18 Best Hotels in West Iceland and Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Iceland

This family-owned guesthouse may not feature every luxury amenity under the sun, but the serenity and breathtaking views have few comparisons in all of Iceland. The unbelievable natural vistas include eagles swooping overhead and frequent appearances by the northern lights. The minimalist design includes some quirky choices, with each room named after a specific cow from the on-site farm and decorated in color palates modeled after brands of tractors.

The loudest noise you'll hear at this beautiful 1890 house is birdsong, and although luxury amenities are not the focus, there's no substitute for the coziness of staying at this family's home. You can reserve a double room or a larger room if traveling as a family.

On the outskirts of Borgarnes, you'll find this guesthouse, which manages to give you the convenience of being near town yet the quiet of being in the middle of nowhere at the same time. There are different-size rooms in the main house, but you can also rent a private house behind the farm if you're traveling with a larger group. Way back when, the rooms in this guesthouse served as stables, barns, and poultry houses. There is a private wing that includes a double room and two family rooms with shared bathrooms and a separate kitchen.

For a more authentic local experience, you can do a homestay at Blómasetrið, which also has a café and gift shop on-site; or, for a little more privacy, you can stay in one of the apartments. No matter where you're sleeping, though, you can count on incredible views of Mt. Hafnarfjall. At the family's home, you can choose between three rooms: Caring & Friendship (twin room), Love (double room), or Peace (the family room). There is one two-room apartment available to book as well as two studio apartments, Traustastofa and Freyjubrunnur.

You have three options at Fossatún Country Hotel: booking a room in the main hotel, staying in the communal guesthouse, or renting a camping pod. The latter is a tiny home of sorts—a primitive (but solid) structure; it resembles camping but takes you a step out of the unpredictable Icelandic weather. The owner of this property is a writer, whose stories tell about trolls and the hotel's setting. A number of self-guided walks reveal the local inspiration behind his tales.

Fosshotel is a regional chain known for friendly and dependable service, and the Stykkishólmur location is no exception. You won't get the same cozy vibe as at some of the guesthouses in the area, but you will get your own private room and bathroom. The hotel restaurant offers great views to go with your meal.

This beyond-charming guesthouse has five rooms, two communal sitting areas, a library, and a big garden with views of the nearby fjord. This is the place to go if you want to feel like family far away from home.

This hotel manages a good balance of business amenities and cozy and comfortable rooms. Each room has a private bathroom and Wi-Fi. The on-site restaurant, Café Bifröst, serves up a range of coffee, entrées, and snacks. Guest rooms are bright, the mountains offer unbeatable scenery, and a ton of hiking and biking trails surround the property. Be warned: the hotel and restaurant are located on a college campus, so it can get busy and a bit loud.

In the 1930s, a group of Catholic nuns traveled to Stykkishólmur to start a community, building a chapel, monastery, and hospital; today, the chapel still serves as a place for travelers to rest as Hotel Fransiskus. It's connected to the hospital, so don't be alarmed when you drive up wondering if you've got the right place.

The striking views are the main attraction here, but the simply decorated guest rooms are a comfortable place to lay your head after a day of hiking the nearby mountain or fishing at the harbor. There are options for shared or private bathrooms, and the hotel staff can help set up activities for your stay.

You've got options at Hotel Laxarbakki: there are single, double, twin, and family rooms as well as a charming cottage. With a children's playground, hot tub, and sauna on-site, there's something for everyone.

This practical hotel has basic amenities but offers fantastic views of the fjord.

Drive 10 minutes from the center of Borgarnes and you'll find yourself at the cozy Kria Cottages, three accommodations owned by a local family. The cabins are simple, and the location can't be beaten: you're close enough to town to take advantage of shops and bus stops, yet Iceland's renowned natural beauty is just a quick walk away.

This rustic Norwegian wood house has 11 bedrooms with a handful that share bathrooms. Built in 1894, it was renovated in 2004 and currently gives travelers a place to rest after spending the day exploring nearby sights like Hraunfossar, hiking, golfing at Hamarsvöllur, and horseback riding.

Located smack-dab in the center of town, Sýsló Guesthouse has great hilltop views of nearby Breiðafjörður Bay. With close access to the town's museums, restaurants, bars, and historic homes, you can't go wrong embarking on a stroll through the winding streets. Sýsló Guesthouse is owned by the same people who run the nearby Hótel Egilsen, which is where you have to go to check-in.

Its location right near the bay makes a room at this hotel worth three times the typical rate. Breakfast is included, too, making it an even better deal. Just don't expect too much in way of interior design; the main attractions here are the views and the natural setting.