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About Reykjavik

If you’re just here for a short break you’ll probably want to stay in Reykjavík city centre but if you’ve been hooked by Reykjavík’s hip and happening reputation then you might stay down by the marina. Either way our Guru’s recommendations for the best places to stay in Reykjavík have some great possibilities for you. Our pick of the hotels here vary from large city centre crowd pleasers to smaller and hipper properties that have a very individual feel. And whilst none are exactly cheap, we're pretty sure you'll find something to suit!

Colourful, vibrant Reykjavík is further north than any other capital city and much of its uniqueness can probably be, in part, attributed to the location. The varied length of the days and the nights, the strange colours of the sky and the spectacular, but very raw, Icelandic landscape, influence every aspect of the culture here, from the striking, colourful architecture to the lifestyle.

Where to stay - which neighbourhood?

  • Miðborg is considered downtown Reykjavic - it's where you'll find most of the city's bars, restaurants and sights. Stroll around the colourful streets and soak up the buzzy nightlife.
  • Laugardaler, AKA Hot Spring Valley, is where you'll find the city's largest outdoor thermal pool - a great way to unwind after a day spent sightseeing. It's also home to a wonderful botanic garden and a family-friendly zoo.
  • Vesturbær is a charming spot located right by the sea. It's a quieter and more laid back option, but still only 30 minutes walk away from the city centre.

By international standards, Reykjavík is a tiny capital, but it has all the accoutrements that you'd expect from a major city. An excellent National Museum, several world-class art and design museums, a very cosmopolitan restaurant and cafe culture and a music and nightlife scene that many larger capitals envy.

You’ll not experience all Reykjavík has to offer if you miss out trying some new cuisine in one of the myriad of restaurants. Even if you feel you are past your clubbing prime, to experience Reykjavík properly at least dip a toe into the nightlife here, whether that means dancing ‘til dawn or just seeing some late night live music. And you can always recover, like the locals, in one of the geothermal pools.

Reykjavík is an amazing place to come for a mini-break, there’s really a lot to see here. So if you only have a few days you’ll be sure to want to come back. Soon. Don't forget this is a popular year round destination, so if you want to guarantee a room in one of the best places to stay in Reykjavik get organised and book early.

The best places to stay in Reykjavik

Mioborg

  • The sleek and swish Sandhotel enjoys a wonderfully central location. Boasting minimalist accommodation and a splendid restaurant, it's a great all-round pick.

  • Reykjavík’s 101 Hotel is a superb boutique hotel with minimalist decor in its 38 rooms and suites. Expect black and white furnishings, big bathtubs and balconies, plus a lively bar, an excellent spa and a very stylish restaurant.

  • The Centrehotel Thingholt is a contemporary hotel with an award-winning spa and 52 rooms and suites decorated mostly in white. There are stand-alone bathtubs and a state-of-the-art spa, plus a bistro and bar.

  • The Hotel Borg is a gorgeous Art Deco hotel with sophisticated accommodation. Expect cream leather furnishings against dark wood and marble floors, plus an excellent restaurant and plenty of character. You’re also perfectly located in the heart of town.
  • Stylish Ion City Hotel offers contemporary rooms and suites with colourful modern furniture, parquet flooring, Egyptian cotton linens and fabulous sea or city views.
  • The Kvosin Downtown Hotel is a beautiful property in the historic centre offering spacious scandi-chic suites. Near the parliament and the Old Downtown Church it's ideal for exploring the city.

Laugardaler

  • The Grand Hotel Reykjavík is an environmentally friendly, four-star hotel with great city views and light, spacious, modern rooms.
  • If you want a contemporary five-star hotel, you don't need to look much beyond the Hilton Reykjavik Nordica. Featuring swish suites, an excellent seafood restaurant and great views of the city, it's an ideal launchpad for a weekend in the capital.

Vesturbær

  • The Reykjavík Marina Hotel is a hip hotel in a landmark building overlooking Reykjavík’s marina, which is a pretty trendy part of town. There are 147 contemporary rooms and suites - some with floor-to-ceiling glass walls overlooking the marina. There’s also a lively bar and restaurant.

For an Apartment

  • For a self-catering option, browse through the extensive options at our online partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

  • International flights land at Keflavik, 23 miles away from Reykjavik. From there, take the Flybus into the centre of the city.
  • A car gives you a great chance to explore Reykjavik and beyond, so visit our online partner Rentalcars for the best options and prices.
  • Warm summers and midnight sun make the summer (May to August) a pretty unforgettable time to visit. If you're in search of the Northern Lights, the best time is either February to March or September to October.

Still not sure?

