15 Best Hotels in City Center East, Reykjavík

This quietly elegant member of the prestigious World Hotels group has impeccable service and free Wi-Fi throughout, making it a favorite among business travelers. Though the rooms are small by modern standards, all are decorated with works by leading Icelandic artists—the hotel owners have the largest privately owned art collection in Iceland. 

The Ion City Hotel is the urban counterpart to the original Ion Hotel, near Þingvellir National Park, and the vibe here is certainly luxurious, with a focus on local designers and art throughout. The rooms are comfortably appointed, with pops of color, and the suites are equipped with private saunas for an extra bit of pampering in the hearth of Reykjavík. Popular local restaurant Sumac occupies the first floor.

Located right in the center of Reykjavík, the Sand is one of the more luxurious hotels in the city. Art deco details set the scene, and supersoft beds seal the deal. This modern boutique hotel offers a complimentary breakfast buffet, as well as a gym and a bar. Next door you'll find Sandholt, known as one of the best bakeries in the country.

At this five-story hotel designed by owner Ingibjörg Pálmadóttir, contemporary works by renowned local artists adorn the walls (the hotel also hosts exhibitions), and large, open-plan rooms are well appointed, with big, comfortable beds, American oak floors, and (in some) freestanding baths. The restaurant--bar serves killer cocktails beneath a dramatic glass ceiling. The cozy lounge and library area boasts leather sofas and an open fireplace. Massages can be arranged in your room, and in the basement you'll find a sauna, Jacuzzi, and small plunge pool.

At this lovely hotel along Laugavegur, guest rooms are decorated in a typical Scandinavian-chic style, with a combination of rich, earthy tones contrasted with fresh, crisp whites and the occasional splash of vibrant color. There’s a tidy collection of amenities, including a hot tub and a gym. The atmosphere is thoroughly social in the comfortable lobby area, where a confectionery sells exquisite Icelandic chocolates and the aptly named Barber Bar serves cold beer with your haircut.

If being centrally located is your main priority, this hotel is a good option. It's also packed full of local art and other creative touches to infuse character around every turn. Just remember this means the area is full of bars and nightclubs, which can get noisy on the weekends.

Located right in the center of the buzziest street in downtown Reykjavík, this hotel comes with some serious value. Much less expensive than its competitors, it still boasts some of the same amenities like an on-site bar and restaurant, close attention to the interior design, and spacious community areas.

A short walk off the main drag of Laugavegur will deliver you to this 65-room hotel with views over Esjan. It's close to everything while still being away from the noise of partygoers. The rooms are bright and modest, but comfortable.

Across the street from the hilltop church of Hallgrímskirkja, this hotel is a short walk from most of Reykjavík's major attractions. Some guest rooms have balconies. Interiors are cozy, with hints of Scandinavian design here and there, and give off the vibe that you're staying with a good friend instead of at a nondescript hotel.

Five buildings in a calm corner of an older part of town make up this hotel with cheery and efficient guest rooms, some with nice views over Reykjavík's colorful rooftops. Its many regular guests choose it for its intimacy and location in the charming Þingholt neighborhood. The hotel's restaurant, Snaps, serves fish and steak from a bistro-type menu, while Bodega bar across the square is a popular spot for a happy-hour drink or to languidly sip spritzes in the sun.

Sleek and cozy, the rooms at Hótel VON feel like a boutique hotel experience while still maintaining a touch of hominess. On-site restaurant BON is open for breakfast, and then returns in the late afternoon with a menu of French fare and an exhaustive wine list.

This popular hostel in an old biscuit factory (\"kex\" is Icelandic for biscuit) offers a range of accommodation options, from private and family rooms to shared dorms with bunk beds. The popular venue spaces have recently been nixed to make way for more beds, dampening the social aspect of the hostel.

A hostel with private rooms and dorms available, Loft is located right off Reykjavík's main shopping streets. The top-floor bar and lounge space hosts a busy rotation of events and activities, while the rooftop patio provides a sun-drenched perch from which you can people-watch from on high. This accommodation is not ideal for families, but it's great for solo travelers.

The rooms at Miðgarður are minimalist and basic, but the service is truly excellent. There's also a spa and a restaurant on-site, but the best part is an outdoor hot tub in the garden, which is free for guests to use. The once traffic-heavy intersection on which the hotel sits is in the midst of being revitalized into a bright and open pedestrian space that is sure to add to the hotel's tranquillity.

With a number of self-catering apartments in the center of town, this place is for those who prefer to cook their own meals and would like some extra space. All apartments have access to a Jacuzzi, and there's a sauna available, too. The very friendly staff can assist you in planning the rest of your trip. There are also individual rooms you can book.