The Best Golden Circle Hotels in Iceland

Hotel Geysir

Hotel Geysir is one of the best hotels in Iceland if you're looking for a luxury hotel located right next to a geothermal area. You can easily walk out of the hotel and reach the Geysir geothermal area on foot in less than five minutes.

The hotel also puts you on a six-mile (10-kilometer) distance to Gullfoss, while Thingvellir is less than an hour away by car.

Photo from Hotel Geysir.

If you'd like to visit a less crowded place, the Bruarhlod canyon is also only six miles (10 kilometers) away. At the canyon, you can hike and explore its beautiful cliffs and pillars or join a river rafting tour at the Hvita river.

This accommodation is a four-star hotel that has more than 70 rooms and more than five suites. Most rooms are built for pairs, while some can accommodate up to three. Meanwhile, the suites offer more space for those traveling in groups.

The hotel is modern and chic, with three restaurants on-site, so you never have to look hard for good food. Your food options range from simple and locally sourced traditional Icelandic food to international cuisine, including Mexican and Asian food.

Hotel Geysir's building design, with huge glass windows, lets you see the beautiful nature outside. Moreover, a buffet breakfast is served to guests daily, and Wi-Fi is available throughout the building.

Part of the appeal of staying outside Reykjavik is seeing Iceland's small and charming towns and villages. Fortunately, Fludir village, a small settlement in Iceland's countryside, is only 16 miles (25 kilometers) away and comprises about 800 people.

This settlement is home to the previously mentioned Secret Lagoon.

Hotel Geysir is about 62 miles (100 kilometers) away from Reykjavik. It has a 4.6/5 star rating from over 265 reviews. 

Heradsskolinn Guesthouse

Photo from Heradsskolinn Historic Guesthouse.

If you're looking for accommodation near a lake, look no further than the Heradsskolinn Guesthouse. This rural accommodation, just outside Reykjavik, offers a fantastic and beautiful setting that makes for an unforgettable stay.

The guesthouse is a renovated historic building that was once a school. It was designed by a pillar of Icelandic architecture, Gudjon Samuelsson, who designed the famous Hallgrimskirkja church in Reykjavik.

Heradsskollinn is located in a quiet area and is just 19 miles (30 kilometers) from Thingvellir and 22 miles (35 kilometers) from Gullfoss waterfall.

Meanwhile, Laugarvatn lake is located just outside the guesthouse, and guests can walk there in less than ten minutes.

Aside from the lake's beauty, this guesthouse also overlooks other famous sights, such as the notorious Hekla volcano and the Eyjafjallajokull glacier volcano. In early times, Hekla was known as the "Mountain to Hell," which disrupted medieval Europe. Meanwhile, Eyjafjallajokull became known for disrupting Western Europe's airways in 2010 after a strong eruption.

The guesthouse is located in Laugarvatn village, so after exploring the Golden Circle, you can experience geothermal bathing at the Laugarvatn Fontana Spa. Fontana is one of the top geothermal spas in Iceland, so don't miss this.

This guesthouse in Iceland is equipped with Wi-Fi and is perfect for visitors traveling solo or with a group on a budget. Private and dormitory-style rooms are available if you're trying to save money. Most of the rooms also come with a shared bathroom.

If you're worried about food, there's no need for that because there's a bar and restaurant available where you can take your breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Heradsskolinn guesthouse is located 48 miles (77 kilometers) from Reykjavik and has a 4.4/5 star rating from over 350 reviews.

Icelandair Hotel Fludir

Photo from Icelandair Hotel Fludir.

Icelandair Hotel Fludir is a three-star hotel in Iceland located right off of the Golden Circle sightseeing route. If you're looking for a hotel around 20 minutes from a Golden Circle site and surrounded by rural landscapes, booking one of its comfortable rooms is a must.

The hotel is located in the small and charming village of Fludir and is just 16 miles (26 kilometers) from the Geysir geothermal area. Meanwhile, Gullfoss is only 19 miles (31 kilometers) away, and the Thingvellir National Park is around 43 miles (70 kilometers) away.

A closer attraction is the secret lagoon, that's only a fifteen-minute walk away and has fewer crowds than other famous hot springs, such as the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa. Another place to check out is the rugged Hrunalaug hot spring which is only three miles (5 kilometers) away.

If you prefer to visit the coast, the famous Reynisfjara black sand beach is only 90 miles (145 kilometers) away.

The hotel has more than 30 rooms, and you can choose between its King or Twin rooms, which can accommodate up to two guests. The rooms are cozy, have hypoallergenic bedding, and are inviting, perfect for relaxing after a long day of exploration.

The rooms also have showers and hair dryers, and a TV.

Wi-Fi is available throughout the building, and there's free parking for those driving a car.

Icelandair Fludir hotel has a bar and restaurant, so you won't have to drive far for food and drinks. Also, an on-site laundry service is excellent for travelers on a long road vacation.

If you're planning to stay during winter, the place is also perfect for northern lights viewing in Iceland, which you can do while relaxing in an open-air hot tub.

Photo from Icelandair Hotel Fludir.

