Home Photo TipsTravel 25 Best Hotels in Iceland – Picked by Hand for You!

25 Best Hotels in Iceland – Picked by Hand for You!

by Jes + Chris

Last Updated: February 14th, 2020

What are the best hotels in Iceland? Where are the best hotels in Reykjavik? How do I book my accommodations for a trip to Iceland? Read this article to find out the answer to all of these things and more!!


Staying at some of the best hotels in Iceland would only help to compliment a trip to this amazing country.

Whatever the purpose of your trip is: personal vacation, family holiday, a hiking excursion, business in Reykjavik…Iceland is a place unlike any other. We often reflect on our own experiences traveling around Iceland for 10 days, and it’s even brought out tears as we have a serious desire to go back. It’s unique landscapes, lively art and music scene, and world class spa resorts make it a must visit country. All of the best hotels in Iceland will put you in close proximity to at least one of these things.

Whether you plan to just stay in Reykjavik and take some day trips, or you want to travel the entire Ring Road to see all corners of the country – you are in the right place.

From our personal experiences and continued research, we have come to learn a whole lot about the best places to stay in Iceland. Our selection of hotels have been heavily curated, and we provide detail about each. In addition to the hotels themselves, we also talk about some of the surrounding things to see and do. If you are like us at all, you will want a little bit of comfort (even some luxury, because why not!) when you are relaxing in your hotel room, but will want to get out and see the beautiful country in all its rugged glory before soon.

What you should know before booking a hotel in Iceland

iceland-landscape-photographySo, you’ve booked your flight to Iceland (if you haven’t…you should get on that!) and are now trying to sort out where you are going to stay. Your choice of lodging will be fueled by the sights you want to see and the things you want to do. Fortunately, Iceland offers a whole lot to do for travelers – and you’ve probably selected to want to go here because of the things that can only be seen here.

Our decision to visit Iceland was made as a result of us being avid hikers and photographers. For outdoor enthusiasts, this is a phenomenal place. Around every corner we found ourselves stopping off on the side of the road just to take in the new sights. While many people who talk about Iceland describe it’s “alien” landscapes, as can be seen at a place like Berserkjahraun Lava Field, what stuck out to us was just it’s diversity.

Upon landing at Keflavik airport, you will notice that this region is fairly flat. Compared with most other areas of Iceland – it’s rather boring, too. That sensation goes away pretty quickly when you come upon your first volcanic crater, a black sand beach, huge fjords, massive glaciers…the list goes on…

With all these great things in mind, the first thing you need to know is:

Where are the places I want to visit in Iceland located?

To help you answer this question, we’ve put together an interactive map using Google MyMaps. You can open this up full screen to see more information about the many scenic locations (and other information) found in Iceland. There is an infinite number of things to do and see in Iceland – but this can help you get started. We created this to help us plan out our 2017 trip to Iceland, and it covers all of the major tourist hotspots, as well as many locations off the beaten trail.

If interactive maps are too much for right now, we’ve also compiled a list (below) where we talk about 6 different regions of Iceland, and some of the things that you can see and do there. Keep this in mind as you get into our hotel listings, as all of the best hotels in Iceland put you within shouting distance of so many great landscape features and activities.

For more travel tips, consider grabbing a copy of Lonely Planet’s Iceland Travel Guide. We used this to help us plan our trip to Iceland, and are glad we did!

West Iceland

west-iceland-hotelsYour arrival to Iceland will most likely be at Keflavik airport – located in West Iceland on the Reykjanes peninsula. In close proximity is The Blue Lagoon – a world renowned spa that is known for it’s blue waters and geothermal heated soaking pools. It is located in a sea of black sand and volcanic moss – and a sight for sore eyes if you are coming off a tiring flight. Most people who have a layover in Iceland use their time to visit this location, and rightfully so. From experience, we can report that it lives up to the hype. It is very relaxing in a way words can’t really describe. You can also grab a bite to eat at the fine dining restaurant Lava on the grounds.

