Where to Book a Stay in Reykjavík, Iceland

Art lovers need look no further than Hotel Holt, home to the largest private collection of Icelandic art. Hundreds of works are on display throughout, including seascapes, stoneware reliefs and bronze sculptures. You can learn more on a twice-weekly art walk around the hotel. Choose between a simple single or double room or a suite. Downstairs, cosy up by the fireplace with a whiskey before dining on the hotel’s tasting menu with organic wines to match.

Overlooking Austurvöllur square, this grand Art Deco hotel has long been a Reykjavík landmark. Rooms include bathrobes, slippers, Bluetooth speakers and Nespresso machines as standard. Upgrade to the Tower Suite for panoramic city views. Downstairs, Borg Spa is one of the best in the city. Unwind in the hot tub or sauna after a long day pounding the pavements.

Hotel Alda is located at the quiet end of Laugavegur, Reykjavík’s main shopping street. It’s a perfect locale if you’re after a calm oasis, only a 15-minute walk from the city centre. The outdoor hot tub is a highlight – candlelit at night, it’s just the spot for catching the Aurora Borealis. The hotel also boasts a trendy barber, plus a brasserie.

This centrally located, cosmopolitan hotel offers 52 modern rooms, designed by Icelandic architect Gulla Jónsdóttir. Book the Junior Suite – you’ll gain complimentary access to the spa with its large hot tub and rainfall shower. Downstairs, join the locals at a live music night at the Jörgensen Kitchen & Bar. Alternatively, take the elevator to the eighth floor for killer harbour views from the SKY Restaurant. The hotel also organises tours, including glacier, diving and whale-watching trips.

Located on Reykjavík’s main thoroughfare, Laugavegur, this luxurious apartment hotel offers all home comforts in a prime location. The decor is slick and sexy – think dark walls, low lighting and vintage touches like retro leather sofas and Marshall radios. Kitchens feature all mod-cons while living areas are decorated with modern art and have large windows overlooking the city.

Join locals at Aldamót, the lively hotel bar, which serves light dishes and quality wines. Happy hour is from 4pm to 7pm – the perfect excuse to sample signature cocktails and seasonal beers. Then, head upstairs to find plush bedding, thick blackout curtains and smart bathrooms with locally sourced organic toiletries in the rooms, which range from cosy doubles to family-friendly boltholes that sleep up to six.

This former office block in downtown Reykjavík has been transformed into a sleek, boutique hotel with minimalist rooms and bags of comfort. Expect bathrooms with underfloor heating, balconies with city views (in the larger rooms) and Bang & Olufsen speakers. The restaurant and bar attract Reykjavik’s residents – it features a glass ceiling and menu with everything from hamburgers to fine cuisine.

With 50 elegant rooms, a popular restaurant and a central location, Hotel Óðinsvé is a great base from which to explore the city. Rooms are individually designed – solo travellers will appreciate the single-bed boltholes, whilst there is plenty of room for kids to spread out in the two-bedroom family suites. Don’t miss the pancakes with Icelandic blueberries at Snaps, the on-site bistro.