Hotels in Reykjavik: Where to Stay in Iceland's Capital
Updated 26 October 2026 · 196 real hotels
Most visitors to Reykjavik are best served by staying in or just beside the city centre, around Miðborg and Þingholt, where walkability is high and the main sights are on your doorstep. If you are arriving late or departing early on a connecting flight, a hotel near Keflavik Airport is worth considering. The city is compact enough that no central neighborhood leaves you far from anything.
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| Hotel | Area | Rating | Price / night |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Town Reykjavik ★★★ | Centre-ville de Reykjavik | ★ 3.7 | 78 €/nuit |
| Aska Vellir ★★ | Hafnarfjördur | ★ 4.2 | 84 €/nuit |
| Guesthouse Sunna ★★★ | Centre-ville de Reykjavik | ★ 4.6 | 86 €/nuit |
| ASKA Heiðmörk ★★★ | Kópavogur | ★ 4.3 | 87 €/nuit |
| Hotel Cabin ★★★ | Laugardalur | ★ 3.9 | 88 €/nuit |
| Refurinn Reykjavik Guesthouse - Hostel ★★ | Vesturbær | ★ 4.5 | 90 €/nuit |
| KEX Hotel and Hostel Reykjavik ★★ | Centre-ville de Reykjavik | ★ 4.3 | 95 €/nuit |
| CityHub Reykjavik ★★ | Centre-ville de Reykjavik | ★ 4.6 | 102 €/nuit |
| Hotel Jazz ★★★★ | Reykjanesbær | ★ 4.4 | 102 €/nuit |
Why Reykjavik deserves more than one night
Reykjavik is the world's northernmost capital and one of the most concentrated travel hubs in the North Atlantic. From a single base here you can reach geothermal pools, lava fields, waterfalls and glaciers within two hours by road. The city itself is small by European standards, home to around 130,000 people, yet it punches well above its weight on food, design, live music and contemporary art. Staying centrally means you can walk almost everywhere worth visiting in the urban core.
What the city actually feels like
Reykjavik is low-rise, colorful and frequently windswept. The harbor area, the Hallgrímskirkja church on the hill and the Laugavegur shopping street form the backbone of daily life for visitors. Nights here can be long and bright in summer or dramatically dark in winter, and the city shifts personality with the seasons. Expect a premium price level compared with most European cities: accommodation, food and activities all reflect Iceland's high cost of living, so budgeting carefully before you arrive pays off.
Which area to stay in Reykjavik?
- Miðborg (City Centre): The default choice for first-time visitors. Laugavegur, the old harbour, Tjörnin lake and most museums are all walkable. Hotels such as Center Hotels Arnarhvoll (146 €/night), Þingholt by Center Hotels (155 €/night) and the historic Radisson Blu 1919 Hotel (316 €/night) sit in or right beside this district.
- Þingholt: A quieter residential pocket immediately south of Laugavegur, known for its painted corrugated-iron houses and independent cafés. It offers genuine neighbourhood calm while keeping you two minutes from the main drag. Sand Hotel by Keahotels (221 €/night) is a good example of the boutique tone here.
- Hlemmur and Laugardalur (East of Centre): Slightly further from the old town but connected by frequent city buses. Laugardalur has the main public swimming complex, a botanical garden and sports facilities. A good pick if you prefer a local feel over tourist density.
- Vesturbær (West Quarter): A leafy, largely residential area bordering the university and the domestic airport peninsula. Calmer and slightly cheaper for dining, with an authentic slice of Reykjavik daily life.
- Reykjanesbær / Keflavik Airport Area: Not Reykjavik proper, but about 50 km southwest on the Reykjanes Peninsula. The Courtyard by Marriott Reykjavik Keflavik Airport (182 €/night, rated 4.6/5) suits travellers on very early departures or very late arrivals, avoiding a late-night transfer into the capital.
Good to know
- Book early for summer and the northern lights season: June to August and November to February are peak demand periods. Central 4-star rooms sell out weeks in advance, and prices rise sharply as dates approach. Hotels like Miðgarður by Center Hotels (157 €/night, rated 4.7/5) and Fosshotel Reykjavik (169 €/night) hold good value relative to the market but still fill fast.
- Plan the Keflavik transfer before you land: The international airport is at Keflavik, roughly 50 km from the city centre. The Flybus and Airport Direct coaches link arrivals to the BSI bus terminal and most hotels. A taxi or private transfer costs significantly more. Build the journey time into your first and last day.
- Reykjavik is walkable but the wind is real: The city centre is compact and flat enough to cover on foot, yet Atlantic gusts can make a 10-minute walk feel strenuous in winter. Pack a windproof layer regardless of season.
- Rent a car if the Ring Road or Golden Circle is on your list: City-centre parking is limited and paid, so a rental car makes little sense for a pure Reykjavik stay. If you plan day trips or onward road travel, pick up the car on your second or third day rather than driving in on arrival.
- Tap water is excellent and free: Reykjavik's water comes directly from cold springs and is among the purest in the world. Carry a reusable bottle and skip the bottled water budget entirely.
What to know about hotels in Reykjavik?
What is the best area to stay in Reykjavik for first-time visitors?+
The city centre district of Miðborg, extending into the Þingholt pocket to the south, is the most practical base. You can walk to the harbour, Hallgrímskirkja, Laugavegur and most museums without needing a bus or taxi. Hotels such as Center Hotels Arnarhvoll and Þingholt by Center Hotels place you right in the middle of this zone.
What is the best season to visit Reykjavik?+
It depends on what you are chasing. June to August brings near-endless daylight, mild temperatures and the full range of outdoor activities, making it the most popular and most expensive window. November to February offers the best chance of seeing the northern lights and a dramatic winter atmosphere, though days are very short. The shoulder months of April, May and September offer a middle ground on price and crowd levels.
How much should I budget per night for a hotel in Reykjavik?+
Based on currently available 4-star options, expect to pay roughly 146 to 220 euros per night for a well-rated central hotel, with premium properties or peak dates pushing above 300 euros. Budget and hostel options exist below this range, but central 4-star accommodation in Reykjavik sits at the higher end of European city pricing year-round.
How do I get from Keflavik Airport to central Reykjavik?+
The two main coach services, Flybus and Airport Direct, depart from outside the arrivals hall and take around 45 to 55 minutes to reach the city, with hotel drop-off options available on some tickets. A private taxi or transfer takes a similar time but costs considerably more. If you land very late or depart very early, staying near the airport at a property like the Courtyard by Marriott Reykjavik Keflavik Airport can eliminate the transfer entirely.
Is Reykjavik safe to walk around at night?+
Reykjavik consistently ranks among the safest capitals in Europe. Street crime is very low, and the compact city centre remains lively well into the night, particularly on weekends when bars and restaurants stay open late. Standard urban awareness applies, but solo travellers and families alike report feeling comfortable walking the central streets after dark.
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