6 Best Hotels in Reykjavík, Iceland

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. There is a fitness room in the hotel, and all guests get free access to the largest gym and swimming pool in Iceland (a 7-minute cab ride away).

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 taste. The room rate is steep, but it's the kind of place you want to stay for the most special occasions. Plus, the hotel's location near the harbor sets the scene for great pre-bedtime walks.

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 great European and Asian food and 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 in the trendy Lighthouse Village area of downtown Reykjavík, 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, a gym, and a stylish dining area with an old record player and a selection of vinyl records. 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.

Accommodations at this lively airport-side hotel come in a variety of themed rooms, each with its own sentimental dedication to a famous Icelandic artist, poet, or natural wonder. With all its great amenities—including a library, a gift shop, the Soley Natura Spa, the supercozy Satt restaurant, and countless conference rooms and halls—this hotel generates a compelling microculture. On Thursday night, guests are treated to a complimentary bedtime story read by an Icelandic actor: just bring your pajamas, and they'll provide the blankets and mugs of delicious hot chocolate.

If you're after the best views in the city, Tower Suites and its eight accommodations will deliver. These luxury stays are more like homes, allowing you to really sink into life as the luckiest local.