Must-see hotels in Iceland

  • Fosshotel Hekla

    The South

    As you head up the Þjórsá valley, this hotel complex sits just off Rte 30, 17km before Árnes. Forty-two rooms include large, modern doubles with crisp…

  • Reykjavík Marina Residence

    Reykjavík

    Seven refined suites in two restored historical houses expand the nearby Icelandair Hotel Reykjavík Marina offerings into the luxury accommodation market…

  • Hotel Rjúkandi

    Snæfellsnes Peninsula

    Vegamót means 'crossroads', and that's exactly where you'll find this sustainably operated hotel, cafe and restaurant. Simple, clean rooms have private…

  • Saxa

    East Iceland

    The town's best option demonstrates that Icelanders have yet to find a building they couldn't convert into a guesthouse! This was a supermarket, and now…

  • Stracta Hótel

    The South

    Stracta is one of the new breed of Iceland's higher-end tourist hotels. Rooms range from modern, comfortable doubles to studios with microwaves and…

  • Olga Guesthouse

    Inland

    In a good central location, dressed-in-red Olga offers five rooms that share three bathrooms and a small kitchen – all rooms come with tea- and coffee…

  • Gesthús

    The South

    At this friendly place by the park, choose between camping, doubles in two-room cabins with shared kitchen and bathroom, or a full summer house with…

  • Ásbyrgi Campsite

    North Iceland

    Camping inside the park boundaries is strictly limited to the official campsites at Ásbyrgi and Vesturdalur, plus Dettifoss for hikers only. The large,…

  • Hótel Höfn

    Southeast Iceland

    Höfn’s business-class hotel is often busy with tour groups in summer. Nicely renovated rooms feature on-trend furnishings, and views are knockout – you’ll…

  • Hótel Glymur

    West Iceland

    This hotel on the northern side of Hvalfjörður, near Saurbær, is a cache of contemporary amenities, from double-decker 'executive doubles' with giant…

  • Guesthouse Edinborg

    The South

    Formerly named Hótel Edinborg (and still signposted that way on the main road), this tall, tin-clad farmhouse has inviting wood-floored rooms with comfy…

  • Hótel Bjarkalundur

    The Westfjords

    A heritage-themed revamp of Bjarkalundur's public rooms reflect its status as the oldest summer hotel in Iceland. Now dark green walls frame polished wood…

  • Hotel Natur

    North Iceland

    About 15km east of Akureyri along Rte 1, this family-run property offers Nordic simplicity in its minimalist rooms, a huge dining space and breathtaking…

  • Árhús

    The South

    Set along the river, just south of the Ring Road, Árhús has a cluster of cottages (from a simple room to a complete cabin with kitchenette and bathroom),…

  • Sólheimar Eco-Village

    The Golden Circle

    Sólheimar Eco-Village is a collection of homes and greenhouses utilising ecologically sound practices. The two guesthouses in the village offer clean…

  • Volcano Hotel

    The South

    This seven-room hotel, 11.5km west of Vík, plays with a volcano motif in its decor: floors are made from a mosaic of pebbles, and candles glow throughout…

  • Lilja Guesthouse

    Southeast Iceland

    A newcomer to the area, Lilja has a striking, modern building housing smart 'delux' rooms – some with fab glacier views – plus an older building that…

  • Núpur Sólvellir

    The Westfjords

    The clean cube-like lines of Núpur Sólvellir are set slightly back from the shore of Dýrafjörður. Contemporary, open-plan rooms have expansive mountain…

  • Hilton Reykjavík Nordica

    Reykjavík

    Spacious, easygoing Scandinavian chic makes this Hilton an effortless stay: amenities include 24-hour room service, gym, spa, bar and gourmet restaurant…

  • Hótel Örk

    The South

    This hulking hotel favoured by tour groups has rather plain rooms, but offers family-friendly amenities: sauna, nine-hole golf course, billiards, and an…

