It’s safe to say Iceland is one of my favourite places I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting. We found ourselves in this magical place after living in London for a short time, craving big adventures and far-off lands we’d always dreamed of seeing. Even though we were flat broke, we scrimped and saved, doing everything we could to gather the money to get ourselves to Iceland. It was worth it. We were both blown away by the raw, overwhelming beauty of the country. It was equal parts inspiring and humbling. We saw things we had never seen anywhere else, which is just one of the reasons it has stamped its place on our travel-loving hearts. To help you plan your Iceland holiday, I wanted to pull together some insight on different places to stay, for various budgets. So, here it is, my luxe to less Iceland accommodation guide.
Planning your trip?
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Hotels, I use Agoda
Insurance: Cover-More
Rentals: Discover Cars
RVs: Motorhome Republic
Transfers: Welcome Pickups
SIM Cards: Simify
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Luxe
ION Iceland
You’ll find this gorgeous, luxury hotel nestled among mountainous lava fields around 30 minutes drive from Reykjavík. Located by the Golden Circle, it’s close to all the things you’ll want to see and do each day, offering the perfect base for big adventures. The hotel is modern, sleek and straight out of a Bond movie. The rooms here are fitted out in typical Icelandic style, with a modern, minimalist edge to them. The focus is all about the views, with floor to ceiling windows giving you the very best views of the lava fields to Thingvellir National Park. Grab a bite in the fantastic on-site restaurant and bar while you sit comfortably and gaze over those magnificent views. Best of all, you can find yourself right beneath the Northern Lights! Find Ion Adventure Hotel here.
Find Ion Adventure Hotel here.
101 Hotel
For a luxury stay in the heart of Reykjavík, you can’t go past 101 Hotel. With its monochrome, minimalist and modern styling, it provides a luxurious and chic base for your Iceland adventures. Rooms here range from standard through to suites with a balcony, giving you the chance to soak in gorgeous views over Reykjavík and surrounding mountains. There’s a fantastic on-site restaurant and bar but you’ll also find yourself within easy walking distance to the great shops, sights and eats in Reykjavík too. It’s an easy walk down to the waterfront and also easy to hop in your hire car and buzz out for a day of sightseeing and exploring. Find 101 Hotel here.
fantastic on-site restaurant and bar
Mid-range
Reykjavik4you Apartments
These spacious and modern apartments are situated in Reykjavík City Centre, providing an airy, bright and welcoming space for your holiday. Rooms here range from studio through to two bedroom deluxe apartments, fully equipped with a kitchenette, which means you can cut costs by cooking a few meals in your apartment (one of my favourite money-saving travel tips), with a grocery store located right around the corner. It’s easy to explore Reykjavík from here on foot or hop in your hire car and head out for a day of adventures or sign yourself up for a group tour. Find Reykjavik4you Apartments here.
Find Reykjavik4you Apartments here.
Kvosin Downtown
Another great apartment option for mid-range travellers, Kvosin Downtown provides a great, central location and well-sized apartments. Rooms here range from ‘Big’ through to ‘Biggest’ and one ‘Mountain Suite,’ giving different size rooms to suit your needs. Their standard or ‘Big’ room is well-sized, modern and really cosy-beautiful space with natural light and windows to overlook the streets below. The hotel has been well styled and offers up that really effortlessly cool vibe that makes you feel at home. There’s a kitchenette, free wifi and breakfast are included too. Find Kvosin Downtown here.
Less
Loft Hostel
The Loft Hostel is located right along the main shopping street of Reykjavík making it super easy to explore the city on foot. The rooms here range from those with private bathrooms through to dormitory rooms with shared bathrooms, depending on your budget and preference. Your lockers and linen are all included, there’s an on-site kitchen and a top-floor terrace cafe and bar with views overlooking the city. When it comes to hostel accommodation, Loft does a great job of providing rooms that are clean, comfortable and well presented. The private rooms are a great option for those on a budget. Find Loft HI Hostel here.
Hlemmur Square Hostel
Hlemmur Square is two things; a luxury hotel and an upmarket hostel. If you’re on a budget, the hostel side of things can be a great option. They offer dormitory rooms in a range of different formations, from a few people per room right up to 12. As with most hostels, you’ll find things to be a little less clean and perfectly placed than you would at a hotel, so keep this in mind when deciding whether or not to book it. There are shared bathrooms and kitchens available, the beds are mostly pretty comfortable and you’re sure to make a few new friends either in your dorm or the common areas. Find Hlemmur Square here.
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