7 Best Hotels in Reykjavík, Iceland

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. The in-house Borg restaurant offers a good selection of Icelandic food in a glamorous setting.

The Art Deco architecture here adds some serious curb appeal to this hotel. The rooms may be minimal, but past guests have applauded its proximity to the city's best sights.

If being centrally located is your main priority, this hotel is a good option. Just remember this means the area is full of bars and nightclubs, which can get noisy on the weekends.

From the bar to the rooms, guests are surrounded by moody, cozy vibes at this hotel. A 24-hour concierge, room service, and wheelchair-accessible spaces will take your stay to the next level. Plus, they offer a northern lights wake-up call during the winter months.

The rooms at Midgardur are minimalist and basic, but the service is A+ and won't leave you wanting. There's also a spa and a restaurant on-site, but the best part is an outdoor hot tub in the garden, free for guests to use.

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 interior is very sleek and modern, and great attention has been paid to everything from the light fixtures in the foyer to the artwork in the rooms. There are flat-screen TVs with video on demand in every room. The downstairs lounge and 1919 Restaurant, which serves modern and international cuisine, are very popular.

Past guests have praised the beyond attentive staff and central location of this hotel. If you have an early morning, the staff will even prepare a breakfast bag for you to take on your adventure.