Dónde Alojarse en Islandia

The beauty of a self-drive tour is that getting to your next hotel or hostel is your only obligation; you are free to do whatever else you wish during your days, accountable to no one.

You may also choose to camp in Iceland, although campsites are closed in the wintertime. In any case, we wouldn't recommend camping anywhere in Iceland during the winter! In the summer, however, camping is a good option, as it's cheaper and requires less booking in advance. Be aware that it's still worth checking the availability of different campsites if an event is happening in the area, as they do fill up occasionally.

Many Icelanders also have a second home, a so-called "summer cabin." Despite the name, these homes can also be stayed in during the winter. Many of these cabins can be rented out as a whole, giving you a truly authentic Icelandic experience.

• See also: Camping in Iceland - all you need to know

Iceland's cabins and cottages vary significantly in size and amenities. Many of them have an outdoor hot tub, perfect for relaxing and watching the northern lights in winter. Check out our wide selection of cottages in Iceland and find your perfect haven out in nature.

Reykjavik Hotels

Iceland's capital city of Reykjavik has the broadest range of hotels in the country, suiting all budgets and needs. Whether traveling on a shoestring budget or looking for a lavish getaway, you’re sure to find the place for you.

Best Places To Stay in Reykjavik

Unquestionably, the best place to stay in Reykjavik is downtown, near the Laugavegur shopping street. There you'll find most of the best attractions, restaurants, and souvenir shops in Reykjavik.

Those with a larger budget have an array of luxury hotels to choose from. Hotel Borg, for example, is a beautiful building located right in the downtown area, with 99 deluxe rooms in the Art Deco style. The Icelandair Hotel Marina overlooks a stunning harbor and is perfect for those with a more refined taste.

5-Star Luxury in Reykjavik

Reyjavik's first five-star hotel opened back in November 2021, after many years of planning and construction: the Reykjavik EDITION by Marriott.

Since then, there have been several more five-star hotels in Iceland have opened. The Diamond Suites in Keflavik and Hotel Grimsborgir on the Golden Circle are two recommended examples. 

Where To Stay in Reykjavik With Family

Centerhotels is a chain of a few centrally located three- and four-star hotels within the heart of Reykjavik. They all feature a modern design, popular restaurants, and fantastic views. Fosshotel accommodation, which is spread all across the country, offers the option of beautiful deluxe rooms and suites alongside the chain's standard lodgings.

Centerhotel Laugavegur is particularly central, on the shopping street of Laugavegur.

Slightly outside the center are other plush options, such as the Hilton Reykjavik Nordica or Radisson Blu Saga Hotel, the latter of which hosts one of the most scenic restaurants in town, Grillid.

• Read about the best restaurants in Reykjavík here

Where To Stay in Reykjavik on a Budget

Of course, a stay at the Hilton is not possible for everybody, but those traveling with expenses in mind still have many great options. There are hostels and budget guesthouses throughout the city, some located very centrally. Of these, Kex and B47 are within a five-minute walk of Laugavegur Main Street and are very affordable. 

Hostels located slightly away from the center are usually even cheaper. Bus Hostel Reykjavik and Reykjavik Loft HI Hostel are still close enough to downtown to be convenient while being better suited to those on a budget.

Reykjavik also hosts many apartments that visitors can rent, which may suit those staying in the city for longer. The cost usually falls somewhere between a hostel and a higher-end hotel; however, they can often turn out to be the cheapest choice, as you can buy in and prepare food rather than eat out. Due to the cost of food in Reykjavik, staying somewhere such as Apartment K or the Downtown Reykjavik Apartments can end up saving you money.

Vacation Rentals in Reykjavik

As is the case with many cities across the world that are undergoing a wave of tourism, Airbnbs have cropped up in many places in Reykjavik. However, while they are often affordable and convenient, you cannot be guaranteed the comfortable, clean stay that you might otherwise expect.

There are no rules against choosing this option, but some local Icelanders may grumble at you for feeding into a phenomenon that is making local rent prices soar, so it may not be wise to broadcast where you're staying.

Cottages and Camping in Reykjavik

The options listed above are, of course, not the only ones. The city hosts a large campsite with many amenities, for example. There are also cottages available for rent in and just outside of the city. 

Where To Stay Near Reykjavik

Those who wish to avoid the bustle of the capital can also opt to stay in one of the quieter surrounding towns; the Viking Hotel in Hafnarfjordur, for example, is in a serene location and has beautiful views over the settlement's bay.

Where to Stay Near Keflavik Airport

It may be more convenient for some travelers to stay closer to Keflavik airport. Hotel Keflavik is a four-star institution with a modern vibe and many on-site amenities. Meanwhile, Start Hostel is much simpler and more affordable, with its own unique charms.

