Travelers venture to Iceland for many reasons. Some arrive to explore the unique landscapes along the famed Golden Circle. Others take the explorations even further with a drive along the Ring Road which circles the entire country. Many choose Iceland for a getaway filled with chasing waterfalls and soaking in hot springs. And some brave the cold winters in search of the Northern Lights. Whatever your reason for visiting, you’ll find a variety of Iceland hotels and lodging.
A guest house makes a nice home base for explorations across the country. But for those who prefer the convenience of a hotel, this list of Iceland hotels provides the intel necessary to make the right choice for you and your travel companions.
Hotel Borg by Keahotels
A landmark in the capital city of Reykjavik, Hotel Borg enjoys the status of being Iceland’s first and most-celebrated luxury hotel. Completed in 1930, Hotel Borg sits surrounded by the cafes of Iceland’s main square amid picturesque flower beds and scenic lawns.
Being in the city center, Hotel Borg’s neighbors include the Icelandic parliament building and Domkirkjan, Iceland’s oldest church. In winter when the flower beds disappear, the Austurvöllur Square Christmas tree – an annual gift from Norway – is visible from the hotel.
Hotel Borg’s amenities include a wellness center featuring a spa and fitness center. The onsite Borg Restaurant utilizes classic cooking methods.
Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Marina
Another capital city option, the Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Marina sits in the Old Harbor of Reykjavik. Some of Reykjavik, Iceland’s most popular attractions are within walking distance including the Sun Voyager sculpture and the Harpa conference hall.
Rooms feature Icelandic design and maritime decor. Free WiFi, a mini fridge and flat-screen TVs are standard throughout the property. Traveler reviews often mention the hotel’s friendly staff as a highlight of their experience. Convenient dining is available on-site at Slippbarinn restaurant which serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch.
Hilton Reykjavik Nordica
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Situated about two miles from the city center, avid walkers can go on foot sightseeing along the way. Or, hop on the city bus for a quick ride to downtown Reykjavik. A full-service tour desk helps guests plan activities. Options include northern lights tours in winter and whale-watching excursions in warmer months.
The Reykjavik EDITION
If you’re looking for luxury in Iceland’s capital city, the Reykjavik EDITION delivers. The first 5-star modern luxury experience in this highly sustainable city, Reykjavik EDITION is situated in the scenic historic center of Reykjavik by Old Harbor port. Steps from Laugavegur Street, the city’s chic shopping district and within easy driving distance of the Blue Lagoon, this Marriott property makes an ideal home base for your Icelandic explorations.
The Reykjavik EDITION features 253 guest rooms, 26 spacious suites and a penthouse. All accommodations showcase posh detailing by Ian Schrager and include floor-to-ceiling windows. Hotel views range from the North Atlantic Ocean to the legendary Snaefellsjokull glacier to the nearby Harpa Concert Hall. A variety of food, beverage and entertainment outlets add to the hotel’s extensive list of amenities.
Fosshotel Reykjavik
Iceland’s largest hotel stands in Reykjavik’s business district a short stroll to Laugavegur Street where shopping and a wide variety of dining and sightseeing possibilities await. The hotel features 16 floors and the top floor houses seven suites. Views of the city and bay area enhance a stay at Fosshotel Reykjavik.
On-site guests enjoy free WiFi in public areas. Other amenities include a restaurant, fitness center, lounge, deli, coffee shop/cafe and a conference center.
Miðgarður by Center Hotels
Positioned at the edge of one of Reyklavik’s main shopping streets, Miðgarður by Center Hotels features modern amenities set within a contemporary design. Rooms include minibars, flat-screen TVs and free WiFi. Executive rooms boast stunning views and free access to the hotel spa.
A highlight of the Miðgarður by Center Hotels’ spa, a thermal water open-air hot tub provides a soothing touch of relaxation under the stars. For those visiting in aurora borealis months, you just might catch a glimpse of the northern lights as you soak.
Also onsite, the Jörgensen Kitchen & Bar serves contemporary Nordic cuisine complemented by wines from around the world. Enjoy live music on Thursday nights as you dine. Guests at Center Hotels receive a 10% discount on for the á la carte menu.
Center Hotels Laugavegur
Often applauded for its friendly staff, Center Hotels Laugavegur stands alongside Laugavegur – the heart of Reykjavik’s shopping and dining scene. Well-equipped rooms include free WiFi, flat-screen TVs and, in select rooms, private balconies. Breakfast is also included with your stay at Center Hotels Laugavgur.
Additional on-site amenities include the Loa Bar-Bistro showcasing a menu of Icelandic dishes. The bistro also hosts live music on Friday and Saturday nights. An adjacent grab-and-go style cafe attached to the hotel is ideal for guests embarking on explorations along the Golden Circle.