About an hours drive inland, and you will arrive at Reykjavik – the capitol of Iceland. It is a city that surprised us in many ways. We don’t tend to care all that much for cities (we much prefer the quiet of nature), but this one is far different than those we are wedged between back home (NYC and Philly to be precise). It is much lower to the ground, calmer, and features many more artistic designs throughout. A walk down main street, a visit to Hallgrímskirkja (the big church at the center of the city), and seeing a show at Harpa (the cool concert hall) can make for just a single day in Reykjavik.

Moving away from the city, you can jump on The Golden Circle route. Whether self-driving or going with a tour, this will treat you to many of the staple sights everyone wants to see when they go to Iceland. It includes locations like Gullfoss, Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir Geothermal Area. Some people also add Kerid crater into the mix (we did!). All of this takes about a day to do, and all of the locations are fairly easy to access – so perfect for anyone including families, older folks, and so on.

In our experience, The Golden Circle is just a taste of what Iceland has to offer its guests. It is, basically, the Disneyland of Iceland – so expect some crowds, especially during high season.

Snaefellsnes Peninsula

snaefellsnes-peninsula-hotelWhile actually located in the West of Iceland, the Snaefellsnes Peninsula feels like a different region entirely. This place is sometimes referred to as “Iceland in a Nut Shell.” This is because pretty much everything you can see in Iceland – waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, lava fields, ice caves…you name it…are located in this small area. Within a few hours driving distance from Reykjavik, it is also a really convenient place to visit for a day trip or an overnighter.

In our journey, we spent a full day exploring this area, and stayed over night. You could absolutely find a whole lot more to do if you wanted to expand your stay here as well. While our time involved a lot of rain and wind (in Iceland good weather is never a guarantee), we still loved the things we got to see.

Some of the standout places to visit include: Berserkjahraun Lava Field, Budir (“the black church”), and Kirkjufell. If you are a Game of Thrones junkie like us, the last of these is a really distinct mountain that was actually seen on the show!

Westfjords Iceland

westfjords-iceland-hotelsThe Westfjords are located in the North-West corner of Iceland – and is a land of it’s own. In our experience, the Westfjords is the most rugged part of the country, and one of the most naturally beautiful. It is definitely more appealing to the more adventurous travelers out there – and this probably explains why only 2% of tourists go to the Westfjords.

Our experiences here were some of the most memorable from our trip. We found the drive up, down, and across the fjords to be both intoxicating and stressful. Poor road conditions, very steep inclines, no guard rails, unfavorable weather…all of these things made driving in this region difficult.

Our goal was to reach Dynjandi – the immense and thunderous waterfall sometimes referred to as “the Jewel of the Westfjords.” This is seen in the photo above! All of the effort to get there is 100% worth it – but anyone traveling here should definitely plan to take their time, and find some lodging to relax.

North Iceland

dettifoss-waterfall-icelandJourneying into the North of Iceland was filled with a lot of surprises for us. Despite doing a lot of research for our trip in advanced, we just didn’t have a full schedule of things to see in this area. It ended up turning out to be one of our favorite areas on the trip.

Part of the reason for this is because it is rather quiet compared to other areas in Iceland. It is really not a huge hotspot for tourists – at least when compared with Reykjavik or the Southern coast. We had heard of the small “city” (if it should be called that) of Akureyri – and upon arriving, we found it to be quite charming. As people who don’t enjoy cities all that much, it was very comfortable and nicely situated along the waterfront.

We ended up making a last minute decision to use Akureyri as a “hub” for the 2 days of our trip – which led to us backtracking to the city despite having original plans to press on down the Ring Road sooner. It’s small comforts that go a long way when doing extensive traveling, especially this kind which involves so much driving and hiking.

While Akureyri has it’s charms, the natural wonders, while spread out, are also very impressive. Dettifoss – a waterfall featured in the movie Prometheus – is one such location (seen in photo above). The heavy water volume brought to mind comparisons with Niagara Falls in Canada, though the location is far more remote. Another intriguing spot for hiking is Dimmuborgir – a lava field at the base of a volcanic crater.

