Reykjavík is such a remarkable city that it isn’t a question of why you should visit but rather where you should stay when you do. There’s many wonderful hotels in the capital, so much so that it can be hard to choose what’s right for you. At Hidden Iceland, as luxury Icelandic travel agents and tour operators, we pride ourselves in knowing the perfect places to stay on your Icelandic getaway.
Here is our guide to the best hotels in Reykjavík.
The Reykjavík EDITION
A 5-star hotel that provides both elegance and an espresso in your room: the EDITION is an ideal way to experience a bit of everything. Start every day with perhaps the best breakfast buffet in the city, before stepping out directly onto downtown Reykjavík, next to the iconic Harpa Concert Hall.
Atop its 253 luxurious and design-forward rooms is a roof top bar, where you can take in the beautiful city sites, including the old harbour, and, if you’re lucky, the Northern Lights (the hotel offers a special wake-up call specifically for them!). And there may just be a secret speakeasy…
Iceland Parliament Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton
A modern marvel in a prime location, the Parliament is undoubtedly one of the best hotels in Reykjavík. The hotel takes its name from the neighbouring Alþingi, the oldest parliament in the world, and fittingly the rooms and suites are worthy of a head of state.
The stellar service and immaculate presentation extends to the on-site restaurant, Hjá Jóni, where local ingredients and handpicked wines combine to provide a fitting 5-star experience. The hotel’s central location suits anyone seeking to see as much of the city as possible, but once you’ve experienced their steam baths, you may not be in such a hurry to leave.
Hotel Reykjavík Saga
The Saga is where to stay in Reykjavik if you’re looking for something spectacular to see just outside your window. With a view of the largest church in Iceland in one direction and the picture-perfect Lake Tjörnin in another, you’re never short of stunning sights. The hotel itself is every bit as beautiful, with 130 boutique-style rooms of stylish design to welcome you into its 4-star walls.
Guests of the Saga always rave about the comfort of the beds and how hard they are to leave, so it’s a good thing you’re so central. The hotel sits a short walk from the Harpa Concert Hall, and shorter walks still to the National Gallery of Iceland and Rainbow Street. But if you’d rather stay in, the on-site Fröken restaurant prepares and cooks fine local cuisine right in front of you.
Sand Hotel
Wondering where to stay in Reykjavík and want somewhere that feels a little less known? Then you’ll find it in the centre of the city with Sand. The hotel lies on Laugavegur High Street, neighboured by renowned haberdasharies, boutiques, and the delectable Sandlot Bakery, but the hotel itself feels tucked away amidst the busy city.
This is a space that offers tradition and culture as well as amenities aplenty: each room provides a Nespresso machine to help you wake up and the cosiest Egyptian-linen sheets to help you to sleep. And the hotel is the birthplace of perhaps Iceland’s most renowned writer, Nobel Prize winner Halldor Laxness: books of his are proudly on display, as a celebration of his work and its cultural significance.
Hotel Borg
If you’re basing your decision on aesthetics alone, the Hotel Borg may just be the best hotel in Reykjavík. The art deco design found throughout its 99-rooms is modernist magnificence, with every curve exuding an era of elegance that you don’t see much of anymore.
It’s the kind of hotel that style doesn’t come at the expense of comfort: the bedrooms are wonderfully spacious, and the hot tubs and steam baths in the hotel spa are the perfect place to relax before heading off on your luxury tour of Iceland. If you’re keen to explore the city, Borg’s downtown Reykjavik location means it’s a short walk from all the wonders the capital has to offer.
Exeter
What was once a warehouse is now a hypermodern hotel in downtown Reykjavík, just a few steps from the harbour. The Exeter remembers its roots, with industrial decor everywhere, but the modern furnishings elevate the space to earn its five-star rating.
With Bus Stop 4 just outside your door, and the vibrant city centre a short walk away, it’s a space that’s made for someone wanting to explore. But you may want to stay and sample what’s on site: the local street cuisine at Le Kock or the pastries at the Dieg bakery, along with the many cosy coffee shops, are rightfully renowned by locals and guests alike.
Reykjavík Residence
The best hotel in Reykjavík may be a small village, as the Residence comprises several landmark buildings that are now luxury hotels. We’ve never stayed in a Prime Minister’s Residence or a Printing Press before, but they’ve never been this appealing, as historic buildings keep their culture but incorporate modern luxuries.
Each of the premium accommodation options have their own charms, but the excellent service is uniform across all rooms and suites, with fresh bread delivered to your door. And if you’re in the mood to explore, you’re a short walk from the bustling Laugavegur. If you’re travelling with kids, this mix of convenience, comfort and culture make the Residence an obvious choice for families searching for where to stay in Reykjavík.
Canopy by Hilton
Formerly a furniture factory, the Canopy is now a 4-star hotel less than a kilometre from the city centre. 112 stunning rooms of eclectic minimalist decor rest beneath a rooftop terrace – and in the morning, the inclusive breakfast is the best way to start your day. As native Icelanders, we like to spread a little skyr on everything. And whilst you’re at the Hotel Bar, enjoying their array of signature cocktails, ask about the hotel’s extensive vinyl collection.
At Hidden Iceland we create luxury travel experiences that go far beyond the ordinary, taking our guests across Iceland’s epic landscapes, to experience the true magic of the land.
As a team of Icelandic locals and travel enthusiasts we have a deep rooted love of this country, and expert knowledge of the best places to stay, from luxury hotels and resorts to exclusive private lodges and authentic farmstays. No matter your travel desires we can happily oblige.
Ready to explore Reykjavík on your own luxury Icelandic trip? Then get in touch now by calling +354-770-5733 or email us at info@hiddeniceland.is to start planning your dream luxury getaway to Iceland. Or explore some of our day tours including the Reykjavík City Food tour and the Reykjavík and Reykjanes Peninsula tour.