12 Best Hotels in City Center East, Reykjavík

At this five-story hotel designed by owner Ingibjörg Pálmadóttir, contemporary works by renowned local artists adorn the walls (the hotel also hosts exhibitions), and large, open-plan rooms are well appointed, with big, comfortable beds, American oak floors, and (in some) freestanding baths. The restaurant-bar serves great European and Asian food and killer cocktails beneath a dramatic glass ceiling. The cozy lounge and library area boasts leather sofas and an open fireplace. Massages can be arranged in your room, and in the basement you'll find a sauna, Jacuzzi, and small plunge pool.

At this lovely hotel in the trendy Lighthouse Village area of downtown Reykjavík, guest rooms are decorated in a typical Scandinavian-chic style, with a combination of rich, earthy tones contrasted with fresh, crisp whites and the occasional splash of vibrant color. There’s a tidy collection of amenities, including a hot tub, a gym, and a stylish dining area with an old record player and a selection of vinyl records. The atmosphere is thoroughly social in the comfortable lobby area, where a confectionery sells exquisite Icelandic chocolates and the aptly named Barber Bar serves cold beer with your haircut.

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.

Located right in the center of the buzziest street in downtown Reykjavik, this hotel comes with some serious value. Much less expensive than its competitors, it still boasts some of the same amenities like an on-site bar and restaurant, close attention to the interior design, and spacious community areas.

Found right off of Laugavegur, next door to foodhall Hlemmur Mathöll, the location of this hotel could not be better. Views of Mt. Esya will lull you to sleep and the best bars are steps away from when you want to put off bedtime for a bit.

This quietly elegant member of the prestigious World Hotels group has impeccable service and free Wi-Fi throughout, making it a favorite among business travelers. Though the rooms are small by modern standards, all are decorated with works by leading Icelandic artists—the hotel owners have the largest privately owned art collection in Iceland. There is a fitness room in the hotel, and all guests get free access to the largest gym and swimming pool in Iceland (a 7-minute cab ride away).

Across the street from the hilltop church of Hallgrímskirkja, this hotel is a short walk from most of Reykjavík's major attractions. Some guest rooms have balconies. Interiors are cozy, with hints of Scandinavian design here and there, and give off the vibe that you're staying with a good friend instead of at a nondescript hotel.

Five buildings in a calm corner of an older part of town make up this hotel with cheery and efficient guest rooms, some with nice views over Reykjavík's colorful rooftops. Its many regular guests choose it for its intimacy and convenience to the Old Town. The hotel's restaurant, Snaps, serves fish and steak from a bistro-type menu.

Minimal and cozy, the rooms at Hótel VON ride the line between boutique experience and local homestay. There may not be an on-site restaurant, but you're steps away from some of the city's best eats.

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.

With a number of self-catering apartments in the center of town, this place is for those who prefer to cook their own meals and would like extra space. All apartments have access to a Jacuzzi, and there's a sauna available too. The very friendly staff can assist you in planning the rest of your trip. There are also individual rooms you can book.

Located right in the center of Reykjavík, the Sand is one of the more luxurious hotels in the city. Art deco details set the scene, and supersoft beds seal the deal. Next door you'll find Sandholt, known as one of the best bakeries in the country. Don't miss their breakfast: It's the perfect way to start the day.