Top 5 hotels to stay in Reykjavik

To make the most of your stay in Iceland, it’s important to rest well and choose suitable accommodation. Iceland is a relatively expensive country overall. So this is something to bear in mind beforehand. Although there are “only” 123,000 inhabitants in Reykjavik, which represents a third of Iceland’s population, the choice of hotels is manifold. This is due to Iceland’s popularity in terms of tourism. In 2000, Iceland welcomed around 300,000 tourists a year, compared with over a million in 2020!

1- Student Hostel

Location: Hringbraut 29, 101 Reykjavik

Category: Good value for money / Affordable.

Strong points:

• Free Wi-Fi connection
• Free street parking
• Restaurant
• Bar
• Garden
• Good location
• Shared kitchen

Weak points

• Pets not allowed
• One of the hotel’s two buildings (the older one) does not have a private bathroom

Hotel description: The Student Hostel is ideal for people who don’t want to stay long in their accommodation and want to make the most of the fresh, clean Icelandic air. The rooms are spacious and the beds comfortable with a good duvet to keep you warm. The hotel has a very practical and well-equipped communal kitchen. Unfortunately, some guests do not take good care of the equipment and space provided. In terms of location, the Hljomskalagardurinn park (good luck pronouncing it) is just a stone’s throw from the hotel. Here you’ll find Lake Tjörnin, which has a habit of freezing over during the winter months. You can also visit the National Museum of Iceland, just a two-minute walk from the hotel. Just 1 km from the accommodation is the imposing Hallgrímskirkja church. With its 74.5-metre-high spire, it’s impossible to miss.

2- Midtown Hotel

Location: Vegamótastígur 9 (entrance on Grettisgata), 101 Reykjavik

Category: Prestige

Highlights:

• Bar
• Terrace
• Very good location
• Spacious rooms
• Balcony
• Free Wi-Fi connection

Weak points:

• Pets not allowed
• Self-contained hotel, so no staff to welcome you
• Expensive breakfast (25 euros)
• Some rooms are subject to noise

Hotel description: The Midtown Hotel is unique in that it has no reception. It is a self-contained hotel. To access it, the owner will send you a code which you will then have to enter. Otherwise, the rooms are very modern and very well equipped. You can enjoy the view from your balcony. The hotel is located in a busy area which can sometimes be a little disturbing at night. Some rooms are above a bar that closes at 00:00. However, you will be close to popular tourist attractions such as the Reykjavik Kjarvalsstaðir Art Museum and the Old Harbour.

3- Oddsson Downtown Hotel

Location: 1 Háteigsvegur, 105 Reykjavik

Category: Prestige

Highlights:

• Free on-site parking
• Bath
• Kitchenette
• Renovated and modern hotel
• Free Wi-Fi connection

Weak points:

• Pets not allowed
• Self-contained hotel

Hotel description: As with the previous hotel, the Oddsson Downtown Hotel is a self-catering accommodation. The hosts can be reached by telephone in case of problems or questions. The accommodation is brand new. The comfort of the rooms will make you enjoy your stay. All rooms have a fully equipped kitchenette and a private bathroom. The location is idyllic. You will be close to several places of interest such as the Reykjavik Art Museum and the Sun Traveller sculpture.

4- Apartments Reykjavik

Location: 68 Sólvallagata, Vesturbær, 101 Reykjavik

Category: Favourite / Good value for money

Strong points:

• Entire flat
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi connection
• Barbecue facilities
• Terrace

Weak point:

• Pets not allowed

Hotel description: The owner-occupied flat has been completely renovated while retaining the charm of the building built in 1937. The flat is very well equipped. You can wash your clothes in the washing machine and then iron them. You can enjoy the terrace and why not have a barbecue if the weather is fine. The accommodation is located in a pleasant university area. To get around, we recommend you take a bicycle. You’ll be able to reach the main tourist sites in the blink of an eye.

5- The Reykjavik Edition

Location: Austurbakki 2, 101 Reykjavik

Category: Prestige

Highlights:

• Sea view
• Balcony
• Superb breakfast
• Free Wi-Fi connection
• Spa and wellness centre
• Fitness centre
• Bar
• Room service

Weak point:

• No pets allowed

Hotel Description: The Reykjavik Edition is arguably one of the most prestigious hotels in Iceland. This five star hotel offers a unique experience. What could be better than waking up with the sea in front of you? The hotel has everything you can imagine. If you want to exercise, you can do so in the fitness centre. If you’re more the relaxing type, then take some time out at the Spa. The hotel has a restaurant serving local cuisine, ideal for discovering new flavours. Staying at the Reykjavik Edition means you can walk to the sights without any hassle.