Weather

Monthly Weather in Reykjavik

Best Hotels in Reykjavik

  • Sandhotel Reykjavik 52 rooms from £155

    Sights nearby  -  Five minutes walk from Hallgrímskirkja Church.
    Romantic  -  Good for couples.
    Restaurant  -  Recommended.
    RestaurantParking

    Stylish and sleek, Sandhotel is in the heart of Reykjavik. Embodying Icelandic minimalism, the hotel features sharp design, muted colour scheme, carefully chosen furnishings and a superb restaurant. A great base from which to explore Iceland's capital. See More

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  • Grand Hotel Reykjavik Reykjavik (105 REYKJAVÍK) 311 rooms from £163

    Sights nearby  -  Botanical Gardens, Reykjavik Art Museum - free bus shuttle service to city centre
    Views  -  Great views from hotel
    Local markets  -  Good for local colour.
    Back to Nature
    SpaRestaurantGardenDisabled accessViewsNo pets

    Environmentally-friendly four star hotel in Iceland's capital Rekyjavik with great views across the city. Range of light, spacious and modern rooms and suites available including family friendly options. Free shuttle services to city centre, and free entry to Botanic Gardens. For a slick city stay. See More

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  • Centerhotel Thingholt Reykjavik 52 rooms from £143

    Spa breaks  -  Award-winning spa.
    City Style
    Local markets  -  Good for local colour.
    Kayaking  -  Available locally.
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurant

    Contemporary hotel with an award-winning spa. Rooms and suites decorated all in white with cow skin throws. Large comfy beds and stand alone bath tubs. State of the art spa, a bistro and bar. A stylish spot. See More

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  • 101 Hotel Reykjavik 38 rooms from £180

    City Style
    Restaurant  -  Modern Icelandic and international cuisine
    Sights nearby  -  Located in the centre of Reykjavik
    Designer  -  Uniquely designed interiors.
    RestaurantDisabled accessNo pets
    Recommended by  -  Tablet, Mr & Mrs Smith, I Escape, CN Traveller

    A superb boutique hotel that combines high design with sophisticate minimalism. Simple rooms and suites have clean lines with wooden floors, black and white furnishings, bath tubs and balconies. Lively restaurant and bar, excellent spa, and family friendly. Very stylish. See More

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  • Hilton Reykjavik Nordica Reykjavik 252 rooms from £164

    Business meetings  -  Its location in Reykjavic's business district and on site meeting rooms make this the perfect choice for a business trip
    Total relaxation  -  Unwind in their extensive spa facilities which include two steam baths, a relaxation pool and two aroma steam rooms
    Local exploring  -  Situated in a prime central location for a spot of city exploring
    Sights nearby  -  Plenty of local sights to explore whether that be Laugardalsholl Stadium, the Pearl building or the Kjarvalsstadir Art Museum
    SpaRestaurantViewsParkingNo pets

    A chic hotel just outside of Reykjavic's downtown. It features a range of chic rooms and suites with wooden floors, excellent views and en suites. Eating at the delicious 5* VOX gourmet restaurant (specialising in regional seafood dishes) is a must! An upmarket and professional spot for a city stay. See More

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  • Kvosin Downtown Hotel Reykjavik 24 rooms from £211

    Active Holiday  -  Whether you're climbing glaciers, spotting whales or touring the innards of volcanoes, this hotel has got it covered.
    Sailing  -  Take a boat excursion in search of whales and puffins.
    Sights nearby  -  Book a guided tour to the Northern Lights.
    Designer  -  Uniquely designed interiors.
    Disabled accessViewsParking
    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith

    A beautiful hotel in the historic centre of Reykjavik offering spacious scandi-chic suites. Near the parliament and the Old Downtown Church; ideal for exploring the city. There is a bar, organised tours and the rooms have kitchenettes, balconies and artworks by local artists. See More

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  • Hotel Borg Reykjavik from £212

    City Style
    Foodies
    Designer  -  Phillippe Starck fittings in the bathrooms
    Sights nearby  -  Viking Settlement Museum.
    Restaurant

    A gorgeous Art Deco hotel with sophisticated interiors. Rooms and suites have cream leather furnishings, dark wood furniture and marble floors. An excellent restaurant serves traditional cuisine. A characterful spot in the city centre. See More

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  • Reykjavik Marina Hotel Reykjavik 147 rooms from £220

    City Style  -  A trendy hotel overlooking the marina with a young vibe and a lively bar and restaurant.
    Sights nearby  -  A 10 minute walk from the Harpa Concert Hall.
    Views  -  Great views from hotel
    Restaurant  -  Recommended.
    RestaurantDisabled accessViewsNo pets
    Recommended by  -  Tablet

    A hip hotel in a landmark building overlooking the marina. Contemporary rooms, the best of which have floor-to-ceiling glass walls with fantastic marina views. A lively bar and restaurant. Located in a trendy part of town with plenty of restaurants and shops. A chic choice for a city crash-pad. See More

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  • Ion City Hotel Reykjavik 18 rooms from £246

    Local exploring  -  In walking distance of two museums, an art gallery and a number of picturesque Icelandic churches.
    Sights nearby  -  Only 550 yards from the Hallgrimskirkja Church.
    Designer  -  Uniquely designed interiors.
    Seaside  -  Ideal for a seaside holiday.
    RestaurantViewsNo pets
    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, Design Hotels

    Stylish hotel in Reykjavik offering contemporary rooms and suites with colourful modern furniture, parquet flooring, Egyptian cotton linens and fabulous sea or city views.There is a restaurant, bar, sauna and gym. Ideal for exploring the city, surrounded by museums and sights. See More

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