The best luxury hotels in Reykjavik
An insider's guide to the best luxury hotels in Reykjavik, including the top places to stay for contemporary style, sumptuous suites, stellar service, tranquil spas, fine-dining restaurants, lively bars and plenty of local character, in locations in and around downtown Reykjavik and the harbourfront district.
The very first luxury hotel to be built in Iceland merges high-end Art Deco elegance with modern flair and a range of amenities that include a spa and relaxation annexe with steam bath, sauna, treatment rooms and a gym. Rooms are decked out in custom-made furnishings, spanning armoires, Hastens beds, and stylish Bang & Olufsen televisions. The restaurant, overseen by an award-winning chef, focuses on skilfully refined Icelandic dishes such as langoustine, beef tenderloin and Arctic char. Don't miss the bar cocktails, often created with homemade syrups.
• The best hotels in Reykjavik city centre
Don’t be fooled by the unassuming exterior: every inch of the 101 Hotel's interior aims to impress. Expect a riot of contemporary style that incorporates antique and idiosyncratic furnishings, and a collection of artworks by local artists that is regularly supplemented by temporary exhibitions in the hotel’s public areas. There’s plenty on offer facilities-wise, from a basement gym and spa with a steam bath, plunge pool and hot tub (in-room spa treatments are also available), to a DVD library and a 24-hour reception that comes with attentive staff and a concierge service.
• The most romantic hotels in Reykjavik
A dapper self-billed 'lifestyle hotel' in a great location on Hverfisgata Street. In recent times its building was used as one of city’s most popular music and cultural venues, Faktory. There are many nods to local culture, not least with its library specialising in Icelandic literature. Rooms are decorated with splashy local artworks; other touches include music boxes that play cute Icelandic lullabies. Bathrooms have heated floors. The café also houses an LP library with more than 1,000 records, which are available for guests to play on 10 of the on-property record players.
• Where to stay in Reykjavik: hotels by district
These seven plush suites, each named after an Icelandic ship, are situated inside two historic, refurbished houses, down on Reykjavik’s charming harbourfront. Though generally modern, especially the stylish black-and-white bathrooms, the accommodations are dotted with antiques and furnishings renovated in century-old style. Aðalbjörg has a downstairs lounge, while the rest – Þór, Húni II, Víkingur, Dröfn, Esja and Hamranes – have separate lounges within the same floor. Many of the suites come with sea views (though some look over the city), a minibar with Icelandic snacks and organic Icelandic toiletries in the bathrooms.