Where To Stay Near the Blue Lagoon

Any hotel in Keflavik will provide you with easy access to the Blue Lagoon, and the opportunity to pamper yourself with the many massages and treatment services available.

The Courtyard by Marriott Hotel is a great example of an upmarket accommodation. The Base Hotel is more tailored to travelers looking for something affordable.

• See also: Top 10 things to do in Reykjavík

The wealth of options means that, with sufficient planning, you should be able to find what you want in or around Reykjavik. Though the rest of the country doesn't have quite the range of accommodation found in the capital, there are still a lot of options available if you plan to do some traveling. 

Where to Stay in the Golden Circle 

The Golden Circle is an almost-essential excursion for all travelers to Iceland. Its three incredible locations—the Geysir Geothermal Area, Gullfoss Waterfall, and Thingvellir National Park—are the nation's most popular sites alongside the Blue Lagoon. No trip to Iceland is complete without a visit to the Golden Circle.

Many visitors plan to spend a full day exploring these areas before setting off on the rest of their travels. For this reason, many hotels and hostels have sprung up, allowing visitors to use the Golden Circle as a springboard from which to leave the west of Iceland without needing to return to Reykjavik for the night.

Many of these hotels are right beside the locations themselves. At the Geysir hot spring, for example, you can stay nearby at Hotel Geysir or Litli Geysir Hotel.

The little towns and settlements that dot the west of Iceland also offer plenty of places to stay. The quaint town of Selfoss, for example, has plenty of accommodation options. The four-star Hotel Selfoss has a luxurious spa and quality restaurant for those with a larger budget. As a cheaper alternative, the HI Hostel Selfoss offers a comfortable and pleasant stay.

At Hveragerdi, a settlement known for its geothermal activity, there's a similar range of accommodations. The Frost and Fire Hotel will meet the standards of those with high expectations, while As Guesthouse can accommodate travelers who are more focused on price than luxury. Fludir, a town known for hosting the beautiful Secret Lagoon, has the Icelandair Hotel Fludir, a reasonably priced hotel in a stunning location and featuring an excellent restaurant.

Where To Stay in South Iceland

For those planning on traveling east from the Golden Circle, or even around the whole country, it may be more convenient to finish the day somewhere along the South Coast, further along, Iceland's Ring Road. If you are wondering where to stay in southern Iceland, have no fear—there are also many places to stay along this stretch, as the area is becoming increasingly popular with visitors.

The reason for this popularity is the many beautiful locations that can be found just off the road. These include the waterfalls Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss, the glacier Solheimajokull, and the notorious black-sand beach of Reynisfjara. Thanks to the variety of accommodations and the attractions and activities available nearby, this is one of the best areas to stay in Iceland.

The closest and most convenient location to Reykjavik and the Golden Circle is the tiny settlement of Skogar. Hotel Skogafoss and Hotel Skogar are great places to stay in beautiful areas near the waterfall, all at a reasonable price. 

Where To Stay in Vik

Many traveling the South Coast choose to stay at Vik, a lovely little settlement of around 300 people. The area is highly recommended for its convenience to those heading to the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. Still, pre-planning is essential if this is your plan, as the number of places to stay is somewhat limited due to the village's size and popularity.

The reliable Icelandair hotel chain has, sadly, closed its establishment here, but Hotel Katla offers a comfortable stay by a mountainside just a couple of miles outside of Vik. Those on more of a budget have the choice of staying at the Puffin Hotel or the even more affordable Puffin Hostel. If you’re looking for a more intimate stay, there are several guesthouses to choose from, such as Guesthouse Carina.

Another settlement recommended along the South Coast is the historical village of Kirkjubaejarklaustur, nicknamed Klaustur. There are plenty of Klaustur hotels and hostels. There's another Icelandair Hotel here and a hotel in the Fosshotel chain a little out of town called FossHotel Nupar. The Bjork Guesthouse offers a more personal experience. Klaustur is a lovely place to stay, with many easy hikes to stunning locations.

• See also: Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon: The Crown Jewel of Iceland

Towards the eastern side of the South Coast are two stunning areas: the Skaftafell Nature Reserve and the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. Because of how unique these places are, it's recommended to spend a separate night closer to them, so you don't have to limit your time at either.

Where To Stay in Skaftafell

The Skaftafell Nature Reserve is a hiker's paradise; there are many trails to suit all abilities, which take visitors to incredible places such as the Skaftafellsjokull glacier and the waterfall Svartifoss. It would be easy to spend all day here soaking up nature, and if that fits into your plans, it very conveniently has its own hotel.

Hotel Skaftafell is simple, with basic amenities such as a bar, restaurant, and Wi-Fi, but alluring due to its breathtaking location and reasonable price. Be sure to book well in advance, however, as this is one of the most popular hotels in the area.