Lastly…if you want to relax…a few hours spent at the Myvatyn Natural Baths will leave you feeling rejuvenated. For the uninitiated, it is much like a smaller scale and less touristy version of The Blue Lagoon. It is also much more inexpensive.

East Iceland

weekend-trip-to-iceland-east-fjords-sunset-2East Iceland is an area often neglected by tourists. It would make sense, given the hubs for tourism are around Reykjavik and the Southern Coasts. More adventurous types may make their way up North towards Akureyri as we mentioned, but this is an area more remote, and only really going to be emphasized by adventurers driving around the entire Ring Road.

Our experiences follow this, unfortunately, as we kept getting distracted by things to do earlier in our trip that most of our time in this region was seen by car. What is undeniable, even based on this limited personal experience, is how surprisingly beautiful this part of the world is. The sunset we saw above was one of the most beautiful of our trips, and possibly even our lives. The way the mountains and fjords became silhouetted is simply stunning.

One of the reasons why this area is more difficult to travel is because it requires more time to get to the hotspots for visitors. Unlike other locations that are close to the main road, many of the attractions here require veering off the Ring Road and heading into the fjords. The website Guide to Iceland lays out some great places to visit while here, a few sticking out to us being: Hengifoss Waterfall and Viti Crater Lake. For film enthusiasts and longboarders, you may also find an excursion to the street Seyðisfjarðarvegur located in Seyðisfjörður (try repeating that 10x) to visit where The Secret Life of Walter Mitty’s skateboarding scene was filmed. 

South Iceland

where-to-go-in-iceland-dyrholaey-2-photographyLastly, Southern Iceland is likely going to be a “must see” location for you. What is so amazing about the South coast is how much there is to see and do, and how diverse so much of it really is. From viewing and even walking on glaciers at Vatnajokull National Park, to the highly scenic waterfall Skogafoss, to black sand beaches and basalt columns at Reynisfjara, to the cliffs and vistas (seen above) from Dyrhlaey…the list is very extensive.

Since many locations are very tourist friendly, and thus packed with tourists – especially during the high season in the summer months – you will want to plan well enough ahead to get the best hotels in Iceland, and try to get out to your highest priority locations earlier in the day. Alternatively, you could just go at midnight while most people are sleeping in July while Iceland experiences it’s “Midnight Sun”.

For us, our time in the South was very captivating. Being at the base of a glacier, such as can be done at Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, is a very surreal experience if you’ve never seen anything like it in real life. Just thinking about it gets our hearts racing.


best-hotels-in-iceland-vetrahornThe 25 Best Hotels in Iceland – Hand Picked by Us

Now, the moment you’ve been waiting for…we are going to go through the 25 best hotels in Iceland. We hope our detailed information about the different regions of Iceland above – including what you can expect to see and do – will help you make a more informed decision before booking your hotel.

In the name of being transparent, we want to make you aware that we have not stayed at all of these locations. Our decisions to include them on our best hotels in Iceland list is informed by our personal experiences visiting the country, user reviews, pictures, details about amenities and pricing, and proximity from some of the beautiful sites we’ve already mentioned in this article. Additionally, if you are planning a trip to Iceland, we suggest booking your lodging, flights, car rentals, etc. through Booking.com – a leading travel booking website.



Booking.com

A few quick things to know about hotels in Iceland before we begin:
  • Rooms and amenities (even in luxury hotels) tend to be smaller than those in other parts of the world – such as the United States. Icelandic culture is much more utilitarian, and for this reason you may need to adjust your expectations.
  • The best hotels in Iceland tend to be found in Reykjavik and along the South coast. These areas have the most tourist infrastructure. Outside of these areas, there are far fewer hotel options. If you do not book well in advance, you may end up in a shared guesthouse or unable to find lodging entirely. Keep this in mind!
  • Stays in Icelandic hotels are not always cheap. We have mixed luxury (let’s say $300/night and up) and more affordable hotel options (~$100/night) in our list below. Generally, prices are more affordable in the off season (so outside of the summer months) as tourism drops. If you are on a tight budget, you might want to consider staying in a hotel some nights, and using a campervan or tent camping other nights. Whatever you do – book in advance (~3 months or greater) for the best deals.

