Iceland (Lonely Planet, 7th Edition) - Fran Parnell [60]
CenterHótel Plaza (Map; 595 8550; www.plaza.is; Aðalstræti 4; s/d/tr from €70/80/130; ) The 104-room Plaza has the feel of a smaller, family-run affair. Rooms have all mod-cons (digital TVs, kettles, bathrobes and free broadband connections) and come in two styles. Half are modern and businesslike, with navy furnishings and clean-lined wooden furniture – most look onto bustling Ingólfstorg. Those in the new extension feature antique beams and a softer beige decor, although some are a little dark. The superior double on the 6th floor has superb views of the square, sea and mountains from its glassed-in balcony. Buffet breakfast is included.
CenterHotel Skjaldbreið (Map; 595 8510; www.centerhotels.is; Laugavegur 16; s/d from €70/80; closed 18-27 Dec; ) In the same family-run CenterHotel group is this old town house, round the corner on Laugavegur, with grandma-style orange-and-green decor. The curved corner rooms are best. Rates include breakfast in a light and modern rooftop room.
CenterHotel Klöpp (Map; 595 8520; www.centerhotels.is; Klapparstígur 26; s/d from €75/100; closed 18-27 Dec) This mellow place has a boutique-hotel spirit. The foyer-breakfast area sets the tone, with gleaming hardwood floors, genial staff and lots of light pouring in. Rooms are modest in size with minimal furnishings, but warm woody tones, textured mauve textiles and stylish slate-floored bathrooms give them a modern yet cosy feel. All contain TV, fridge, radio, kettle and internet connection point, and you can just about see the sea and mountains from the 5th-floor rooms.
Park Inn Ísland (Map; 595 7000; www.reykjavik.rezidorparkinn.com; Ármúli 9; s/d from Ikr22,000/25,000; ) The standard-issue rooms here have good facilities, and some even manage to break free of the chain-hotel mould. Go for ones with kitchenettes, or stunning panoramic views of Reykjavík and the mountains. All have TV, telephone, minibar and tea-making kit. Guests (rather sweetly) get free admission to the city’s swimming pools, and there’s a filling hot-and-cold breakfast buffet, although you might have to fight for food with the many package tour groups that use the hotel.
Fosshótel Barón (Map; 562 3204; www.fosshotel.is; Barónsstígur 2-4; standard s/d €185/200, 1-/2-bed apt €290/330; ) The corporate chain-hotel Barón is fairly central, and its 4th- and 5th-floor front-facing rooms have marvellous views of the sea and Esja – worth the extra €40. There are 31 apartments of varying sizes, with cooking facilities. Laptop users have free wi-fi coverage, or there’s internet access in the lobby.
Top End
All rooms in this category have bathroom, TV, phone and minibar; rates rarely include breakfast!
CenterHótel Arnarhvoll (Map; 595 8540; www.centerhotels.com; Ingólfsstræti 1; s/d from €135/160; ) A sleek new hotel on the waterfront, Arnarhvoll offers unimpeded views of the bay and Mt Esja in the distance. Cool, Scandinavian-designed rooms with clean lines and large windows let in all that lovely Nordic light: it’s definitely worth paying extra and getting one with a sea view. Rooms are on the small side, but the extremely comfortable beds more than compensate for this common Icelandic shortcoming. A small sauna and steam room in the basement add novelty.
Radisson SAS 1919 Hotel (Map; 599 1000; www.radissonblu.com; Pósthússtræti 2; standard/deluxe d €170/220; ) Although this is part of a large chain, the catchily named Radisson SAS 1919 Hotel is a boutique place with plenty of style. Attractive rooms sport wooden floors, large beds, flatscreen TVs and wireless access. Keep walking up the carved iron