilities. If you need something more recreational, a five-minute walk will take you to Laugardalur Park. And one more thing, the hotel also provides a free parking area for guests with private cars!
Like most of the best hotels in Reykjavik Iceland, this accommodation offers rooms with standard amenities. Inside you’ll find a TV, a soft bed, and a table. Some of the rooms feature epic mountain views, so we highly recommend booking these for a more memorable vacation experience. As for breakfast, there is Niu Restaurant & Bar which is also open for lunch and dinner. Apart from buffets, they also serve American, Irish, and Continental cuisines.
Hotel Island will make a great launching pad for exploring the downtown area. Highly recommended for those who are planning a trip to Iceland. The location is very close to Laugavegur, one of the main streets in Reykjavik. With a five minute walk, you’ll arrive at the nearest bus stop. Meanwhile, popular spots like Laugardalslaug, Kringlan Shopping Center, and Hlemmur Square are just less than a mile away.
201 Hotel
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Make your vacation less stressful, as 201 Hotel provides self-service for check-in. The location is also strategic as it’s only a nine-minute walk from Smaralind Shopping Center and 3.1 miles from Lake Ellidavatn. The latter is highly recommended, especially for fishing enthusiasts. You’ll find many angling points to catch Arctic char, salmon, and brown trout here. Great!
As for facilities, this three-star accommodation is not much different from most other best hotels in Reykjavik Iceland. Their rooms are equipped with standard amenities such as a flat-screen TV, wardrobe, and a private bathroom with a shower. A fitness room is available for those of you who want to gain muscle mass or just keep in shape while on vacation. For those looking to relax for a while before starting to explore the surroundings, there’s a bar that provides some light refreshments. Meanwhile, breakfast is available at the hotel kiosk every morning. Apart from the buffet menu, you can also order continental dishes here.
Apart from the attractions we mentioned earlier, there’s a public geothermal swimming pool 1.7 miles from here. You know what they say, right? An outdoor soak is an essential part of the Iceland experience! So, make sure you don’t miss this one.
CenterHotel Plaza
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Immerse yourself in true Icelandic vibes, as CenterHotel Plaza is right on Ingolfgstorg Square. It’s one of the largest public spaces in the old city of Reykjavik, where you can find brightly painted wooden houses and several new buildings, including the town hall. Some of Iceland’s top attractions, such as The National Gallery, are only a few minutes’ walks from here.
The rooms at CenterHotel Plaza are modernly decorated. All of them feature wooden floors, giving a natural feel that makes it even more comfortable. As with most of the best hotels in Reykjavik Iceland, you’ll find some standard amenities such as a flat-screen TV and a minibar. In case you want to receive guests or meet friends, a sitting area is also available. Need to check email or some office work during the holidays? Relax, all areas are covered by free WiFi internet connection.
A buffet breakfast, hot or cold, is available in the lobby area every morning. But if you just want to just chill before venturing around, feel free to stop by the Plaza Bar and taste some of their signature drinks. The atmosphere here will feel more calming since it features floor-to-ceiling windows.
Shop ’til drop is the name of the game while staying here, as the hotel offers easy access to a number of shopping, dining, and cultural centers. If you need anything, cafe recommendations, or other additional services, the friendly staff is always ready to help. So make sure you check out this hotel while you can.
Hotel Fron
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You might want to consider this hotel if you’re looking for something flexible. Located on the shopping street of Laugavegur, Hotel Fron offers a wide range of rooms and apartment units for your ultimate comfort while you’re in Iceland. They’re equipped with a private bathroom, as well as standard amenities such as a flat-screen TV, in-room safe, and a minibar. For apartment units, there’s a private kitchen, complete with a refrigerator, stove, and microwave. Sweet!
Make sure you get up early to get breakfast at the neighboring Scandinavian restaurant. They serve several typical Nordic dishes, which should be perfect for those who desire to experience local culinary delights. If you come between three and five in the morning, you can ask for a lighter meal, just in case your stomach struggles when it gets too much!
No matter what time you arrive in Reykjavik, the friendly hotel staff will be there to help, as they have a 24-hour front desk. Need the right equipment for some intense office tasks? You can borrow computers from the hotel! They also provide tour services, just in case you’re not sure about where to go. We ourselves recommend coming to Hallgrimskirkja Church, Iceland’s tallest Lutheran church, which is only a five-minute walk away.
Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Marina
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When in Iceland, be sure not to miss going to the Old Harbor. This is a lovely area where you can find many craft shops, restaurants, museums, and art galleries. For these reasons, we highly recommend staying at Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Marina. Located right in the popular 101 harbor district, some of the city’s best attractions just steps away from here.
Make your vacation more memorable by choosing a room with a private balcony. Enjoy the gorgeous views of the city or marina, as you start your day or moments before falling asleep. When it comes to amenities, all rooms at the Icelandair Hotel come with a flat-screen TV, sofa, and a private bathroom with a shower, just like most of the best hotels in Reykjavik Iceland. And make sure all your friends on social media know how awesome it is to stay here, as the hotel provides free WiFi connections throughout!
