Iceland (Lonely Planet, 7th Edition) - Fran Parnell [58]
Alba Guesthouse (Map; 552 9800; www.alba.is; EskihlíÐ 3; s/d/tr Ikr9900/12,500/15,500; ) In a quiet residential area fairly close to Perlan, Alba is a peaceful choice. It has fresh, modern, attractive rooms (with shared bathrooms) and pleasant staff, with free wi-fi and breakfast included.
Sunna Guesthouse (Map; 511 5570; www.sunna.is; Þórsgata 26; s/d from Ikr10,100/12,800, apt Ikr16,100-32,000; ) Rooms at this guest house are simple and sunny with honey-coloured parquet floors. Nine have private bathrooms, and several at the front have good views of Hallgrímskirkja. Families are made to feel welcome; choose between neat studio apartments holding up to four people, or more spacious apartments with accommodation for up to eight. Breakfast – with home-baked bread – is included.
Galtafell Guesthouse (Map; 551 4344; www.galtafell.com; Laufásvegur 46; s/d from Ikr10,100/12,800, 2-bed apt Ikr 19,900) In the quiet, well-to-do ‘Embassy District’, and within easy walking distance of town. The four spruce apartments here each contain a fully equipped kitchen, a cosy seating area and a separate bedroom, and there are three doubles with access to a guest kitchen. The only drawback is that they’re basement rooms, so there are no views of anything but the pavement!
Gistiheimilið Ísafold (Map; 561 2294; www.isafoldguesthouse.is; Bárugata 11; s/d from Ikr9900/13,200) This rambling old house (a former rehab centre/bakery/bookshop) lies in peaceful old Reykjavík. Sun-filled bedrooms contain washbasins and rustic beds; there are tea-making facilities in the lounge; and solemn Icelandic dolls keep an eye on diners in the attic breakfast room. At the nearby annexe (Bárugata 20), all accommodation comes with private bathrooms (around Ikr2000 extra).
Guesthouse 101 (Map; 562 6101; www.iceland101.com; Laugavegur 101; s/tw/tr/q €65/89/100/115) Slightly cheaper than the 4th Floor Hotel on the floor above, these rooms in a converted office building are good value for such a central location. White is the dominant colour, with startling splashes of red here and there. All rooms have washbasins. Summer prices include a breakfast buffet; prices drop out of season, but you’ll have to forage for your own food in town.
Domus Guesthouse (Map; 561 1200; www.domusguesthouse.is; Hverfisgata 45; sb dm/d Ikr4500/11,000, s/d Ikr9900/13,900, apt Ikr21,900-26,900; ) A place where room types vary immensely. The main building was once the Norwegian embassy, and houses the better rooms. These have stately proportions, slightly battered but comfy-feeling furniture, TVs and fridges, and shared bathrooms. A second building contains plainer and darker rooms, most with bunk beds; a massive dormitory divided by curtains (which makes it feel kind of hospital-like); and three pleasant wood-panelled, maze-like apartments (one with Jacuzzi) on the upper floor. Breakfast is included in accommodation above sleeping-bag level, and there’s a guest kitchen and laundry facilities.
Guesthouse Baldursbrá (Map; 552 6646; baldursbra@centrum.is; Laufásvegur 41; s/d Ikr8900/14,000; ) This exceptional little guest house, on a quiet street close to Tjörnin and the BSÍ bus station, stands out thanks to the care and kindness of its owners. The decent-sized, comfy rooms all have washbasins, and the additional facilities are admirable – a sociable sitting room–TV lounge, wi-fi, and a private garden with a fab hot pot, sauna and barbecue. Rates include breakfast.
Guesthouse Óðinn (Map; 561 3400; www.odinnreykjavik.com; Óðinnsgata 9; s/d/tr from €95/105/130; ) This family-run guest house has simple white rooms with splashes of colourful artwork. An excellent buffet breakfast, included in the rates, is served in a handsome room with sea views. Some en-suite rooms are available.
4th Floor Hotel (Map; 511 3030; www.4thfloorhotel.is; Laugavegur 101; s/d/tr without bathroom Ikr11,900/17,900/19,900, d/tr/ste with bathroom Ikr19,900/25,900/15,900, apt Ikr34,900-44,900; ) Close to Hlemmur bus station, the 24 rooms at this ‘hotel’ (really a guest house) are a mixed bag. All have desk,