Reykjavík, loosely translated as Smoky Bay, was a trading post that grew into a city in the 18th century. Found on the southwestern coast of Faxaflói, Reykjavík was the first settlement in Iceland, established around AD 870 by a pioneering Norseman. Today, it is the northernmost capital city of a sovereign country known globally for its cleanliness and sustainable practices. Most of the city is situated on the peninsula of Seltjarnarnes, but low-density suburban communities spread out on habitable coves and islands. From above, colorful rooftops stand out against snowy slopes, steep inlets, and icy waters. You’ll find good fishing spots, whale-watching excursions, and memorials to the city’s Viking ancestry. Reykjavík is a small capital city with natural swimming pools, geothermal beaches, hot springs, lava fields, and parks. If you’re planning to visit, it’s time to read about the best hotels to stay in Reykjavík, Iceland.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 11, 2024.
1. Fosshotel Reykjavík (from USD 179)
Reasonable pricing for a central location with convenient parking options
Spacious, clean rooms with modern bathrooms and heated floors; on-site beer garden and gym; tour desk available
Conveniently located within walking distance to the city center, near bus stops for tours and airport transportation
Excellent buffet breakfast with plenty of options, including vegan offerings; delicious dinner buffet and on-site bar with a great beer selection
Fosshotel Reykjavík is the largest hotel in Iceland, and its imposing presence is a good representation of the cutting-edge architecture of the business district. Choose one of the seven suites on the top floor for upper-crust comforts and captivating scenery. Guest rooms on all 16 stories of the hotel are furnished with designer decor and upscale amenities.
Haust is the on-site restaurant serving exceptional buffet selections by chefs, and Beer Garden is famous for its draught brew. Expect creature comforts and outstanding service during your stay at Fosshotel Reykjavík.
Fosshotel Reykjavík
Address: Þórunnartún 1
854 meters (0.6 ft) from Hallgrimskirkja
2. Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel, Curio Collection By Hilton (from USD 274)
Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel, Curio Collection By Hilton has an exceptional fitness center and facilities for persons with limited mobility. Refined staff members welcome guests to an intimate holiday experience. Expect luxury features in the uniquely Icelandic guest rooms.
Classic, deluxe, and suite accommodations are spread out in the building that once served as a department store. The spacious Diplomat Suite is a corner unit with a terrace and a separate living area. Don’t miss out on relaxing treatments, and check out an original 19th-century stone wall in the spa. This hotel is within walking distance to Harpa Concert Hall, Reykjavik Art Museum: Kjarvalsstadir, and Laugavegur Shopping Street.
Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel, Curio Collection By Hilton
Address: Hafnarstraeti 17-19
848 meters (0.6 ft) from Hallgrimskirkja
3. Sand Hotel by Keahotels (from USD 214)
Reasonable pricing for a central location in Reykjavik.
Comfortable bedding, modern bathroom and shower, free mobile phone and data, and a cozy lobby.
Excellent central location with easy access to shops, restaurants, and key attractions.
Delightful and varied breakfast, including fresh local foods, with gluten-free options and an attached bakery.
Sand Hotel on Laugavegur has some of the comfiest beds in Reykjavík. It’s a boutique hotel offering luxury accommodations in a relaxed atmosphere. If you’re in the city for cultural events or want to explore the Icelandic capital on foot, Sand Hotel is a suitable choice. The bakery and haberdashery on the ground floor have been open for over a century. There are select pieces of art and sculpture in the hotel and its grounds. In front of the hotel, there is an engraved memorial for a Nobel laureate who was born on the premises.
Guest rooms have terrace views of downtown, and you can make tea or coffee in your suite after partaking in an outstanding meal in the on-site restaurant.
Sand Hotel by Keahotels
Address: Laugavegur 34
334 meters (0.3 ft) from Hallgrimskirkja
4. Apótek Hotel Reykjavík by Keahotels (from USD 193)
Tasteful decoration and superb room service await guests of Apótek Hotel Reykjavík by Keahotels. This boutique hotel occupies a listed building in the downtown area 650 m (2133 ft) from Reykjavík Harbor. The memorable structure was designed by a state architect who also designed Akureyrarkirkja and Hallgrímskirkja churches and The National Theatre of Iceland.
The grand facade makes way to elegantly furnished common areas and guest suites. Rooms are well lit and decorated with familiar touches to make you feel at home immediately. Each spacious suite in Apótek Hotel has a minibar, a work desk, and a seating area.
Apótek Hotel Reykjavík by Keahotels
Address: Austurstræti 16
821 meters (0.6 ft) from Hallgrimskirkja
5. Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre (from USD 248)
Reasonable pricing for a central location in downtown Reykjavik.
Comfortable, modern rooms with stylish decor and a convenient cafe for snacks and coffee. Underfloor heating in the bathroom and a well-equipped gym.
Centrally located with easy access to shops, restaurants, and bus stops. Close to attractions and vibrant nightlife.
Outstanding breakfast with a fantastic choice catering to all dietary requirements. The restaurant offers superb meals with a wide selection.
Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre is a complex of six buildings near Faxa Bay. Standard features of guest rooms include Wi-Fi, a coffee machine, a seating area or work desk, and an inviting bed. Large rooms and bathrooms with minimalist design evince modern Icelandic chic. You’ll find many examples of this concept throughout the hotel.
