Iceland (Lonely Planet, 7th Edition) - Fran Parnell [61]
CenterHótel Þingholt (Map; 595 8530; www.centerhotels.com; Þingholtsstræti 3-5; s/d from €145/170; ) Compact, quirky and full of character, Þingholt opened in 2006 and still retains a fresh, new feel. It was designed by architect Gulla Jónsdóttir, who used natural materials and some very Icelandic ideas to create one of Reykjavík’s most distinctive boutique hotels. Rooms are compact, but feel cosy rather than cramped. This snuggly effect is heightened by moody lighting, stylish dark-grey flooring and black-leather headboards and furniture. A good breakfast buffet is included.
Hótel Reykjavík (Map; 514 7000; www.hotelreykjavik.is; Rauðarárstígur 37; s/d/tr around €203/239/288; ) In a commercial area close to the Hlemmur bus station, Hótel Reykjavík is a no-nonsense business hotel offering decent internet rates. Many of its respectably sized rooms were Ikea-ified in 2008, with hardwood floors, new beds, updated bathrooms and new fixtures (TVs, mini-fridges, phones, wireless internet access and tea-making facilities). A good buffet breakfast is included.
Hótel Holt (Map; 552 5700; www.holt.is; Bergstaðastræti 37; s/d Ikr21,000/24,300; ) Cross the threshold and enter a world of luxury. Original paintings, drawings and sculptures adorn the rooms here (Holt houses the largest private art collection in Iceland), set off by warm-toned decor and rose-coloured carpets. Downstairs is a handsome amber-hued library, a bar with flickering fire and a huge selection of single-malt whiskys, and one of the country’s best restaurants.
Hótel Óðinsvé (Map; 511 6200; www.hotelodinsve.is; Þórsgata 1; s/d from Ikr18,900/25,900; ) A boutique hotel with bags of personality, Oðinsvé contains 43 sun-drenched rooms with wooden floors, original artwork and classic furnishings. They’re all very different – some are split-level, some have balconies and many have bathtubs – but only room 117 has a resident ghost! The hotel also owns some stunning apartments, which overlook the prison a short walk away on Skólavörðustígur.
Hótel Borg (Map; 551 1440; www.hotelborg.is; Pósthússtræti 9-11; s/d €154/259; ) The city’s most historic hotel was completely overhauled in 2007. Super-smart beige, black and cream decor, parquet floors, leather headboards and flatscreen Bang & Olufsen TVs are now standard throughout, lending the hotel an elegant (if rather masculine) feel. It may have lost some of its art deco charm, but thankfully it’s retained the enormous showerheads in its bathrooms! Quadruple-glazed windows cut down on drunken weekend street noise.
Hótel Reykjavík Centrum (Map; 514 6000; www.hotelcentrum.is; Aðalstræti 16; s/d/tr €244/288/345; ) This central hotel has striking architecture – mezzanines and a glass roof unite two buildings, giving the whole place a spry, light feel. Its 89 neatly proportioned rooms come in two styles: ‘traditional’, with patterned wallpaper and white-painted furniture; and ‘deluxe’, with leather seats and a more contemporary feel. Both have safes, minibars, pay TVs (with films to order), tea-making facilities and wi-fi internet access.
Hilton Reykjavík Nordica (Map; 444 5000; www.hilton.com; Suðurlandsbraut 2; s/d from Ikr22,600/29,000; ) Bring your autograph book to the Nordica – visiting celebs often stay here. Cool Scandinavian chic oozes from every part, with amenities such as 24-hour room service, gym, spa and the gourmet restaurant Vox. Light-filled rooms with enormous beds are decorated in subtle shades of cream and mocha; those on the upper floors have super sea views. The hotel’s about 2km from the city centre, but it runs a free city-centre shuttle service. Breakfast costs an extra Ikr2000, but is one of the best in Iceland.
101 Hotel (Map; 580 0101; www.101hotel.is; Hverfisgata 10; s/d/ste from Ikr45,900/52,900/68,900; ) The 101 is devilishly divine. Its sensuous rooms – with yielding downy beds, iPod sound docks and Bose speakers, rich