Located in the northern Atlantic Ocean, Iceland is one of the most unique places to visit on Planet Earth. It was settled by the Nordic people in the 9th century, and today it offers travelers a long list of outdoor attractions with unspoiled beauty, nature excursions, abundant wildlife, and vibrant culture. It receives 24 hours of constant daylight in the summer and sees the Northern Lights in the fall. More airlines have begun offering regular flights to Reykjavik, making this faraway land closer than you might think.
Reykjavik is friendly, safe, and modern, and the natural landscapes that surround it are nothing short of breathtaking. This is a great place for hardcore adventurers, history buffs, luxury travelers, and families with children. The energetic culture in Iceland is warm and welcoming and there are some unforgettable seafood restaurants, museums, and treks to experience in every corner. Here are some top hotels and resorts to consider booking to make your stay in Iceland comfortable and authentic.
Radisson Blu 1919 Hotel – Reykjavik
One of the most popular hotels in Reykjavik is the Radisson Blu 1919 Hotel, which is located near many of the city’s top cultural attractions, public transportation and the airport. Public bus service is just 500 feet away and the Reykjavik Airport is just a mile away. There is a collection of cozy guest rooms here that feature historical architecture, and there’s an on-site restaurant that serves fresh seasonal cuisine with locally-sourced ingredients. You can also book a whale-watching tour through the hotel.
101 Hotel – Reykjavik
The 101 Hotel is artsy and modern, and it has modern rooms available for guests looking for somewhere hip and stylish to stay. The hotel bar and fireplace are cozy and social. This hotel is also in a convenient location for visitors who want to be in the middle of the action. The 101 is the city’s nightlife district, so there’s plenty to keep you busy here. Don’t be fooled by the simple exterior, as the chic interior resembles an art gallery and the guest rooms are light, airy, and inviting.
Silica Hotel, Blue Lagoon – Grindavík
Blue Lagoon is a great hotel to stay at if you’re looking to be immersed in nature, yet not too far away from city life either. It’s close to Reykjavik, and the big draw here is the geothermal lagoon. It’s an incredibly popular tourist destination because of the warm waters and one of the most photographed spots because of its bright blue hue. There are spacious rooms at the Silica Hotel, all of which have a private veranda and excellent views of the surrounding lava fields.
Ion Adventure Hotel – Thingvellir
One of the best hotels for viewing the Northern Lights, The Ion Adventure Hotel is located by Thingvellir National Park and it’s an adventure lover’s paradise. It’s situated on stilts at the base of Mount Hengill in southwest Iceland, surrounded by natural wilderness. It’s about an hour’s drive away from Reykjavik. You can listen to traditional Icelandic music while sipping a cocktail at the hotel bar and relax next to the fireplace in this cozy atmosphere. There’s also a spa on site to get a massage and a steaming outdoor thermal pool to take a dip. The Ion Adventure Hotel is in a remote location, so you’ll need a car to reach it and explore the area.
Hotel Rangá – Hella
Hotel Rangá is a popular pick in South Iceland for weddings, honeymoons, and business events. There’s a gourmet restaurant on site that specializes in fresh local salmon and Nordic cuisine. The main reason visitors stay here is for the amazing views of the Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis. The hotel is located in the countryside in a rural area, so you don’t have to worry about light pollution in the winter. Some of the other most popular activities to do in the area include ATV motorbikes, cave exploration, dog sledding, birdwatching, freshwater fishing, golf, and hiking.
Hotel Glymur – Hvalfjordur
Remote and tranquil are the best way to describe the Hotel Glymur, which is located above a rugged fjord in Hvalfjordur. Soak in a geothermal hot tub and watch the Northern Lights when you stay at this hotel, which is about 45 minutes from the city of Reykjavik. Expect to find local artists’ paintings, wood carvings, ceramics, and woven rugs inside this comfortable and colorful hotel. There are split-level rooms, spacious suites, and private cottages to choose from. The atmosphere is laid-back, and it’s easy to go hiking, whale-watching, and photograph the stunning landscape nearby while staying here.
Hotel Budir – Snaefellsnes Peninsula
If you’re looking for seclusion, then Hotel Budir might be a perfect place for you to stay in Iceland. This inn on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula has some of the best views in all of Iceland. You can view the nearby lava field, the Snaefellsjökull glacier, and the Budir estuary while staying at this picturesque hotel. This is a popular spot for weddings, business conferences, and corporate meetings. It sits at the edge of the Snaefellsjokull National Park and is just a couple hours away from Reykjavik. It’s also known for its top-notch restaurant, which sources fresh ingredients directly from local farmers and fishermen.
Guesthouse Reykjahlíð – Reykjahlíð
Birdwatching enthusiasts love staying at Guesthouse Reykjahlíð because it’s a great place to spot unique and beautiful bird species. It’s situated along the shore of Lake Myvatn and surrounded by volcanic features. This intimate hotel has just a few rooms – with some of the best on the top floor offering views of the lake and mountains and a lounge and restaurant on the first floor. Looking to unwind? The nearby Myvatn Nature Baths are open all year round.
Heydalur Country Hotel – Isafjordur
For a truly unique type of accommodations experience in Iceland, consider staying at the Heydalur Country Hotel. This is a rustic farm retreat near a seal colony in the Westfjords. You’ll enjoy authentic home-cooked meals while staying here, which will be well-deserved after long active days of horseback riding, kayaking, and fishing. There several different types of accommodations here, including standard rooms, summer houses and even camping. Families can enjoy the outdoor hot pool, a breakfast buffet, and miniature golf here too.