Where To Stay Near Jokulsarlon

If you aren't lucky enough to get a place or wish to settle a little further on, many other options are available closer to Jokulsarlon, the glacier lagoon. Considering that most visitors spend far longer here than they intend to, marveling over the icebergs as they break from a glacial tongue and glide serenely to the ocean, it may be more convenient to stay close by anyway.

The closest lodgings to Jokulsarlon are the Hali Country Hotel and the Gerdi Guesthouse. Both are located within beautiful natural settings and have decent private rooms; all have private bathrooms and some private kitchens.

Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon is a more luxurious choice for those traveling in style and is ideally located between Skaftafell and Jokulsarlon. 

Those on a budget also have a great place to stay in the beautifully located HI Vagnsstadir Hostel.

Where To Stay in Hofn

For those planning to take the Ring Road further, the most convenient place to stop for the night—with the most options available—is the little town of Hofn, about an hour's drive further east. It has places to suit all tastes and budgets. The Hofn Guesthouse is cheap, simple, and convenient; Hotel Hofn and Hotel Edda Hofn, meanwhile, offer more luxury without being too pricey.

A stay in any of these locations in the southeast of Iceland will set you up perfectly for your journey the next day, whether you plan to head back to Reykjavik or on to the incredible East Fjords.

Where To Stay in East Iceland

The East Fjords are one of the most remote parts of the country; most of the settlements, nestled between verdant mountains and the beautiful coast, are just little farmsteads or churches. This makes driving up and down the peaks all the more attractive, primarily because the sparsity of humans has led to a surge in other life, such as reindeer, puffins, and seals. However, it can make finding accommodation in the area a bit challenging.

The largest settlement of the East Fjords is Egilsstadir, and there are plenty of hotels and other accommodation options here. This lovely town is by Iceland's largest forest, Hallormsstadaskogur, and the beautiful lake Lagarfljot.

The Icelandair Hotel Herad and Hotel Edda Egilsstadir promise to provide you with everything you need at a reasonable price. The Lake Hotel is the most beautifully positioned accommodation in the town and has deluxe rooms that overlook the Lagarfljot for an incredible view.

However, those on a budget do not need to miss out on the incredible scenery the area has to offer. HI Hostel Berunes is a green hostel with a campsite close to Djupivogur before reaching Egilsstadir. On the other hand, HI Husey Hostel is just half an hour north of Egilsstadir. Though basic in its amenities, it's in a stunning, isolated coastal position and is very affordable.

In the nearby Seydisfjordur, there are two more affordable hostels, in Post Hostel and the HI Hafaldan Hostel. This tiny settlement also hosts the 19th-century Hotel Aldan for those with a higher budget looking for a quiet, rustic place to retire. It also hosts the sushi restaurant Nord Austur Sushi, with some of the best sushi to be found worldwide!

The East Fjords are a considerable part of the country; thus, there are more places to stay than those listed. Egilsstadir and Seydisfjordur, however, are positioned so that those traveling the Ring Road can easily make their way to their next destination, in the country's magnificent north.

Where To Stay in Akureyri and North Iceland

If traveling through North Iceland, there's one centrally located place with a wealth of options for accommodation: Akureyri. Called “the Capital of the North,” this town is by far the largest settlement outside of the nation's southwest, with a population of nearly 20,000 people. By Iceland's standards, that makes it a metropolis.

As such, you can choose from a range of Akureyri hotels.

Those seeking a luxurious stay will not be disappointed. Located right in the city's heart is one of the best places to stay in Akureyri, the Hotel Kea. Just a couple of hundred yards away is the Lava Apartments Hotel, a beautiful building that has recently refurbished its rooms to make them more welcoming, modern, and chic.

Saeluhus is also an upmarket accommodation, providing houses with hot tubs and beautiful studio apartments to suit families, couples, and solo travelers.

On the other end of the scale are some very affordable and charming hostels. Akureyri Backpackers and the Akureyri Hostel are centrally located, reasonably priced, and very welcoming.

As with Reykjavik, the rest of this article could detail all the options between the higher and lower ends of the market. There are many other guesthouses, hotels, and even cottages available in Akureyri and several nearby campsites. 

Where To Stay Near Lake Myvatn

Akureyri, however, is not the only place to stay in this region. There's no better place for guests who want to lodge at a location immersed in nature than the Lake Myvatn area, with its serene waters, steaming geothermal areas, and dramatic lava formations.

Hotel Gigur, Sel Hotel Myvatn, and Hotel Laxa are a few examples of hotels here, all in breathtaking locations with many services. Many cabins are available to rent, such as those at Dimmuborgir Guesthouse, where you are even more integrated into the landscape.