Now…the best hotels in Iceland:

1). Black Pearl Apartment Hotel

black-pearl-apartments-hotel-icelandLocation: Reykjavik (West Iceland)

Since opening in 2013, the Black Pearl Apartment Hotel has come to be considered one of the best hotels in Reykjavik. It is a 5 star luxury hotel in the capitol of the country. With many beautiful modern amenities and high quality customer service, it is instantly appealing to travelers looking to venture into the city. Perhaps best about it is the proximity to the city centers – as it is located right in the heart of Reykjavik.

As we have experienced, it is entirely possible to get around the city on foot. Venturing into the shopping district is simple enough from this ideal location.

2). Hotel Budir

best-icelandic-hotel-budirLocation: Budir (Snaefellsnes Peninsula)

When we visited Iceland, we got to see Hotel Budir as it is located within short walking distance to “The Black Church” Budir, which is a popular destination for landscape photographers and other tourists visiting the area. While there, we realized how great of a location it is for a hotel. It is quite remote – tucked away in virtual silence on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Yet, it’s very accessible and provides access to a lot of wonderful locations in the region.

Hotel Budir is also great if you are looking to host a wedding in Iceland. The hotel serves as a great venue for family and friends to gather, and the surrounding location is extremely picturesque – making for some excellent wedding photography opportunities.

To see more about Hotel Budir, check out this video:

[penci_video url=”https://vimeo.com/194019921″ align=”center” width=”” /]

3). Diamond Suites

diamond-suites-iceland-hotelLocation: Keflavik (West Iceland)

Diamond Suites is a 5 star hotel in the transportation center of Iceland. Located in Keflavik, it is a short skip away from the airport where most international travelers will be arriving into the country. For this reason alone, it is a great hotel option if you want convenience to the airport mixed with some luxury indulgence. In particular, if you are only staying in Iceland for a night or two, it really is a great location that enables you to get a taste of what Iceland has to offer without having to travel far.

From this hotel, you will be able to easily reach The Blue Lagoon, The Golden Circle, and the sights to be seen on the Reykjanes Peninsula. These are accessible by renting your own car or going with a tour group.

4). The Northern Light Inn

the-northern-lights-inn-icelandLocation: Grindavík (West Iceland)

The Northern Light Inn holds a special place in our hearts as it is where we spent our last night in Iceland. After much traveling that led us to the brink of exhaustion, we found ourselves super relaxed here. In particular, it is the perfect hotel accommodation if you are looking to spend time at The Blue Lagoon as it is right down the street.

We actually booked our accommodation here last minute before leaving for our trip, so ended up paying a steep price for a luxury room (the only one available). If you are interested in lodging here, definitely book well in advanced if budget is a consideration for you!

It’s worth mentioning, as the name of the hotel might imply, this is a great location for seeing the Northern Lights. One unique charm the hotel has is that it allows you to be put on a “wake up list.” This means, they will give your room a call (if you want) if the Northern Lights become visible, so you can go outside and take a look! 🙂

5). Sandhotel by Keahotels

best-hotels-in-reykjavik-iceland-sandhotelLocation: Reykjavik (West Iceland)

The Sandhotel by Keahotels is one of the best hotels in Iceland because of it’s location. It tends to be the case with Icelandic hotels that location is the name of the game. Here, you are in the center of Reykjavik, with some rooms offering views of the large and notable church Hallgrímskirkja.

Whether staying in Reykjavik for a night or a week, it is a great area to access the best of what the city has to offer.

6). Hotel Rangá

hotel-ranga-iceland-northern-lightsLocation: Hella (South Iceland)

Hotel Ranga is located smack dab in the middle of the Southern portion of Iceland. This makes it an absolutely perfect hotel for getting access to everything there is to see in this region. From day trips to the Golden Circle route, to trips a little more east to see Vestrahorn (highly recommended!!) – it’s a really stunning thing.

