From historic gems like Hotel Vestibul Palace in Split to iconic new-builds such as K11 Artus in Hong Kong and beloved haunts like NYC’s The Mercer, our raison d’être is finding the most sublime, design-led hotels. So it will come as no surprise that on a recent trip to Iceland’s capital, we did our research. The result? This list of the best boutique hotels in Reykjavik and an invite to stay at one of the trendiest. Here, we review Eyja Guldsmeden Hotel, and discover the perfect place to base your explorations of the city.

While this stay was complimentary, all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Eyja Guldsmeden Hotel review

Location, location, location

Reykjavik is not a huge city, in fact some don’t even classify this home to just over 120,000 as a city at all. But, if you’re heading there for work or play, no doubt you’ll want to stay close to the centre. Enter Eyja Guldsmeden Hotel, a boutique hotel on the edge of downtown, and walking distance to all the hot-spots including the famed Hallgrímskirkja church, Sun Voyager sculpture, and Rainbow Street.

Chances are you will also be taking some tours to further afield in Iceland and another plus of the hotel is the fact that tour operators stop right outside the door, meaning you can stay nice and toasty warm as you wait for your trip to the Golden Circle, The Northern Lights, or even the airport bus to pull up (unlike for guests at some other hotels who have to meet at separate bus stops).

The vibe

Eyja Guldsmeden Hotel bar
The bar is a great place to meet other guests or to relax after a day of exploring

When we arrived at the hotel, we were greeted by a friendly host who explained where everything was and answered a number of questions we had about our plans with ease. The lobby feels a bit like a home with the lounge becoming the check-in area, the check-in area becoming the bar, and the bar spreading into the restaurant. At night, guests mingle over drinks while chatting about where they’ve been and exchanging conversation with the staff; it’s such an inviting and enjoyable place.

The design throughout the property is largely Bohemian with plenty of inspiration and art from Bali. Wonderful wooden sculptures sit next to designer furnishings, and plenty of natural materials echo the hotel’s commitment to sustainability.

The room

Upstairs, we had a Deluxe Double Superior Room with a view that looked directly out onto Mount Esja and the harbour. Waking up to this sweeping vista from the over-sized four-poster bed was absolutely heavenly, especially when the sun was shining.

The hotel tries to be as eco-friendly as possible and offers natural amenities by I Love Eco Essentials in the bathroom that are also available to purchase at reception.

The food

Eyja Guldsmeden Hotel breakfast buffet
The breakfast buffet is out of this world!

One of the highlights of the stay is definitely the breakfast spread, which provides a number of vegan and gluten-free options. Fresh fruits, a selection of local cheeses, bread for days, and a range of hot offerings, including eggs, sausages, and bacon ensure that you’ll make it through the best part of the day without feeling hungry.

A selection of coffee, tea, and other drinks are also on offer 24/7 in the restaurant along with a selection of menu items available for purchase from the afternoon into the evening. 

Extras

Eyja Guldsmeden Hotel gym
You won’t have to skip out on your exercise regime here

One of the few boutique hotels in the city with a gym, if you want to work out, make a beeline for the first floor where you’ll find an excellent range of eco-friendly equipment. A water- rowing machine, sand weights, and other equipment will ensure you get your reps in during your holiday.

There are loads of great restaurants nearby too, including: The Loving Hut (Vegan food), Sjávargrillið (specialising in local seafood), and Cafe Loki (serving iconic Icelandic dishes).

We had such a great time at Eyja Guldsmeden Hotel and can’t wait to get back to Iceland to discover more of the country. 

Find out more about Eyja Guldsmeden Hotel or Book through Booking.com

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