  • Einarshúsið

    The Westfjords

    Einarshúsið is a turn-of-the-century heritage home near the harbour, and the best place to eat and sleep rolled into one.The eight lovely rooms are…

  • Hótel Skógar

    The South

    This architecturally interesting hotel has 12 small, eclectic rooms with quirky antiques, some with hill views. From the garden you can see Eyjafjöll…

  • Hunkubakkar

    Southeast Iceland

    A (relatively) well-priced and photogenic option: small, red cottages are spread over a brilliant-green backdrop on this working sheep farm, 7km west of…

  • Fosshótel Vatnajökull

    Southeast Iceland

    This upmarket chain hotel, 14km northwest of Höfn, recently grew from 26 to 66 rooms. The modern timber-and-concrete extension was smartly done, with blue…

  • Hótel Eyvindará

    Inland

    Set 4km out of town (on Rte 94), Eyvindará is a handsome, family-run collection of new hotel rooms, plus good motel-style units and cute timber cottages…

  • Akureyri Backpackers

    Akureyri

    Supremely placed in the town's heart, this backpackers has a chilled travellers' vibe and a popular bar. Rooms spread over three floors: four- to eight…

  • Hótel Óðinsvé

    Laugavegur & Skólavörðustígur

    There's a welcome sense of individuality and personality at Oðinsvé – in its 50 sunny rooms classic furnishings meet wooden floors and original art. Some…

  • Ljósafossskóli Hostel

    The Golden Circle

    Many of the good, simple rooms in this modern, converted schoolhouse have excellent lake and mountain views. A particularly unusual feature is the full…

  • Dynjandi

    Southeast Iceland

    In a dramatic Ring Road location, at the foot of mountains about 3km east of the Höfn turn-off (a total of 9km from town), Dynjandi is a small and cosy…

  • Hótel Keflavík

    Reykjanes Peninsula

    The most bling sleeping option in town has gold-coloured fittings, a particularly gaudy reception area, and serviceable, central rooms, some with ocean…

  • Herring Guesthouse

    Tröllaskagi

    Þorir and Erla are charming, knowledgeable hosts (he’s a former town mayor) offering personalised service at their stylish, view-blessed guesthouse with…

  • Hörgsland

    Southeast Iceland

    On the Ring Road about 8km northeast of Klaustur is this mini village of 13 spotless, spacious, self-contained cottages that can sleep six (note: on the…

  • Dreki Huts

    Iceland

    The Dreki huts, operated by Ferðafélag Akureyrar (Touring Club of Akureyri), sleep a total of 60, and there are showers, a kitchen, a ranger information…

  • Bjarg

    Mývatn Region

    This campsite has a gorgeous, peaceful location on the Reykjahlíð lakeshore (though it gets packed and noisy in summer) almost opposite the supermarket…

  • Landmannahellir

    The South

    This remote campsite has basic facilities, including a shower (500kr) and toilets, as well as hut lodging (sleeping bag required). It also sells fishing…

  • Hótel Selfoss

    The South

    This 99-room behemoth near the bridge has a calm interior with snappy business-style rooms and great facilities, including a good in-house restaurant…

  • Highland Center Hrauneyjar

    Iceland

    Hrauneyjar has both a simpler guesthouse building with smaller rooms and sleeping-bag accommodation (13,400kr) and a restaurant (mains 1900kr to 5800kr),…

  • Hótel Eyjafjallajökull

    The South

    This long, narrow, wooden hotel is accompanied by a high-quality campground with hot tubs and laundry. Hotel rooms have en suite bathrooms and flat-screen…

  • Fisherman

    The Westfjords

    Hardwood floors, white linen and modern, pared-down designs define the rooms at this small hotel. It's pretty much the hub of the town, thanks to a smart…

  • Höfn Camping & Cottages

    Southeast Iceland

    Lots of travellers stay at the campground on the main road into town. There are 11 decent-value cottages, sleeping up to six; some have private toilet,…

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