For couple’s looking for some romance, they also offer many special package offerings to spice up your stay. This includes the addition of wine, champagne, flowers, candles, etc. to be available in your room upon arrival. Given that Iceland is really a dreamy and romantic place to visit, this just helps to enhance this otherworldly experience.

7). Icestay Cabins

icestay-cabins-iceland-hotelLocation: Úlfljótsvatn (West Iceland)

Unlike most of the best hotels in Iceland found on this list, the Icestay Cabins provide something a little different. To put it bluntly, they are cabin lodgings that are more affordable than the average hotel in the area, while also providing the comfort of feeling like you are at home. It is a simple and rustic place to stay, and for many this will make it very appealing!

The location of these cabins is ideal for solo travelers, couples, and families as it is nestled along the Golden Circle route – the most popular destination for travelers to visit.

8). Siglo Hotel

siglo-hotel-icelandLocation: Siglufjörður (North Iceland)

Out of all the best hotels in Iceland we researched, Siglo Hotel sticks out to our minds as one of the most gorgeous and distinctly Icelandic. Beginning with its location on a marina, it has a unique charm that feels very authentic to the culture of many Icelanders – given many of the blue collar jobs involve fishing.

The Siglo Hotel offers many amenities (such as the spa seen in the image above) and on site restaurants. It also offers great proximity to some local cultural charms such as Segull 67 (a local micro-brewery) and other activities.

9). ION Adventure Hotel

ion-adventure-hotel-icelandLocation: Nesjavellir (West Iceland)

First, let’s get it out of the way – ION Adventure Hotel is in a perfect location (who would have guessed based on all the hotels on this list so far??). Aside from the proximity to the Southern coasts hotspots, it also provides some great on site amenities such as a bar, spa, and so on.

Maybe the most intriguing aspect of this location is the Northern Lights viewing area. The open window concept allows for stunning views of the surrounding landscape by day, but at night (yes – even those cold winter nights), the aurora borealis can come into it’s own and put on a show that can be enjoyed from the comfort of this indoor venue.

For more detail, check out this video:

[penci_video url=”https://vimeo.com/111836533″ align=”center” width=”” /]

10). Hótel Laxá

hotel-laxa-iceland-hotelsLocation: Myvatyn (North Iceland)

Returning to the North of Iceland, Hotel Laxa is perfectly located along the Myvatyn lake. Though some may get the impression this part of Iceland doesn’t have much going on, there is actually quite a lot to do. As many other hotels on this list, the amenities here are quite simple and straightforward, but the ability to easily access places like the Myvatyn Natural Baths for a spa day, Krafla crater and Dimmuborgir for some hiking, and Grjótagjá – a cave featured in Game of Thrones – makes this place quite compelling.



Booking.com

11). Hotel Kea by Keahotels

hotel-kea-akureyri-icelandLocation: Akureyri (North Iceland)

Okay – just look at the picture of Hotel Kea above. There is no better spot for a hotel then here at the center of Akureyri. It’s funny, because while visiting the city – even climbing the steps to see the church more up close and personal, we didn’t even really notice this hotel. In retrospect, it really is the perfect spot for travelers to get an accommodation.

What is not pictured is the main shopping area right around the corner. For a small city, it has a lot to offer without being overbearing. It also sticks out in our mind because it was the first time we had an Icelandic hot dog – and was certainly not the last afterwards. 🙂

One other great thing is the low cost to stay here. Some nights can be booked for less than $100 (USD) a night – very affordable by Icelandic (and really any) standards.

12). Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon

fosshotel-iceland-bestLocation: Hnappavellir (East Iceland)

You may notice throughout this post on the best hotels in Iceland that the name “Fosshotel” comes up again and again. This is actually an Icelandic hotel chain – but it offers great accommodation, and sometimes one of the few options in certain areas of the country. In East Iceland and the Westfjords in particular, there are few actual hotels – most lodging being shared guesthouses and B&Bs, so having this option is great for some travelers wanting an actual hotel and the privacy these places have to offer.

