The 12 Best Hotels to Book in Reykjavík

This family-run guesthouse has a homely feel and a stellar location, positioned beside Hallgrímskirkja cathedral in the city centre. It’s a great choice for self-catering (rooms come with fully equipped kitchens) but a continental breakfast is also available. The style verges on the boutique, with walls painted taupe and teal, gilded mirrors and L’Occitane bath products. A family studio (sleeping up to four) is also available.

There’s a luxury feel to this centrally located hotel, right next to Austurvöllur park and the Icelandic parliament. Expect plush bedding, thick blackout curtains and smart bathrooms with organic, local toiletries. Choose from four room sizes – ranging from cosy doubles to family-friendly boltholes that feature kitchenettes and sleep up to six. There’s also a top-floor apartment with two bedrooms, a spacious living area and great city views.

In downtown Reykjavik, this stylish apartment hotel offers the perfect blend of freedom and hotel comforts. Each apartment has a kitchen, but you can also head downstairs to the chic Port 9 restaurant or grab a breakfast basket crammed with fruit, veggies, cheese and yoghurts. Budget travellers can go for an economy studio. Alternatively, splash out on a suite – they have extra space, and some have PlayStations and/or corner bathtubs.

This hotel offers a calm atmosphere despite being located on the main shopping street in Reykjavik, Laugavegur. Ease aching muscles in the sauna, or look for the Northern Lights while soaking in the outdoor hot tub. There’s a restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, an on-site barber and you can even borrow a hotel smartphone during your stay. The nine room categories range from economy doubles to king suites.

The Konsúlat Hotel was once home to the first department store in the city, built by prominent Reykjavík character Ditlev Thomsen. Inside the impressive three-storey building, rooms are decked in warm hues and feature mid-century furniture such as chesterfield sofas and vintage desks. The hotel restaurant, GOTT Reykjavík, serves contemporary Icelandic cuisine in a minimalist yet sophisticated setting.

The first luxury hotel in Iceland has long cemented its place among the architectural landmarks of Reykjavík – facing the pleasant Austurvöllur Square, Icelandic parliament and cathedral. Expect royal treatment at this luxury, art deco hotel – which has previously accommodated celebrities, such as Yoko Ono and Lady Gaga. The spa is a real highlight here – warm up in the hot tub, steam bath and sauna after a cold day of sightseeing.

Centrally located, Reykjavík Lights is a Nordic-style hotel with bright rooms decorated in Scandinavian style. The hotel aims to reflect everyday life in Iceland with colourful rooms that represent specific days in the country’s ancient calendar. A complimentary breakfast is included with your stay. Reykjavík Lights is the ideal place for first-time visitors looking to get the most out of their visit as it offers many tours.

Right in the middle of downtown Reykjavík is the Canopy by Hilton, a self-billed lifestyle hotel. Spanning six buildings that used to house the most well-known furniture factory in the city, it was more recently home to the nightclub and live music venue, Faktory. Large, contemporary suites pay homage to the building’s past with custom-made furniture and local artwork. Visit the self-service cafe in the lobby for breakfast, or stop by the connected Geiri Smart Restaurant, one of the finest places to eat in Reykjavík.

A member of the Design Hotels group, 101 Hotel is a luxury insight into the world of Icelandic fashion and design. Sleek and modern with black-and-white minimalist tones throughout, the entire hotel feels like a work of art. The latest pieces from both established and up-and-coming local artists are on display, plus there’s a stylish lounge bar for a late-night tipple. As it’s just a block from Laugavegur shopping street, it’s no wonder Kim Kardashian and Kanye West chose this as the place to stay on their Icelandic getaway.

Right next to the working harbour of Reykjavík at the edge of downtown, the Icelandair Hotel celebrates the city’s colourful and creative side. The interior features eye-catching furniture, striking wallpaper and plenty of antiques picked up at the nearby Kolaportið flea market. It’s also a champion of local culture, regularly hosting live music gigs and pop-up concerts, as well as literature events at the in-house cafe. Head for drinks at the neighbouring Slippbarinn – the cocktails are the best in Reykjavík.

Just outside the city centre, in the quickly gentrifying 105 neighbourhood, is the Reykjavík branch of the Guldsmeden hotel chain. It’s cheaper than your average hotel in the country, and the bright rooms feature rustic four-poster beds designed with a Balinese twist. The large restaurant is all about organic, fresh ingredients. Eyja Guldsmeden was also the first hotel in the country to be awarded Green Globe certification, recognising its commitment to sustainability.

Overlooking Elliðavatn Lake, and just 15 minutes from downtown, this family-run hotel is perfect for those looking to experience both the natural beauty of Iceland and the city of Reykjavík. The lake is teeming with birdlife in the summer and there are plenty of walking and biking trails that delve into the surrounding parkland. Elegantly furnished rooms are complemented by homely common areas decorated with bookshelves and comfortable lounge chairs. Unobstructed mountain views and minimal light pollution make Hotel Kriunes the ideal place for watching the Northern Lights during the winter months.