Those who need a little exercise at the beginning of the day can go straight to Slipp Gym, a fitness center that’s accessible for free for all guests. Too cold to go out? Just sit back and enjoy the fireplace near the hotel lobby. For a fun way to better understand Icelandic culture, we recommend stopping by the Slipp Cinema, a mini cinema that regularly plays local films.
Some great tours like whale-watching and going to the best places to see the northern lights depart right next to the hotel. Meanwhile, some of the best local attractions, such as the Reykjavik Art Museum, are just a five-minute walk away. You’ll also find a number of cozy and worthwhile cafes to visit around here.
Eyja Guldsmeden Hotel
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Admire the beauty and majesty of the Esja mountains, as this hotel overlooks the dominant feature of the Reykjavik’s skyline. The location itself is excellent, a little outside Laugavegur, the main shopping street in the Icelandic capital. Right next to Hlemmur Square.
You’ll see Balinese-style furnishings in every room at the Eyja Guldsmeden Hotel. It’s a surprise, but certainly a welcome one. The natural nuance they try to present feels even more complete with organic toiletries in the private bathroom. In addition, like most of the best hotels in Reykjavik Iceland, you’ll find standard amenities such as a flat-screen TV, desk, and a soft bed. Make sure you check room availability before coming here, as there are only a few that feature views over the city, mountains, or sea.
A breakfast with local and organic menus is available at the on-site restaurant. For those who want to chill for a while after a day exploring the city, there’s a bar ready to refresh you with some signature drinks. A fitness center is also available if you want to stay in shape while on vacation.
Some must-see sights such as the Hallgrimskirja Church, Harpa Concert Hall, and The National Museum of Iceland are only less than a mile away. To make it easier to explore around, the hotel provides bicycle rental. But if you want something more practical, sign up for the Reykjavik City Walking Tour. For 15 minutes, you’ll be accompanied by a professional guide to see some of the city’s best from a local perspective.
Midgardur by Center Hotels
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Rising up to 914 meters above sea level, the Esja Mountains are a natural wonder you’ll want to admire, every second you are in Iceland. And there’s no best place to do it in Reykjavik, other than Midgardur by Center Hotels. Located on Laugavegur road, this four-star property offers several rooms with magnificent views of the mountains, sea, and city.
Apart from that, the bright rooms here also come with a flat-screen TV, minibar, and private bathroom. No need to pack towels or toothbrushes, as free toiletries and a hairdryer are readily available. Like most of the best hotels in Reykjavik Iceland, Midgardur also provides standard services such as daily housekeeping and luggage storage. If you need help with laundry, they’re also ready to help for an additional fee.
Make sure you don’t miss breakfast because the on-site restaurant serves dishes based on Icelandic traditions, combined with modern international flavors. Need some relaxing time after hours of traveling? Sit back and chill at the hotel bar. For your daily dose of caffeine, they also serve some of the best coffee in town.
One of Reykjavik’s most prominent attractions, Hallgrimskirja Church, is only 800 meters away. We highly recommend you to visit here, because from the top you can see an awe-inspiring view of the capital city. On a clear day, you can even see the magnificent Snaefellskojull glacier from afar!
Reykjavik Residence Apartment Hotel
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Staying at the Reykjavik Residence Apartment Hotel is like spending the night at home. Here you’ll find self-catering apartments that come with flat-screen TVs and modern kitchens. For Internet access, free WiFi is available in all areas. Meanwhile, a good night’s rest is guaranteed, as the entire room is soundproofed. And if you need a snack or a few drinks, a microwave and coffee/tea maker are also provided.
As for location, this hotel is also ideal for exploring Reykjavik. It’s just around the corner from Laugavegur, one of the city’s main shopping streets. Some of the best shops, restaurants, and nightlife are easily accessible from here. However, if you aren’t sure, you can ask for recommendations at the 24-hour front desk. We ourselves recommend Bio Paradis, one of the hidden gems on Hverfisgata Street. It’s the successor to a gorgeous cinema called Regnboginn, which stores hundreds of alternative poster collections and hosts several interactive screenings. It’s a must for every film fanatic!
It takes a 50-minute drive to reach the nearest airport, Keflavik International, from here. However, if you’re willing to pay additional fees, the hotel provides a pick-up service. Unfortunately, unlike most of the best hotels in Reykjavik Iceland, they don’t have a shuttle service. But don’t let that intervene with the holiday experience this hotel offers.
Exeter Hotel by Keahotels
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The Old Reykjavik Harbor district continues to reinvent itself to make it more tourist-friendly. One proof of this is the Exeter Hotel by Keahotels. It was originally built as a warehouse in 1904, before being used as a residential home and trade, and later turned into a hotel with a contemporary design. The exterior represents times when fishing and trade were the mainstays of the area.
