Must-see hotels in Iceland

  • Radisson Blu 1919

    Reykjavík

    Although part of a large chain, a strong sense of style lingers here, thanks in part to the hotel's 1919 facade. Inside heritage meets modern styling –…

  • Galleri Laugarvatn Guesthouse

    The Golden Circle

    At the eastern end of town, Galleri Laugarvatn has simply decorated rooms, with white walls and natural-toned bed linens. Each is well kitted out with a…

  • Rjúpnavellir

    The South

    Just where the paved road ends, and the closest accommodation to the Rte 26–F225 junction, you'll find these two large cabins with sleeping-bag space for…

  • Hrafnavellir Guest House

    Southeast Iceland

    Brand new for summer 2018, this row of seven small cabins sits about 25km east of Höfn on a super-peaceful patch of turf. Views look across the river…

  • Hótel Reykjavík Centrum

    Reykjavík

    Mezzanines and a glass roof unite two historic central buildings, giving this hotel a spry, light feel. Its 89 neatly proportioned rooms, suites and…

  • Kvöldstjarnan

    The South

    The three bright, white rooms here come with washbasins and fluffy feathery duvets. There’s a shared living room and terrace, hot-pot, barbecue and…

  • Kríukot

    The Westfjords

    Behind a well-weathered exterior sit stylish rooms that blend heritage beds, slender modern chairs and eastern influences. The guest kitchen is roomy and…

  • Við Lónið

    Seyðisfjörður

    A 21st-century makeover has transformed a 1907 kit home into a black-clad, eight-room beauty in the heart of the village. 'By the Lagoon' is a new…

  • Mörk Homestay

    North Iceland

    Just north of town, this delightful waterfront property offers a modern, stylish fjordside cottage – your room's terrace is the perfect place to enjoy a…

  • Birkilauf

    Mývatn Region

    This brand-new guesthouse in the lava fields and forests on the eastern shore of Mývatn may be constructed from cinderblock, but the rooms are comfortable…

  • Grund – Guesthouse Flúðir

    The Golden Circle

    This adorable guesthouse has five cosyrooms filled with antiques, and a wing of modern rooms with private bathrooms and decks with mountain views. The…

  • Miðjanes

    The Westfjords

    There's a tranquil feel at this cattle and sheep farm at the foot of a steep ridge near a rushing waterfall. Here unfussy rooms have wide views of the…

  • Hnjótur Guesthouse

    The Westfjords

    It's not super-fancy, but the bedrooms at Hnjótur are comfy and owner Kristen is warmly welcoming – he'll even cook up a fish supper on request. The…

  • Útilífsmiðstöð Skáta Úlfljótsvatni

    The Golden Circle

    This scouts centre has camping in summer and basic dorm huts in winter. It offers a full program of lakefront activities and extensive playgrounds. Find…

  • Guesthouse 1x6

    Reykjanes Peninsula

    This guesthouse has been created using recycled timber, driftwood and volcanic stones, creating a special environment where every room is unique. The…

  • Finna Hótel

    The Westfjords

    At this hillside mini-hotel a corridor of chequerboard tiles leads to cherry-red doors opening into smart, modern rooms, half of them with sea views. The…

  • Hótel Borg

    Reykjavík

    This historic hotel dates from 1930 and is now tricked out with super-smart beige, black and cream decor, parquet floors, leather headboards and flat…

  • Hótel Edda

    East Iceland

    On the waterfront at the eastern end of town, this friendly, well-run summer hotel has brilliant views; neat, no-frills rooms (all with bathroom); and a…

  • Ráðagerði Guesthouse

    The Westfjords

    Many of the rooms at this stylish guesthouse have sweeping fjord views. Decor is modern, the owners are friendly and breakfast (included in the price) is…

  • Three Sisters

    Reykjavík

    A warmly welcoming owner who goes the extra mile to meet guests' needs helps lift Three Sisters above the crowd. The seven studio apartments in the corner…

