Overview
For private flyers, Iceland is a popular refueling stop. It’s also a destination, popular for fishing and outdoor adventures. However, this week we look at Reykjavik’s top suites, plus the famous Blue Lagoon Resort, all perfect for a night or two and a quick city stopover.
1. The Edition
Conde Nast Traveler writes, “Opened in 2021 amid warranted international buzz, the Icelandic sibling in Ian Schrager and Marriott’s Edition family, for many, is the best yet. Typically design-forward, sleek, and located in one of the most desirable neighborhoods, this location is also angled perfectly to take in “only-in-Iceland” glaciers, mountains, and cityscape panoramas via its floor-to-ceiling windows (ask for a corner suite for max visuals). Hygge-infused rooms come kitted with local products and art—wool company Ístex’s bed throws and landscapes by homegrown photographers—as well as luscious custom Italian-made furniture and Le Labo’s fresh-to-order fragrance and toiletries. There’s also a restaurant or bar option for every hour of the day, from sleepy post-night-flight coffee at Tides Café to dressed-up Nordic supper at Tides restaurant to Brennivín cocktails at the speakeasy-esque Tölt bar.”
Penthouse Suite
The 1,328-sq.ft. Penthouse Suite has a separate living and dining area, a private outdoor terrace, and a living room fireplace with panoramic ocean and mountain views.
More suites at The Edition.
2. Hotel Borg
The Telegraph writes, “The historic and imposing Hotel Borg – the first luxury hotel to be built in Iceland – is now owned by the local Kea chain, who have retained its upscale art deco interior. With rooms looking right over Austurvöllur (Parliament Square), a bar and restaurant, and a dedicated basement spa, it’s a well-located and elegant all-rounder. All 99 rooms – which range from compact Smalls and reasonable Standards and Deluxes, to larger Suites – are decked out with custom-made furnishings spanning armoires and veneered parquet flooring, leather armchairs, wooden writing desks, and Hastens beds, plus stylish Bang & Olufsen televisions, Bluetooth speakers, and Nespresso coffee machines in the higher categories. Turn-of-the-century paintings and vintage globes maintain the historic theme, while black-and-white 1920s photos of Reykjavík lend a refined local touch.”
Tower Suite
The two-floor luxury tower suite spans 1,937-sq.ft. The first floor includes a double bedroom and a sleek bathroom with heated floors, a bathtub, and a walk-in shower. The top floor is a living room from where you can admire the stunning city view. The tower suite can be extended to a two- or three-bedroom residence by adding adjacent Deluxe rooms.
More suites at Hotel Borg.
3. Iceland Parliament Curio Hotel
The Telegraph writes, “The Iceland Parliament Hotel opened in December 2022 in a complex of buildings that once housed a mix of historic pre-war offices, an Independence Hall, and a wooden building that was Iceland’s first ever girls-only secondary school, for several decades. Overhauled by Italian architect Paolo Gianfrancesco of Icelandic studio THG Arkitektar, many of the historical features have been carefully preserved, even though the hotel has a distinctive new-build aura, complete with fine Italian woods and bright marble. The smart, expansive and light-flooded lobby is quite the opening statement, with myriad custom-made furnishings and seating options, a wealth of art – paintings, mixed media, sculptures: all by Icelandic artists – plus the plush Telebar cocktail lounge and Hjá Jóni restaurant.”
Parliament Hotel
This 914-sq.ft. suite features a separate living room, dining room, two bathrooms, and two bedrooms with king-size beds. There is a magnificent rooftop view over the capital from the corner balcony.
More suites Iceland Parliament Curio Hotel.
4. 101 Hotel
The Telegraph reports, “One of Reykjavik’s first-ever boutique hotels is still one of its best. It offers unapologetically chic interiors, a futuristic restaurant and bar, and its own collection of contemporary art. There’s also an on-site spa and business meeting facilities. Don’t be fooled by the unassuming exterior: every inch of the hotel’s interior aims to impress. Designed by owner and professional designer Ingibjörg S. Pálmadóttir, the building dates back to the 1930s, but inside is a riot of contemporary style that incorporates a cool palette of blacks, whites, and slate-greys, antique and idiosyncratic furnishings, and a unique collection of artworks by Icelandic artists.”
Apartment Suite
The 700-sq.ft. apartment suite has a view of Reykjavík from the bright living room area, with a modern design. Relax and unwind with the view of the ocean, Harpa concert hall, and the mountains.
More suites at 101 Hotel.
5. Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel
The Telegraph says, “This four-star boutique, set inside a former department store, is a lively and good-looking spot with a great location close to the harbour. Rooms are on the larger size for the city and slickly designed, while amenities span a hot pool, plus a small-plates restaurant and lobby bar. Staff are welcoming and professional. The 50 light-filled rooms are on the larger side for Reykjavik and have been designed with the same emphasis on tasteful colour schemes, albeit a little more muted than the public areas, which focus mostly on gold-hued browns and oranges. These are matched to historic black-and-white photos on the walls, mod-cons such as espresso machines, Chesterfield-style sofas and working desks, plus spacious bathrooms with good quality showers, Essentiel Elements products, and fluffy gowns and slippers.”
Konsulat Suite
Set in a corner of the hotel, the Konsulat Suite boasts floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Arnarholl Park and a charming, historical decor.
More suites at Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel.
6. The Retreat at Blue Lagoon
Travel + Leisure writes, “There are 62 rooms at the Retreat, and I stayed in one of the junior lava suites. Walking into the suite, I instantly fell in love with the understated nature of the room. The suite was spacious, intentionally simple, and designed to draw your eyes to the breathtaking views of lava fields and the lagoon just outside the bedroom. The award-winning architectural highlights included sleek Nordic furniture, a gorgeous white bathtub that served as the ideal setting for a post-lagoon wind down, and dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows that led to a private outdoor terrace where I was able to take in the magnificent midnight sun phenomenon from the comfort of my room.”
Lagoon Suite
The 675-sq.ft. Lagoon Suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows providing surreal views of the dramatic landscape.
More suites at The Retreat at Blue Lagoon.
