The writer was hosted.
In the land of fire and ice there exists a small luxury hotel that delivers an incredible experience day and night. Located in South Iceland approximately a one hour drive from Reykjavík between the towns of Hella and Hvolsvöllur, Hotel Rangá elevates your Iceland experience.
After years of traveling the world as a businessman, owner Friðrik Pálsson wanted to create a place where guests could experience the best that Iceland has to offer in a luxury setting. Not only did Mr. Pálsson accomplish his dream, he unveiled one of the most unique luxury hotels you will ever experience. As you explore the incredible Icelandic landscapes, you won’t want to miss the chance to stay a few nights at Hotel Rangá.
Read More: 4 Season Packing Guide to Iceland
What’s So Special About Hotel Rangá?
Completely unique, Hotel Rangá doesn’t fit into the normal small luxury hotel category. First, the property evokes a distinctive log cabin vibe. Second, amenities don’t fit the typical checklist. For example, the outdoor hot tubs are heated with geothermal water. Depending on the time of year you visit, the outdoor hot tubs provide an ideal place for stargazing and watching the Northern Lights from September through April.
Hotel Rangá’s remote location means very little light pollution which enhances stargazing and the aurora. Hotel Rangá even has its own observatory with powerful telescopes to capture close-ups of the planets and stars. Regularly invited local astronomers lead tours of the night sky.
In summer months, the midnight sun lights up the night sky while you sip your cocktail taking in the views of the stunning glacier volcano Eyjafjallajökull. The Rangá River runs alongside the hotel property attracting waterfowl and other birds to the delight of birdwatchers.
An Unbeatable Location
Truly an awe-inspiring location, Hotel Rangá sits within reach of incredible waterfalls, black-sand beaches, glaciers and thermal springs. Iceland’s famous Golden Circle is also easily accessible from this luxury hotel.
Icelandic adventures await nearby and the front desk happily arranges daily adventures for guests. If you haven’t pre-booked your adventures, inquire at check-in for more details.
What Works for Couples, Honeymooners, Friends and Families
- Hotel Rangá features 52 luxuriously decorated rooms and suites
- The hotel game room has a pool table and several family-friendly board games
- On-site Rangá Restaurant features modern Nordic cuisine created from primarily local ingredients
- Rangá Restaurant also offers an extensive breakfast buffet along with menu items for order
- Geothermal outdoor hot tubs
- Additional amenities include free parking, free wifi room service, bathrobes, mini bars, hair dryers, wake-up service and laundry service
- Hotel Rangá focuses on sustainability
- Hotel Rangá offers wheelchair accessible rooms
- Middle of the night wake-up calls for Northern Lights viewing
What Doesn’t Work for Families
- As a small luxury hotel, Hotel Rangá leans toward the expensive side like many things in Iceland. But for those who can afford a luxury hotel experience, it’s worth every penny!
Room Accommodations
Hotel Rangá accommodations include master suites, junior suites, deluxe superior rooms, deluxe rooms and standard rooms. Here’s a look at what each includes.
Master Suites
Featuring unique artwork from around the globe, themed master suites transport guests to another continent. Spend a night in Antarctica where shades of black and white adorn the room from floor to ceiling. You’ll even find a penguin. The African Master Suite features a straw ceiling made from locally grown wheat.
Each master suite includes an outdoor balcony with views of the Icelandic landscape and the tranquil Rangá River. These spacious rooms include sitting areas, king beds and jacuzzi tubs. Extra beds are available upon request.
Junior Suites
More continent experiences await in the junior suites. For our stay, we slept down under in the Australia suites where a stained glass kangaroo watched over us and surf boards adorned the ceiling. In the North American room, Native American artifacts and colorful woven blankets add a unique touch.
Junior suites also feature outdoor balconies, sitting areas, king-size beds, bathrobes and slippers. Extra beds are also available for these suites upon request.
Deluxe Superior Rooms
Deluxe superior rooms make an ideal choice for families with built-in full-size wall beds and spacious seating areas. Room includes either two twin beds or one double bed in addition to the built-in wall bed. Extra beds are also available if needed.
Deluxe Rooms
As a nod to Icelandic culture, the Hotel Rangá deluxe rooms showcase hand-painted wall murals by local artists. The rooms feature comfy leather sofas for relaxing and include views of either the Rangá River or the Hekla Volcano. Rooms include either two twin beds or one double bed with extra beds available if required.
Standard Rooms
Standard rooms also feature two twin beds or one double bed. Despite being smaller than deluxe rooms, these rooms still focus on intriguing hand-painted wall murals and include complimentary coffee and tea, bathrobes and slippers.
Hotel Rangá also has a specially equipped wheelchair access standard room.
Dining at Hotel Rangá
With floor to ceiling windows sporting views of the Rangá River and the awe-inspiring glacier volcano Eyjafjallajökull, just being in the Rangá Restaurant is magical. Then, there’s the incredible menu featuring modern Nordic cuisine sourced locally when possible.
A favorite restaurant for locals and travelers in South Iceland, Rangá Restaurant’s menu includes a bounty of seafood, reindeer and even puffin. Since I believe puffins are the cutest birds on the planet, I couldn’t try that, but I had no problem gobbling up the seafood risotto which included a bounty of lobster and scallops.
Nearby the well-stocked Rangá Bar features rustic wooden logs and two cheeky bar stools by an Italian woodcarver. You’ll also find one of the most extensive whisky collections in Iceland should you choose to imbibe.
Outdoor Adventures
With Iceland’s incredible landscapes surrounding the Hotel Rangá, explorations are a must. The front desk at the hotel will happily help you plan and book an unforgettable adventure. Choose from an Icelandic horseback riding experience that takes you along black-sand beaches as you take in majestic waterfalls. Or spend a day with a guide driving through rivers surrounded by glaciers and volcanoes on a super jeep tour in the breathtaking Þórsmörk Nature Reserve.
For an incredible only-in-Iceland experience, consider an ice cave hike. We did this and I was slightly terrified crossing narrow bridges atop the icy paths deep below a glacier, but it was an unforgettable experience I will forever be grateful for.
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