Booked guests have access to the hotel restaurant, bar, and an updated fitness center. Daily buffet selections include modern dishes inspired by Icelandic tradition. At Canopy, you can spend a relaxed holiday while enjoying luxury features.
Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre
Address: Smidjustigur 4
522 meters (0.4 ft) from Hallgrimskirkja
6. Midgardur by Center Hotels (from USD 188)
Midgardur by Center Hotels is an eye-catching presence on the popular street of Laugavegur (The Water Road), an old thoroughfare that now serves as the shopping strip and main artery of downtown Reykjavík. The contemporary facade offers an accurate impression of the stylish, compact rooms and trendy ornaments in the lobby and common areas.
This hotel has a gym and a spa. It also serves fusion Icelandic dishes. Every room has a minibar, and some feature mountain and sea views. Choose Midgardur to experience Reykjavík’s seamless merging of old and new.
Midgardur by Center Hotels
Address: Laugavegur 120
659 meters (0.5 ft) from Hallgrimskirkja
7. Kvosin Downtown Hotel (from USD 271)
Reasonably priced for the central location and well-equipped rooms.
Kitchenette, Nespresso machine, blackout curtains, and complimentary earplugs provided.
Conveniently situated in downtown Reykjavik, within walking distance to major attractions and dining options.
Delicious continental breakfast, well-stocked kitchenettes, and nearby dining choices.
Family rooms are available for booking at Kvosin Downtown Hotel, which offers personalized five-star service to guests. The third-floor terrace presents views of Tjörnin, a city lake popular with bird feeders. The hotel is located behind Alþingi Íslendinga (Icelandic Parliament) and Hallgrímskirkja, a landmark Lutheran church and one of the tallest buildings in Reykjavík. The ground floor terrace is the best place to view the immediate surroundings.
This hotel was built in the 1900s, with rooms featuring kitchenettes and dining areas. Kvosin offers guests the option to take breakfast in the hotel bar and buffet area or in their spacious rooms.
Kvosin Downtown Hotel
Address: Kirkjutorg 4
792 meters (0.5 ft) from Hallgrimskirkja
8. Alda Hotel Reykjavík (from USD 203)
Great value for money, with reasonable pricing compared to other European destinations.
Clean, modern facilities with a sauna, hot tub, and cozy rooms. Some rooms offer balconies or city views.
Perfect central location on the main shopping street, close to restaurants, bars, and tour pick-up spots.
Excellent breakfast buffet with a good variety of options. The hotel restaurant offers delicious food and friendly service.
Alda Hotel Reykjavík stands in the shopping district Laugavegur and offers roomy suites, a gym, a hot tub, sauna facilities, and access to the hotel bar. You can rent bicycles at the reception desk and ride over to Lake Tjörnin, which is 1 km (0.6 mi) away.
Alda Hotel is an outstanding four-star hotel garbed in calming tones. You may choose from a variety of accommodations, including standard rooms, deluxe rooms, and suites. When reserving a room, ask about possible savings if you’re staying for more than one night. If you fancy a hair trim or a shave, expert barbers are waiting to cut your hair in the on-site barbershop.
Alda Hotel Reykjavík
Address: Laugavegur 66
337 meters (0.3 ft) from Hallgrimskirkja
9. Eyja Guldsmeden Hotel (from USD 162)
Reasonably priced with optional breakfast for an additional cost
Comfortable, clean rooms with eco-friendly toiletries and free parking
Conveniently located within walking distance to the center of Reykjavik and close to tour pick-up points
Fantastic breakfast with a variety of options, and a brilliant evening menu with accommodating staff
Eyja Guldsmeden Hotel near Hlemmur Square is a popular home base for travelers with a full itinerary. The overall vibe is relaxing, but it departs from the usual Icelandic sensitivity. Rooms are furnished with Balinese-style furniture, and every single one has a four-poster bed. Bathrooms are stocked with organic products, and if it’s your lucky day, you might book a room with a view of the volcanic, flat-topped Esjan mountain range.
Bicycles and fitness equipment are available. Restaurants are within walking distance. Guests may also sample organic options and local dishes prepared by hotel restaurant staff.
Eyja Guldsmeden Hotel
Address: Brautarholt 10-14
927 meters (0.6 ft) from Hallgrimskirkja
10. Hotel Phoenix (from EUR 184)
Hotel Phoenix on Laugavegur is only 250 m (820 ft) from the waterfront promenade. The brightly colored hotel exterior pops out, but it chooses a classic and harmonious approach to room furnishing. All nine ensuite rooms are decorated singularly. Booking includes a nutritious complimentary breakfast and free parking on-premises. The hotel offers an airport shuttle service, and you can arrange sightseeing tours with the staff. The staff will be happy to answer your questions about their city and Icelandic history.
Hotel Phoenix
Address: Laugavegur 140
757 meters (0.5 ft) from Hallgrimskirkja
Experience modernity, tradition, and nature in Reykjavík
The capital city of Iceland’s modern landmarks includes a towering concrete church and glass dome. It can be defined by astonishing natural features as well. Stay for a while to experience how Reykjavík’s residents manage to merge modernity, tradition, and the natural surroundings into their harmonious existence.
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