Among it’s amenities, Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon is in a great location between Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon that makes it perfect for South coast travelers. These are two of the most popular tourist destinations in all of Iceland – and rightfully so based on our experience.

13). 360 Hotel

360-hotel-selfoss-icelandLocation: Selfoss (South Iceland)

Want to stay in a brand new boutique hotel in Iceland? Well, here is your chance!

The 360 Hotel offers many of the amenities you would come to expect from any of the best hotels in Iceland including a lounge/bar area, dining options, and a spa. The actual lodging rooms are quite nice, and larger than average from what we have seen in other hotel options around the country.

Given the popularity of some of the Southern coast attractions, like the glacial lagoon, it also serves adventurous travelers well to be a place to recoup after a long day of exploring. Families traveling into the area for weddings and other celebrations will also find it very accommodating for groups.

14). Hotel Grimsborgir Luxury Rooms and Apartments

best-hotel-in-icelandLocation: Asborgir (West Iceland)

If you are looking to do some sightseeing and special tours near the Golden Circle of iceland, Hotel Grimsborgir is for you. In very close proximity to Thingvellir National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), it really is a perfect place. This area is where two tectonic plates meet – making it a unique natural environment. It is also of historical and cultural significance, as it is where Iceland’s parliament was founded.

15). UMI Hotel

umi-hotel-in-icelandLocation: Eyvindarhólar (South Iceland)

The UMI Hotel is a little gem on the South coast of Iceland. One of the appeals is that it is quite off the beaten path, yet in close proximity to many tourist hotspots. This is supported by many raving reviews from prior travelers who have stayed there.

umi-hotel-review

The hotel’s support of the region will make it appealing to many tourists making their way to this area of the country!

16). B59 Hotel

b59-hotel-icelandLocation: Borgarnes (West Iceland)

The B59 Hotel is located at one of the popular stop off towns for travelers going from Reykjavik to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, the Westfjords, or North to continue the Ring Road circuit. We stopped in this little town for a quick break, and grabbed some fuel for our car at the local N1 station. For this reason, it really is the perfect “traveler hotel” – not really a place we’d stay more than a night, but great for what it is.

17). Fosshotel Westfjords

fosshotel-westfjordsLocation: Patreksfjörður (Westfjords)

Ah, Fosshotel again! We mentioned this little chain of Icelandic hotels earlier in this post – and this is another example of a hotel in a region that is very light on tourist accommodations like this. Fosshotel Westfjords manages to make a space that is quite comfortable amidst the regions otherwise rugged and sometimes challenging environment.

If you are traveling into the Westfjords, we highly recommend this location. We would suggest making sure you plan at least a few nights in this area as there is much to see and do, but getting around can be quite time consuming and tiresome. In particular, reaching Dynjandi will be a stunning memory you will not forget (we have not ourselves!).

18). Hotel Latrabjarg

Hnjótur-iceland-hotelLocation: Hnjótur (Westfjords)

A simple accommodation, Hotel Latrabjarg is another gem to be found in the Westfjords that affords travelers a comfortable space to relax amidst their travels to places such as Dynjandi, Rauðasandur beach, and the Museum of Egill Olafsson in Örlygshöfn. More than any of these locations, it is also the perfect hotel in Iceland for seeing puffins at the nearby Latrabarg cliffs.

In our opinion, this is the place to be if that last activity is for you!

19). Fosshotel Eastfjords

fosshotel-eastfjords-icelandLocation: Fáskrúðsfjörður (East Iceland)

By now, you should be familiar with the Fosshotel amenities as these have been discussed and are essentially the same across this Icelandic hotel chain. What differs is the location – this hotel being in East Iceland, where there are few hotel accommodation options.

If you are looking for a particularly quiet Icelandic vacation, making your way to Fosshotel Eastfjords will be pretty much perfect. The low levels of tourism – minus through drivers on the Ring Road – will allow you to really make that escape.

