Design Hotels in Reykjavik: Style & Character
Updated 7 November 2026 · 60 real hotels
Reykjavik punches well above its size when it comes to thoughtfully conceived accommodation, blending Nordic minimalism with Icelandic craft traditions. Options range from well-appointed city-centre apartments and refined four-star addresses in residential quarters to a world-class five-star retreat beside the Blue Lagoon. Whether your priority is walkability, calm, or sheer drama, the Icelandic capital has a property to match.
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Reykjavik: Where Nordic Aesthetic Meets Volcanic Landscape
Few capitals in the world frame a stay quite like Reykjavik. The city sits at the edge of a lava field, backed by glacier-capped mountains and lit, in winter, by the aurora borealis. That extraordinary setting has shaped a local sensibility rooted in honest materials, clean lines, and a respect for the natural environment. The accommodation scene reflects this directly: properties here tend to favour considered interiors, locally sourced textures, and a quieter confidence rather than ostentatious grandeur.
From the compact, walkable grid of the city centre, where colourful corrugated-iron facades give way to contemporary interiors, to the geothermal wetlands of Grindavik on the Reykjanes Peninsula, the range of characterful places to stay is broader than many visitors expect. The addresses below have been selected on the basis of verified guest scores and their location within distinct neighbourhoods or landscapes, giving you an honest map of where to look depending on your priorities.
Our selection in Reykjavik
A real selection, real prices, from the most affordable to the showstopper.
| Hotel | Area | Rating | Price / night |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASKA Heiðmörk ★★★ | Kópavogur | ★ 4.3 | 85 €/nuit |
| KEX Hotel and Hostel Reykjavik ★★ | Centre-ville de Reykjavik | ★ 4.3 | 94 €/nuit |
| Guesthouse Andrea ★★★ | Centre-ville de Reykjavik | ★ 4.1 | 99 €/nuit |
| Hotel Cabin ★★★ | Laugardalur | ★ 3.9 | 105 €/nuit |
| Hotel Laxnes ★★★ | Mosfellsbær | ★ 4.3 | 107 €/nuit |
| Fisherman's Village ★★★ | Garðabær | ★ 4.6 | 111 €/nuit |
| 201 Hotel ★★★★ | Kópavogur | ★ 4.3 | 115 €/nuit |
| CityHub Reykjavik ★★ | Centre-ville de Reykjavik | ★ 4.6 | 120 €/nuit |
| Reykjanes Guesthouse ★★★ | Grindavik | ★ 4.4 | 120 €/nuit |
| Nordurey Hotel City Garden ★★★ | Reykjavik | ★ 4.5 | 121 €/nuit |
Our hotel profiles in Reykjavik
Frequently asked questions
Which Reykjavik hotels combine a central location with a polished interior feel?+
Three properties stand out in the city centre. The Nordic Apartments earn a remarkable 4.9 out of 5 from guests despite their two-star classification, suggesting interiors that significantly exceed expectations at that price point. Hotel Reykjavik Saga, a four-star address in the city centre rated 4.8 out of 5, offers a more traditional hotel format with strong service scores, while the four-star Reykjavik Residence Apartment Hotel, also centrally located and rated 4.8 out of 5, suits travellers who prefer apartment-style space with hotel-level consistency. All three put Laugavegur, Hallgrimskirkja, and the harbour within comfortable walking distance.
Is there a standout option for travellers willing to leave the city for a more immersive experience?+
The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland, located in Grindavik on the Reykjanes Peninsula roughly 45 minutes from the capital, occupies a category of its own. As a five-star property rated 4.9 out of 5, it is built directly into a lava field and offers guests private access to the Blue Lagoon geothermal waters. The nightly rate reflects the exclusivity of the experience. It is best suited to travellers treating it as a destination in itself rather than a base for exploring Reykjavik.
What are the best options in quieter residential neighbourhoods close to but outside the main tourist corridor?+
Hotel Eyja, a four-star property in the Holt district rated 4.8 out of 5, sits in a calmer residential setting while remaining within easy reach of the centre. Hotel Lotus, a 3.5-star address in Haaleiti rated 4.8 out of 5, occupies a similarly off-centre position and appeals to guests who prefer a neighbourhood feel. Both offer a noticeably quieter atmosphere than city-centre options, which can be welcome after a day of sightseeing or during the busy summer season.
Are there well-regarded options at more accessible price points without sacrificing quality?+
Yes. Miðgarður by Center Hotels, a four-star Reykjavik property rated 4.7 out of 5, is positioned at the more accessible end of the four-star range and benefits from the Center Hotels group's operational consistency. The Lighthouse Inn, a 3.5-star property rated 4.8 out of 5, offers the lowest nightly rate among the properties listed here while maintaining one of the strongest guest scores, making it a compelling choice for travellers prioritising value without settling for a poor experience.