Icelandair Hotel Fludir is 68 miles (110 kilometers) away from Reykjavik. Over 260 reviewers have granted it a 4.4/5 star rating.

Hotel Grimsborgir

If you like to indulge in luxurious accommodation in Iceland while surrounded by its beautiful nature, it doesn't get better than Hotel Grimsborgir. This five-star hotel in Iceland is just 21 miles (34 kilometers) from the attractions of Thingvellir National Park and sits among the beautiful backdrop of the Icelandic countryside.

Hotel Grimsborgir comprises 15 gorgeously designed buildings that can house up to 240 guests. Regarding its overall design, this luxury hotel at the Golden Circle mixes old-world warmth with chic modern amenities such as hot tubs and fully equipped kitchens.

Photo from Hotel Grimsborgir.

The hotel offers a range of rooms and suites that accommodate between two and 11 people. Also, most of these rooms have private hot tubs and balconies.

Whether you're on a romantic getaway with a loved one or a holiday out with families or friends, Grimsborgir offers an ideal place for a single night or a long-term luxurious stay.

Aside from the hot tubs, guests at the hotel have access to complimentary breakfast in the world-class Grimsborgir restaurant and a 24-hour desk service.

At the hotel, guests can fully experience the Golden Circle and everything it offers. For example, its proximity to the essential sites in Iceland means you can easily spend all day at the Thingvellir National Park snorkeling in Silfra's crystal water or enjoying geothermal bathing in Reykjadalur valley or the Secret Lagoon.

The hotel is near the Kerid crater, which has beautiful hiking trails. Kerid's crater lake is a stunning view, surrounded by crimson-red volcanic deposits and contrasting green vegetation.

If you'd like a more adventurous activity, you can take a 31-mile (50-kilometer) scene drive to Bruara river and complete a lovely short hike to Bruarfoss waterfall. As this is separate from the usual Golden Circle sightseeing route, you'll find fewer visitors in these areas.

Hotel Grimsborgir has a 4.4/5 star rating from over 335 reviewers and is 42 miles (38 kilometers) from Reykjavik.

The Greenhouse Hotel

The stylish and modern Greenhouse Hotel is a three-star hotel in Iceland, located in the Hveragerdi geothermal town. If you're looking for a comfortable and convenient hotel with a swimming pool in Iceland, this is the place for you.

The hotel is less populated than the bustling city of Reykjavik and is surrounded by unique natural wonders and easy-to-access Golden Circle destinations. Hotel guests can access all the top attractions in the famous route in less than 43 miles (70 kilometers).

Photo from the Greenhouse Hotel.

If you're looking for a nearer place, the Reykjadalur thermal river is only five miles (seven kilometers) from the hotel. Aside from being a bathing area, Reykjadalur is a famous hiking spot with many beautiful sights, making it a worthy visit. Check out this relaxing hike to Reykjadalur valley with hot springs for a guided tour.

The town of Hveragerdi, where the hotel is located, is a top Icelandic location in its own right. The entire town has boiling water just under the ground's surface, resulting in natural heat and many hot springs. Residents also use the natural heat from the ground to cook food and keep their greenhouses operating all year round.

Greenhouse Hotel is all about fresh minimalist design and simple comfort and offers a range of room types. There are spacious double and twin rooms and suites with kitchenettes, ideal for those with children. All rooms have available Wi-Fi.

Photo from Relaxing 4-Hour Reykjadalur Hike and Hot Spring Tour with Pick-up in Reykjavik.

Regarding other amenities, the hotel has everything you need whether you choose to stay there on a short or long-term basis. It has laundry facilities, free parking space, and luggage storage before and after check-in.

The hotel also has hot tubs, heated pools, and luxury bars.

The Greenhouse Hotel has a 4.6/5 star rating from over 110 reviews. The accommodation is just 28 miles (45 kilometers) outside Reykjavik.

Hotel South Coast

Photo from Hotel South Coast.

Hotel South Coast is a four-star hotel in Iceland, located in the southern part of the country, in the heart of Selfoss town. Its location gives you easy access to the Golden Circle's top sights and popular attractions on Iceland's South Coast, from lighthouses to black sand beaches to waterfalls.

You can learn more about this part of Iceland through this ultimate guide to Iceland's South Coast.

Hotel South Coast is 43 miles (70 kilometers) from the Seljalandsfoss waterfall, a popular sight and subject for many photographers. Aside from its beauty, the waterfall's unique structure allows visitors to walk behind it and see it from a different perspective.

Another nearby sight is Skogafoss waterfall, only 61 miles (98 kilometers) from the South Coast hotel. You can walk right up to this powerful waterfall and take stunning photos.

Meanwhile, you can reach Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss, and the Geysir geothermal area in less than an hour.

As a place to stay, the Hotel South Coast is as lovely as its nearby attractions. The rooms are spacious and filled with warm accents amidst a modern design. Moreover, all its rooms have Wi-Fi, and guests can choose from standard double rooms, deluxe double rooms, and triple room setups.

This hotel in Selfoss is also perfect if you're traveling for business in Iceland because of its business center. The hotel's business center has a large meeting room for up to 25 people.