Radisson Blu
Check in to the Radisson Blu 1919 Hotel in the heart of Reykjavik and enjoy museums, shopping and restaurants at your doorstep. A landmark building in the capital city, Radisson Blu 1919 hotel is an integral part of Reykjavik’s historic architecture serving as a gateway to Iceland’s landscape treasures including geysers, hot springs and intriguing culture.
The Radisson Blu’s 88 rooms and suites focus on Nordic simplicity with a cozy Scandinavian design. Seafood direct from the surrounding Atlantic Ocean is the focus of the property’s high-end casual restaurant BRUT. Additional amenities include an extensive breakfast buffet, 24-hour fitness center and Kaffi O-le, a specialty coffee shop in the hotel lobby.
The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland
Surrounded by lava fields where the scent of geothermal waters permeates the air, The Blue Lagoon continues to be one of Iceland’s top attractions. For those seeking to expand the Blue Lagoon experience, The Retreat at Blue Lagoon leads the way.
An award-winning luxury resort, The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland features 60 suites with floor-to-ceiling windows, a subterranean spa, Michelin-recommended dining and a private lagoon filled with the same geothermal waters as the Blue Lagoon. Guest amenities include a gourmet breakfast, Icelandic coffee time, morning yoga and the Blue Lagoon skincare products.
The wellness offerings extend to The Retreat Spa where in-water massage, spa treatments and float therapy are among the offerings.
Hotel Ranga
Located in South Iceland approximately a one-hour drive from Reykjavík between the towns of Hella and Hvolsvöllur, Hotel Rangá sits amid stunning landscapes. Unique among high-end luxury hotels, Hotel Rangá evokes a distinctive log cabin vibe.
One of Iceland’s best hotels, amenities include outdoor hot tubs heated with geothermal water and an observatory with powerful telescopes designed for the ultimate in stargazing and capturing the aurora borealis in winter months. Regularly invited local astronomers lead tours of the night sky.
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. The front desk happily arranges daily adventures for guests. If you haven’t pre-booked your adventures, inquire at check-in for more details.
Hotel Geysir
Looking for a hotel close to the geyser activity on the Golden Circle? The family-run Hotel Geysir sits at the doorstep of the geothermal area in the historic Haukadalur Valley. The new hotel connects with the Geysir Center which houses a restaurant, snack shop, souvenir shop and an outdoor clothing store. The property is also just a short 5.5-mile drive from the stunning Gullfoss Waterfall.
Hotel Geysir features 77 rooms and 6 suites. The hotel is BioStay certified which means every eco-friendly booking saves at least two acres of rainforest. Amenities include an indoor hot tub fed by geyser water and northern lights wake-up calls in aurora borealis season.
Ion Adventure Hotel
Idyllicly situated just 11 miles from UNESCO World Heritage Site Thingvellir National Park, Ion Adventure Hotel caters to adventure seekers at all levels. Set against a backdrop of mountainous lava fields, Ion Adventure Hotel’s friendly staff are happy to assist with arrangements for a day of fly-fishing in the icy rivers or, for a more challenging adventure, a trek across an ancient glacier is possible.
The property features a variety of rooms from single-parterre rooms for solo travelers to a spacious Thermal Junior Suite. Amenities for all rooms include Icelandic soaps and lotion from Sóley Organics, fair-trade organic linens and towels, free Wi-Fi and coffee/tea-making facilities.
Apotek Guesthouse
For those traveling Iceland’s Ring Road, Höfn is an ideal stopover after visiting Iceland’s eastern fjords and the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon with its floating icebergs. The Apotek Guesthouse stands at the center of Höfn with easy access to restaurants and shops in town. Housed in a former pharmacy building, the guest house features 11 rooms: 6 double, 2 triple and 3 quadruple. All rooms have private bathrooms. Additional amenities include a shared kitchen, free WiFi and private parking.
Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon
Another option for those exploring the Ring Road, Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon sits between two of Iceland’s most spectacular landmarks, Skaftafell National Park and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Set in a remote countryside location, Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon offers 125 contemporary rooms with full amenities including free parking, an electric vehicle charging station, restaurant, gym and spa. The spa is complimentary for hotel guests on a first-come, first-served basis and includes hot tubs, a sauna and a gym.
Hotel Kea
Considered the gateway to North Iceland, Akureyri is the second-largest city in Iceland. The Hotel Kea sits in the heart of Akureyri next to the iconic church of Akureyri and within walking distance of cafes, museums and local shops.
Featuring rooms ranging in size from singles to luxury suites, this 4-star hotel provides standard amenities in all rooms. The property also includes an onsite bar and restaurant.
Hotel Buoir
Located in West Iceland on the captivating Snaefellsnes Peninsula, all of the 28 rooms at Hotel Buoir have magnificent views from a glacier to the sea to mountains to the iconic black church and an extensive lava field. Hotel Buoir offers all necessary amenities along with a restaurant considered to be one of Iceland’s best featuring locally sourced ingredients from the surrounding farms and fish fresh from the sea.
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