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City Guide > Europe > Iceland > Reykjavik | |
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Hotels Hotels in Reykjavik are generally of a high standard, offering clean and comfortable accommodation. Self-catering is popular, and it is possible to rent a flat in the centre of town, which can prove cheaper than staying in a hotel. Prices quoted are per room per night, and include all taxes. Breakfast is usually included in the price. Prices drop by as much as 50% in winter. The hotels below have been classed into four different pricing categories: $ (under IKr10,000 per night) $$ (between IKr10,001 and IKr20,000 per night) $$$ (between IKr20,001 and IKr30,000 per night) $$$$ (over IKr30,000 per night) Business Nordica Hotel The newly refurbished Nordica is the jewel in the crown of Icelandair Hotels, the hotel chain operated by the Icelandic national airline. The hotel boasts 284 rooms and suites, all in shades of cream, white and grey, with modern furniture and soft furnishings. The public areas are equally tastefully decorated: you can sip a cocktail by the big open fireplace in the main lounge downstairs, or, if you are staying in one of the executive rooms or suites, enjoy a fantastic view from the panoramic lounge overlooking the city and the bay on the eighth floor. The beds are ultra comfy, the bathrooms immaculate, and the facilities top notch. There is a spa with a range of treatments which include ice and fire therapy (as well as more conventional aromatherapy, massages and beauty treatments), a well equipped fitness centre, free Internet access and excellent business and meeting facilities, including several boardrooms and a big conference hall/ballroom. The on-site Vox Restaurant and Bistro, which serves international cuisine in sophisticated surroundings, is an added bonus! Suğurlandsbraut 2 Tel: 444 5000. Website: www.icehotels.is Price range: $$$ Hotel Loftleiğir Reykjavik Located a 15-minute walk from the city centre, right by the domestic airport, and only a short stroll from the Perlan complex on Öskjuhlíd Hill, the Loftleiğir is popular with business people (it has 14 conference/function rooms) and it is also handy for those in transit (the BSI bus terminal is next door). The hotel has 220 comfortable and modern rooms (smoking and non-smoking) on four floors. Facilities include a restaurant, a bar, an indoor swimming pool and sauna, a small fitness centre, a hair salon, a tour desk, a bank and bike rental (in the summer). (Please note: Hotel Loftleiğir Reykjavik will be closed from 19 Dec. until 28 Dec. 2004.) Hliğarfot Tel: 444 4500. Website: www.icehotels.is Price range: $$ Luxury Hotel Borg Overlooking Austurvollur, a green square near the City Hall and the Althing (Parliament), the unmistakable Hotel Borg, an imposing yet refined looking neoclassical 1930s building, is a landmark in Reykjavik, a statement of quiet luxury where old charm meets with all the conveniences of the modern age. The 50 exquisitely appointed rooms are all individually decorated, and facilities include a gourmet restaurant and a bar (the four star culinary Borg Restaurant serves international and regional cuisine, while Café Kaffibrennslan offers lighter meals), several meeting rooms, a video and CD library and 24-hour Internet access. Meticulous service and superb facilities ensure Hotel Borg remains the hotel of choice for discerning travellers, and a favourite with celebrities staying in the Icelandic capital. Posthusstraeti 11 Tel: 551 1440. Website: www.hotelborg.is Price range: $$$$ 101 Hotel The trendy 101 Hotel, named after the city’s famous post code, was featured in Conde Nast Traveler’s Hot List for 2004. It is the capital’s first boutique hotel, and it is a stylish place indeed, where the emphasis is very much on design (a national obsession). The 38 sleek black and white rooms and suites are very comfy (all have under-floor heating for example) and there is a CD/DVD player for him, and toiletries by Aveda for her. Many rooms have great views of the harbour and bay. Good use is made of steel, glass and soft textures and fabrics, and the overall feel is one of refined elegance and relaxed comfort. Hverfisgata 10 Tel: 580 0101. Website: www.101hotel.is Price range: $$$$ Moderate Hotel Fron With its bright blue façade on Laugavegur, you can’t really miss Hotel Fron. And while a couple of rooms at the front might be a bit noisy at the weekend, when the runtur gets under way, most of the rooms and apartments are actually located in three buildings overlooking a courtyard at the back, so the hotel is remarkably quiet. The 54 well equipped, modern rooms are all en suite and most have a kitchenette, as well as a TV and a safe. There is also a lift. All in all, this is an excellent choice for leisure travellers wanting a convenient central location but unwilling to break the bank. Breakfast is not included. Laugavegur Tel: 511 4666. Website: www.hotelfron.is Price range: $$ Skolabru Guesthouse Just behind Domkirkja, Reykjavik’s main cathedral, this clean, central guesthouse in the heart of the old town is within easy walking distance of the major attractions, shops and restaurants. The rooms, all furnished with old wooden furniture, are full of charm, and the breakfast is a hearty one which includes home-baked bread. Skólabrú 2 Tel: 551 5511. Website: www.skolabru.com Price range: $ Other Recommendations Holl Cottage If you are self-catering, this is one of the best addresses in Reykjavik. Nestled in a quiet back street in the old part of town, Holl is a charming period cottage built in 1895 that has been lovingly restored to its former glory and tastefully furnished with antiques by owners Paul and Sigga Newton (who also happen to be the friendliest hosts in town!). The cottage, which sleeps up to six people, is comfortable and offers all mod cons, but it is the little touches such as fresh flowers and candles in the living room, and food in the fridge upon arrival for example, that make one feel truly welcome here. There is also a landscaped garden in which to relax, and original artwork on the walls in the lounge. Little wonder guests keep coming back year after year - this is a real ‘home from home’. Grjotagata 12 Tel: 562 3614. Website: www.simnet.is/holl Price range: $$$ Icelandica Set in an imposing looking white townhouse in a leafy part of the capital (there are several embassies in the area), and located only a short stroll from the city centre and harbour, the Icelandica is a welcome addition to the Reykjavik hotel scene. The six white luxury suites are well appointed and tastefully decorated and boast hardwood floors, antique furniture and king size beds (as well as their own telephone and Internet access). Relax in a bubble bath in an ultra spacious bathroom (five of the six suites come equipped with a Jacuzzi), enjoy a drink on the balcony of the suites overlooking the garden upstairs or treat yourself to breakfast in bed (breakie is delivered to your door each morning). Tungata 34 Tel: 534 0444. Website: www.icelandica.com Price range: $$$ |