Another exciting feature guests can savor at the Hotel South Coast is its relaxation center. The center has two hot tubs and a Finnish sauna harnessing Selfoss' geothermal energy. These features are perfect after a day of South Coast and Golden Circle exploration.

Aside from its amenities, couples and groups on holiday can enjoy a fine dinner at the hotel's on-site restaurant or other places in Selfoss.

Hotel South Coast is 36 miles (58 kilometers) from Reykjavik. It has over 230 reviews and a 4.6/5 star rating.

South Central Guesthouse

South Central Guesthouse is an affordable and quiet accommodation in Iceland, allowing for a pleasant experience for any traveler. The guesthouse is located on the outskirts of Selfoss, allowing you to easily access the amenities of a nearby town without sacrificing the beautiful and natural scenery.

Additionally, South Central Guesthouse is nearby several South Coast waterfalls, similar to the Hotel South Coast. You can drive yourself to the nearby areas and take enchanting hikes.

Photo from South Central Guesthouse.

The nearest top Golden Circle attractions from the guesthouse are the Gullfoss waterfall and the Geysir geothermal area. Both are less than an hour's drive from the accommodation. Meanwhile, going to Thingvellir can take more than an hour's drive.

For some nearby sites, the Urridafoss waterfall is only 8 miles (13 kilometers) south of the guesthouse. Urridafoss has a powerful water flow despite its lack of height and is located in the Tjorsa river, which is well-known for salmon fishing.

If you're a food lover, you can enjoy an Icelandic dinner with a local in Selfoss. This package allows you to interact with a professional chef and learn more about the culture of Iceland.

Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Netha Hussain. No edits made. 

Regarding the design, the building has a rustic and rural atmosphere similar to a cottage in Iceland. The design perfectly matches the natural beauty surrounding it. Anyone looking for a countryside guesthouse will enjoy South Central's quaint charms.

Concerning its amenities, South Central Guesthouse is well-equipped and has available Wi-Fi despite being an affordable place to stay. Meanwhile, the kitchen and bathrooms, as well as its patio and cozy sitting rooms, are shared spaces.

There's also a hot tub in the accommodation's garden weary travelers can use.

Photo from South Central Guesthouse.

Budget travelers and friends on a South Coast or Golden Circle journey will love the guesthouse, as it offers double and twin rooms, a whole house, and a dormitory room. For pairs and couples on a budget, there are private rooms available for them. Meanwhile, the dormitory-style rooms are suitable for groups, and their shared spaces will make you feel like you're at a slumber party.

Aside from its rooms and facilities, the guesthouse's location, which is a bit far from towns, gives you more sightseeing options. In fact, from the guesthouse, you can view the Hekla volcano and its surrounding mountains. If you'd like to join a hiking activity, ask the staff about your options, as there are many great hiking trails nearby.

South Central Guesthouse is 50 miles (81 kilometers) from Reykjavik and has a 4.7/5 rating from over 85 reviews.

Litli Geysir Hotel

Photo from Litli Geysir Hotel.

Litli Geysir Hotel is an ideal location for a Golden Circle hotel, thanks to its proximity to the Geysir geothermal area. The geothermal area is only around three minutes walk from the hotel.

Meanwhile, Gulffoss is only six miles (10 kilometers) away, and Thingvellir is only 37 miles (60 kilometers).

This three-star hotel gets its name from the mighty Geysir and offers practical accommodation to its guests. It has a plain exterior surrounded by vast fields and vegetation, while its interior offers cozy rooms and spacious shared spaces.

The hotel has room options for solo travelers, pairs, or groups of up to three people. Geysir Hotel's room options include single rooms, double rooms, triple rooms, and standard twin rooms. Moreover, all rooms in the hotel have access to free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom with a shower.

This hotel by the Golden Circle isn't only in a great location but also has everything a traveler on holiday could need. It has a restaurant, a bar, and even a children's play area for traveling families.

Meanwhile, the hotel offers free parking, which is great if you drive a car across the country. It also has a shared fire pit area to keep you cozy during winter nights.Photo from Litli Geysir Hotel.

If you're looking for fun activities, you won't be short of them at the hotel. For starters, the hotel's telescopes are perfect if you want to enjoy Iceland's majestic night sky and the northern lights.

The hotel is only a five-minute walk to Blesi hot spring, known for its turquoise waters. You can walk and see it up close or marvel at its view from the comforts of Litli Geysir Hotel. Meanwhile, golfing, hiking, and horseback riding are all within a few minutes walk from the hotel.

If you want to venture off the Golden Circle route, Litli Geysir is just 28 miles (45 kilometers) away from the Langjokull glacier. The glacier is the second largest glacier in Iceland, where you can experience snowmobile adventures, explore ice caves, and do some glacier hiking.

Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Jerzystrzelecki. No edits made. 

Litli Geysir hotel is 65 miles (105 kilometers) from Reykjavik. It has a 4.4/5 star rating from over 320 reviews. 

We hope this list of the best Golden Circle hotels in Iceland helps you plan your next trip to Iceland.

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