Exeter Hotel by Keahotels offers rooms with modern furnishings, industrial décor, and wooden floors. As with most hotels in Reykjavik Iceland, you’ll get amenities such as a smart TV, minibar, and tea/coffee maker. Windows with a beautiful view of the ocean are also available in some rooms, for those who need such a feature.
A continental breakfast is available in the lobby each morning. If you wish, they also provide a la carte breakfast options here. For a more relaxing atmosphere, we recommend visiting the hotel bar or courtyard garden. Enjoy the fresh Icelandic air, while considering which destination to visit.
If you’re not sure, the hotel staff can help arrange tours or other interesting activities. But for your information, the popular Hallgrimskirja Church is only less than a mile from here. Meanwhile, for art enthusiasts, we recommend stopping by at The Sun Voyager, which is next to Saebraut road or about 0.62 miles from the hotel. This sculpture by Jon Gunnar Arnason is one of Reykjavik’s notable landmarks and symbolizes progress, freedom, and dreams of hope.
Kex Hotel
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Marketed as a ‘social’ hostel in the heart of Reykjavik, Kex Hostel occupies an old biscuit factory building. It’s no wonder you’ll find industrial-style decorations and furniture here, some of which are even made from salvaged materials. All of that blends in nicely with the organic and contemporary concepts that Kex is trying to highlight.
With a maximum capacity of up to 215 guests, Kex Hostel offers a variety of dorms and rooms for your comfort while in Reykjavik. Each room comes with a sitting area, wardrobe, and private bathroom with shower. Depending on the service selected, a buffet breakfast is available each morning in the communal kitchen or the Saemundur I Sparifotunum restaurant. They also serve continental menus, if you prefer another alternative. Meanwhile, cocktails and some light refreshments are available at the on-site Drinx Bar. Enjoy your favorite drink while chatting with local staff about what to see and taste around here.
Most of the best hotels in Reykjavik Iceland offer great locations, and this one is no exception. Kex Hostel is only 250 meters away from Laugavegur, the city’s main shopping district. Several other attractions, such as the Harp Concert Hall and the National Museum of Iceland, are only about 0.93 miles from here. If you want, you can rent a bicycle from the hotel to make getting around easier.
CenterHotel Arnarhvoll
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This modern Nordic design hotel is located next to Arnarhvoll Park, one of the best places to get great views of Reykjavik and the harbor. Walk to the top and you’ll be greeted by a magnificent Viking statue. What an extraordinary vacation experience! It’s also a great place to just chill out and enjoy the surroundings.
As with most hotels in Reykjavik Iceland, rooms in CenterHotel Arnarhvoll come with wired internet, tea/coffee maker, flat-screen TV, and minibar. Meanwhile, WiFi access is available in all areas. There’s a safe deposit box for storing valuables such as jewelry or electronic equipment. If you need help with laundry or dry cleaning, these are all available for an additional fee.
We highly recommend breakfast or dinner at SKY Restaurant & Bar. This rooftop dining venue offers gorgeous views of the mountains and the Harpa Concert Hall. It should be perfect for a romantic dinner place with a loved one. As for the menu, they serve American dishes, with special discounts for guests!
Laugavegur, the city’s main shopping district, is just around the corner. For those curious about Iceland’s extraordinary marine life, the Life of Whales tour departs about 600 meters away. However, if you’re not in the mood to travel far, relaxing around Arnarhvoll Park while enjoying lunch is not a bad idea.
Recommended Bars/Restaurants in Reykjavik:
- Matur og Drykkur – Taste the genius of chef Gisli Matthias. At this high-concept restaurant, you’ll be taken on a journey to inventive versions of traditional Icelandic dishes. From cod heads for the brave to fish or lamb, it’s all in this unique dining establishment.
- Hlemmur Matholl – This food hall is the home of dozens of vendors with great dishes. You’ll find Danish smorrebrod, Vietnamese street food, and Mexican tacos here. Some of the booths even belonged to big names, such as Jomfruin and Braud & Co.
- Dill – If you want to experience a Michelin star culinary experience, this is the place to be. In this elegant bistro, skilled chefs use the best ingredients to create high-complex dishes. Since it’s so popular, you might want to make a reservation before dropping by.
Recommended Activities in Reykjavik:
- Reykjavik: Whale Watching On Board a Luxury Yacht – Boarding the Amelia Rose, a luxury yacht, you’ll be invited to see beautiful whales in the ocean around Reykjavik. Experience an intense adventure without leaving comfort, as the yacht features a panoramic deck, comfortable lounge, and bar area.
- Reykjavik: Red Lava Horse Riding Tour – Experience the incredible landscapes of southern Iceland, accompanied by friendly Islandic horses. Feel the sensation of an unforgettable adventure in northern European soil. If you’re unsure about your horse riding skills, there are various terrains of different difficulty levels to choose from.
- Reykjavik: Magic Ice Bar Entrance and Welcome Drink – Witness the magical side of Reykjavik in a room filled with ice sculpture and art. Most of them relate to Viking history and myths, obviously amazing and you can’t find them anywhere else! The admission price includes a welcome drink at the unique ice bar.