  • Hótel Frón

    Laugavegur & Skólavörðustígur

    This hotel is excellently located overlooking Laugavegur (although this also means rooms at the front can be noisy at weekends). The newer wing has good…

  • Fosshótel Westfjords

    The Westfjords

    One of the town's historic buildings has been well renovated into this super-sleek, stylish hotel with modern rooms offering private bathrooms, flat…

  • Grundarfjörður HI Hostel

    Snæfellsnes Peninsula

    This outfit features everything from prim dorm rooms to smart, apartment-style lodging. Reception is in the red house (at the listed address), while…

  • B&B Keflavík Airport

    Reykjanes Peninsula

    In one of Keflavík's former military base buildings, this large, spruced-up hotel with modern interiors and exposed concrete walls offers an assortment of…

  • Farmhouse Lodge

    The South

    Surprisingly sleek and contemporary designer rooms fill this low-key farm lodge on the Ring Road 14km west of Vík. Bedside tables are made from hewn tree…

  • Traðir Guesthouse

    Snæfellsnes Peninsula

    Comfortable guest rooms, cottages and a campsite are set on the shore of the southern Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and there's a small cafe serving simple meals…

  • Hotel Eskifjörður

    East Iceland

    In the centre of town, this hotel has transformed an old bank into a fresh, stylish place to stay, with sweet puffin themes to set the scene. Room prices…

  • Hótel Eyjar

    Heimaey

    Spacious, basic rooms are well lit and have private bathrooms; some are extra large with kitchenettes. Rollaway mattresses for children cost 2500kr. The…

  • Post-Hostel

    Seyðisfjörður

    The name is a little misleading – this high-quality 11-room guesthouse (in yet another old post office) has fresh, renovated rooms, including some family…

  • Nicehostel Seljaland

    The South

    Around 2km south of Seljalandsfoss, this smart hostel has four immaculate private rooms and 12-people dorms with private reading lights. Kitchen…

  • Guesthouse Elín Helga

    East Iceland

    This four-room guesthouse, high above town (take Skólavegur then Holtavegur), is recommended for its pine-fresh cosiness, sweet host, fab breakfast spread…

  • Hjarðarból Guesthouse

    The South

    This buttercup-yellow set of cottages and guesthouse buildings, with small kitchen, hot tub and friendly hosts, is pastoral and welcoming. It is located…

  • Gíslaskáli

    Iceland

    Excellent hut operated by Gljásteinn; sleeps up to 50, has cooking facilities, dining and sitting rooms, hot showers, and electricity for several hours…

  • Guesthouse Borg

    Reykjanes Peninsula

    Borg is an older home in the centre of town with the cosiness of ‘grandma’s place’. There's a good brekkie, with cereal, bread, meat and cheese. There's…

  • Stapakot B&B

    Reykjanes Peninsula

    In a residential area, only a 10-minute drive to Keflavík International Airport, this well-decorated red guesthouse has a handful of rooms with shared…

  • Hamar

    East Iceland

    There's a new incarnation for this cosy five-room lodge, on Rte 1 heading towards Stöðvarfjörður. Rooms are simple and modern (some have a balcony), and…

  • Dalahyttur

    West Iceland

    Three tiny cottages (sleeping four people each) perch on the edge of this vast valley with sweeping views of Hólsfjall mountain and beyond. Perfect for a…

  • OK Studios

    Laugavegur & Skólavörðustígur

    A creative vibe pervades rooms kitted out in individual style and featuring cool mismatched furniture with La Giaconda art. Despite the upcycled air it's…

  • 101 Hotel

    Laugavegur & Skólavörðustígur

    The 101 aims to tickle the senses – with yielding downy beds, a stark black-and-white colour scheme, Bang & Olufsen sound systems and glass-walled showers…

  • Kiðagil

    North Iceland

    A friendly family operates this simple guesthouse with tidy rooms and good food. A welcome respite, it's the inn closest to the northern access of the…

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