While these options are all reasonably priced for their services, they're still likely to be over the budget of many travelers. The Hlid Hostel is much simpler and more affordable but is the only hostel in the area. They also rent out cabins and have a campsite.

If it's fully booked, visitors seeking to be closer to Myvatn can stay in the nearby whale-watching capital of Europe, Husavik. With just around 2,000 people, this serene town has upmarket options, such as Husavik Cape Hotel and Fosshotel Husavik.

Other settlements in the north that you can stay at are, among others, the quaint fishing village of Dalvik and the beautiful town of Blonduos. There's an advantage to staying in Blonduos if you are traveling further in Iceland, as it brings you closer to your next destinations: the Westfjords and Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

• See also: 13 Best Things to Do in Akureyri

Where to Stay in the Westfjords

Not many travelers have the time to visit the spectacular Westfjords; those who do, however, discover a remote world of incredible beauty. If possible, it's worth spending several days here to see the many awe-inspiring wonders and navigate the breathtaking fjords. Many tourists consider the Westfjords the best area to stay in Iceland.

However, there are very few settlements in the area, and none of them are large; the “Capital of the Westfjords,” Isafjordur, has less than a thousand residents. Thus, pre-booking hotels here is as vital as in the rest of the country.

The two best settlements to stay in or around are Isafjordur, in the northern part of the Westfjords, and Patreksfjordur, in the southern region. For those on a lower budget, approximately 12 miles (just under 20 kilometers) away from Isafjordur is the HI Korpudalur Youth Hostel. Other travelers may also enjoy staying at Guesthouse Aslaug, which has everything from shared accommodation to private rooms.

Visitors seeking a deluxe room can find one at Horn Hotel and Torg Hotel; these hotels also have standard rooms for those seeking comfort but not luxury. 

Hotels similar to this can be found at Patreksfjordur; Fosshotel Westfjords, for example, has a mix of standard and superior rooms. 

There are guesthouses in more remote locations across the Westfjords, which can appeal to those who want to find a beautifully peaceful spot far from anyone else. However, keep in mind that most of the accommodation in this region is only open during summer, as many of the roads here are blocked with snow and inaccessible during winter.

Information on which roads are open can be found on road.is.

Where To Stay In the Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Like the Westfjords, the Snaefellsnes Peninsula is often overlooked by travelers; it's, however, referred to as a microcosm of the rest of Iceland due to the diverse amount of dramatic scenery concentrated in just one strip of land 56 miles (90 kilometers) long. There are many tiny settlements here, with lodgings to suit various budgets and tastes.

There are several hostels in the area. These include HI Hostel Grundarfjordur and the Freezer Hostel in Rif, all providing comfort in beautiful locations at reasonable prices. Freezer Hostel is a little more expensive but often worth the extra cost, as it hosts a performance space where concerts, theatre performances, and comedy shows are regularly held.

There are also many pleasant hotels, such as Fosshotel Hellnar. However, those seeking more elegance will find no better than Hotel Budir. With its remote location, exquisite restaurant, and incredible views of the Snaefellsjokull glacier, it's a perfect place to unwind; it's also known for having a very romantic ambiance, making it ideal for a couple's getaway or even a wedding.

Accommodation in and around Stykkisholmur will put you near the region's largest town.

Best Places to Stay in Iceland in the More Remote Destinations

The above places are the most visited in Iceland, but accommodation exists in its most remote reaches too. The Highlands, for example, are rarely seen outside of group hikes, yet there are several places on its edge where you can stay.

The Wilderness Centre, Highland Centre, and Thorsmork Volcano Huts are examples that are open year-round; they invite their guests to explore this incredible region during their days and sleep in comfort at night. The former two also have a range of lodgings, from shared dorms to private rooms, while the latter also has private cottages.

As mentioned earlier, you can spend several weeks in Iceland without ever needing to stay in a hotel or hostel due to the many camping options available. Camping in Iceland can be made easy by taking a self-drive tour in a vehicle with a rooftop tent or traveling in a campervan.

• See also: Top 5 places to visit in the highlands of Iceland

It's also possible to buy a camping card, which gives you access to many of the sites around Iceland, and their website can direct you to where these are and what amenities they have.

Future Accommodation in Iceland

The best places to stay in Iceland are constantly evolving and improving. The demand for accommodation in Iceland is ever-growing, and hotel chains and independent people are racing to keep up with demand. New options are regularly opening, both in Reykjavik and across the rest of the country.

All in all, Iceland has a wealth of high-standard accommodations to suit all travelers based on their tastes, budgets, and needs. It's only getting better as the industry catches up with demand. Because of this, the whole of this magnificent country has become far more accessible, allowing you to reach and spend time in incredibly remote and awe-inspiring places.

Book well in advance and plan your trip around your lodgings, and you are sure to have a fantastic holiday in our beautiful country.