10 Best Hotels in City Center West, Reykjavík

With a sauna, gym, bakery, and restaurant, there's a lot to love about the Exeter Hotel. The design skews industrial, but not without the token warmth that's essential to Scandinavian design.

In contrast to the ultramodern glass-and-chrome architecture around Reykjavík, the city's oldest hotel is pure 1930s art deco—from the black marble statues in the entryway to the brass-and-wood railing on the stairs to the square little coffee cups in the rooms. Period black-and-white bathrooms are well appointed, with Philippe Starck fittings and heated marble floors; some rooms have whirlpool baths. All rooms have fluffy down comforters, black-and-white prints (some antique), and coffee machines. Perhaps the most enticing aspect of the Borg is its location: right in the heart of the city, overlooking Austurvöllur Square and close to Alþingishús (Parliament House) and various restaurants. 

From the moment you step into this hotel, you'll know you're somewhere special: the staff is friendly and alert, the on-site spa is worth a visit, and the rooms showcase the best of Scandinavian design. Rates may surpass those of nearby hotels, but this is Reykjavík's sole five-star hotel, and it shows in the level of service and quality of amenities. Its location near the harbor welcomes after-dinner strolls or early morning meanders.

The art deco architecture that lends this hotel's exterior its curb appeal carries into the guest rooms. Though small, the rooms here are comfortable and keep you within close proximity to everything Reykjavík has to offer.

Situated downtown, this hotel has rooms decorated in calm neutral tones and common areas with lots of natural light thanks to the glass ceiling over the lobby. In the basement, there is a museum built around the remains of a Viking longhouse from the 9th century that was found during the construction of the hotel.

Located right next to Lake Tjörnin on one of the city's main streets, this hotel features intimate, handsomely appointed rooms and numerous communal spaces. The hotel's gym and spa are available for guests, as well as two roof terraces, an outdoor patio, and a glass atrium.

This sleek, design-forward hotel is located right on Austurvöllur Square, overlooking Alþingishús, Iceland's parliament building. Each room features modern amenities, including TVs, espresso machines, and mini-refrigerators. Guests can dine at Hjá Jóni restaurant, which offers a fusion of local and international flavors or relax at Telebar, known for its cocktails and live jazz.

This boutique hotel is located in the historic Kirkjuhvoll building, which was built in 1900; its warmly decorated rooms echo the historic ambience of the location, without skimping on comfort or modern amenities—including kitchen facilities in most rooms. A concierge is on-site to assist with tours and travel arrangements, and breakfast is served daily.

Located downtown in one of Reykjavík's oldest and most famous buildings, this hotel's exterior is reminiscent of 1919 (the year the building was constructed) but the sleek interiors, accented with touches of Nordic design, are undeniably modern. Rooms are calm, with warm wood floors, comfortable bedding, and televisions. The in-house restaurant Brút is excellent, while the on-site coffeehouse, Kaffi Ó-le, is a popular spot to sit with a warm drink and a pastry.

Occupying a refurbished 1900s department store once owned by Consul Ditlev Thomsen, the Konsulat offers modern luxury with a nod to Reykjavík's past. The hotel features stylish rooms, a bathhouse with a 19th-century stone wall, a 24-hour fitness center, and the Konsulat Wine Room serving Icelandic-European cuisine.