20). Hotel Hallormsstadur

great-hotels-in-icelandLocation: Hallormsstaður (East Iceland)

One of the best hotels in East Iceland, Hotel Hallormsstadur really feels like a getaway. In typical Icelandic fashion, the inclusion of simple amenities as well as a restaurant and spa make staying here very comfortable for any traveler. The ability to quickly get to Vatnajökull National Park or Hallormsstaður Forest (the largest forest in Iceland) is also very enticing.

21). Hotel Höfn

good-hotel-hofn-icelandLocation: Höfn (South Iceland)

Hofn is the little fishing village in Iceland that you may not have heard of, but any traveler through the South coast has likely gone through. When we arrived at Hofn during our trip to Iceland, it was packed with other travelers. As a center for accommodations, it is especially important to book well in advance. Hotel Hofn specifically offers a 20% booking discount if booked early – so it is certainly something to take advantage of.

This location is especially perfect for travel and landscape photographers looking to capture stunning images of Vetrahorn. In addition, the small viking village movie set at the base of the mountain is a cool little side excursion too. Also – Icelandic horses at the movie set – this is one of our top experiences in Iceland.

Our photos from Vestrahorn:

icelandic-horse-viking-movie-set-adventure-travel-4

vetrahorn-iceland-photographers

22). Hotel Skaftafell

hotel-skaftafell-icelandLocation: Skaftafell (South Iceland)

As the name might imply, Hotel Skaftafell is great for travelers looking to visit Skaftafell who want the best hotel in Iceland in the region! The Skaftafell peninsula harbors some of the most beautiful sights in all of Iceland. In particular, if you are looking to go on any Icelandic tours – such as glacier walks or exploring an ice cave – this is a great hub to do so. For hikers, it is also a great access point for visiting Skaftafell National Park – which features some great hiking paths such as the one that goes to Svartifoss, a unique waterfall with basalt columns.

23). Blabjorg Guesthouse

east-iceland-hotelLocation: Borgarfjörður Eystri (East Iceland)

While the idea of lodging in a guesthouse is not always appealing, Blabjorg Guesthouse stands as exception to this rule. While some aspects of guesthouse living will remain the same – such as communal spaces and shared restrooms – the actual rooms are quite spacious. The amenities, such as the hot tubs for soaking, are also unique features. It is also a great location if you are wanting to do some whale watching in Husavik – which is not too far from this location!

24). Hotel Glymur

hotel-glymur-icelandLocation: Saurbær (West Iceland)

One of the most beautiful areas in Iceland, Hotel Glymur is one of the best hotels in Iceland for it’s amenities and ease of access to the Glymur waterfall. Photos and stories we have read of people who have gone to this location definitely stand out. It is one of the few places we really missed out on due to our traveling time restraints. When we return to Iceland, this will be a must stay for us!

25). Hotel Framnes

westfjords-hotel-iceland-bestLocation: Grundarfjordur (Snaefellsnes Peninsula)

Finally, we end our list of the best hotels in Iceland with Hotel Framnes. This is chosen due to the proximity (and from some rooms – ability to see) Kirkjufell mountain. The sight is featured prominently in Game of Thrones – and is a must see for any traveler to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

In particular, if you are a landscape photographer looking for the perfect Instagram friendly shot, staying at this hotel will be great to allow you a couple days worth of shots here to get the best shot possible. It is particularly stunning when you are lucky enough to catch the Northern Lights encapsulating this mountain view.

Our favorite photo of Kirkjufell we took – from a different than usual perspective:

landscape-photography-kirkjufell-iceland


booking-iceland-hotelWith all of this squared away, we come to an end for our 25 best hotels in Iceland article. We hope you found it helpful as we gave some insights into the various regions of Iceland, and lodging opportunities within each.

If you are planning a trip to Iceland, we highly recommend booking your flight, hotels, and car rentals through Booking.com to get the best rates around. As we mentioned throughout this post, we also suggest booking well in advanced, otherwise you will end up paying far more.

If you need more tips for traveling Iceland, feel free to leave a comment below!

You can also check out some other great articles on Iceland including: How to Pack for a Trip to Iceland and The Best Photography Gear for an Iceland Adventure.

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