Hotel Husafell

Borgarbyggð, Iceland

A stylish base from which to explore the fjords, valleys, volcanoes, craters, waterfalls, and glaciers of Iceland’s west, Hotel Húsafell is surrounded by some of the country’s most photogenic countryside. Behind the wooden façade that blends into the landscape, 48 welcoming rooms feature sleek and comfortable Nordic furnishings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and paintings by Icelandic artist and sculptor, Páll Guðmundsson. The hotel restaurant offers panoramic views along with its elegant takes on Icelandic cuisine. Guests can also relax at the lounge and bar or enjoy casual fare at the hotel bistro. On the hotel grounds, you’ll find two geothermal pools, hot tubs, outdoor activities such as hiking, eco-walking, and golf. In winter, there’s a wake-up call service when the northern lights are visible.

Hotel Ranga

Hella, Iceland

Set on the banks of a scenic river at the foot of Katla UNESCO Global Geopark, Hotel Rangá is within easy reach of the area’s volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls, black beaches, and hiking trails. The log-built lodge offers 44 comfortable rooms and eight spacious suites equipped with modern amenities. Common spaces include a bar and lounge, a games room with a billiards table, a library, and three geothermally heated outdoor hot tubs from which you can watch for the northern lights. The hotel also has an on-site stargazing observatory with a retractable roof, two high-tech telescopes for solar observing, and guided night sky tours with local astronomers. The restaurant serves generous buffet breakfasts and à la carte lunches and dinners that draw on modern Nordic cuisine.  

Centerhotel Miðgarður

Reykjavík, Iceland

This contemporary hotel on Reykjavík’s main shopping street has an intimate atmosphere in spite of its size. The minimalist guest rooms feature large windows and tasteful Nordic décor, and offer plenty of modern amenities. The hotel’s spacious Miðgarður Spa has an indoor soaking pool, outdoor hot tub, sauna, cold showers, treatment rooms for massages, and a small gym. There’s also a secluded garden, a relaxed bar that hosts live music performances on Thursday evenings, and a restaurant that serves Nordic fusion cuisine created with fresh and local ingredients.