Hotel Grímsborgir

Ásborgir, United States

Built in 2009, this contemporary hotel on the banks of the Sogid River is located in the heart of the Golden Circle route. Just a 45-minute drive east of Reykjavík, it offers 119 rooms, suites, and apartments, all of which are spaced out in buildings across the grounds for a smaller and more intimate feel. Each has modern Nordic decor, neutral hues, and modern amenities such as TVs, Wi-Fi, minibars, tea and coffee-making facilities, and en suite bathrooms. While there is no pool, all rooms have access to one of 29 hot tubs that are filled daily with geothermal waters. Elsewhere, there’s a large restaurant where you can wake up to continental breakfasts and return later for dinners that draw focus on Icelandic and international dishes made with fresh and local ingredients. There’s also an outdoor terrace for summer dining, a bar serving cocktails and wines, and live entertainment on selected nights. This hotel is ideal for those who like the outdoors life and want to spend time glacier walking, horse riding, snowmobiling, quad biking, diving, and playing golf.

Hotel Laekur

Hella, Iceland

Well located for exploring the sites of Iceland’s south coast, Hotel Laekur is a small, family-run country hotel near the town of Hella. Many of the bright, modern rooms open onto a terrace or balcony, and several self-contained cottage suites are also available. The hotel features a bar and a restaurant that serves breakfast and an à la carte dinner. Guests are invited to enjoy the sauna and outdoor hot tub.  

Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon

Öræfi, Iceland

Stracta Hotel

Hella, Iceland

The small town of Hella is situated within easy reach of Reykjavík, along the south coast route and Stracta Hotel is conveniently located on the edge of town, making it easy to access all of the available activities in the region. The hotel has a total of 100 rooms, so is slightly larger than others in the area but is well designed to maintain the style of a smaller property. An airy bar and bistro welcomes you in and throws views out towards the Westman Islands and Mount Hekla from the upstairs restaurant (although do not that the upstairs restaurant is only open when large groups are staying at the hotel). The rooms spread out from the main building in different blocks, cleverly constructed from old shipping containers and very Icelandic in their design. Wooden floors and a wooden feature wall are commonplace throughout, watercolours from a local artist adorn the walls and modern amenities are in every room. Outside are two hot tubs and two sauna barrels, the suites and two-bedroom apartments also have their own private hot tubs for those seeking a bit more privacy.

Reykjavik Residence Hotel

Reykjavík, Iceland

Located in the city’s central 101 district, Reykjavík Residence Hotel is a charming and welcoming collection of apartments spread across six separate buildings, all with their own history, identity, and names such as The Publishing House, The Tannery, and The Artisan's House. Not only is it just minutes from the bars, cafes, restaurants, shops, museums, and art galleries that line Laugavegur and Skólavörðustígur streets, but it’s also an ideal base for exploring southwest Iceland's numerous attractions. Available in different sizes and layouts, all of the apartments have stylish Icelandic decor with blue, white and grey hues, soft furnishings using local fabrics, and comfortable living spaces.