20 Best Places to Stay in Iceland: Comprehensive Accommodation Guide

Accommodations in Iceland range from five-star luxury geothermal resorts and iconic Nordic design hotels to secluded turf-roof cabins, glass aurora igloos, and historic lighthouse guesthouses. Whether staying in downtown Reykjavík or along the quiet shores of the Westfjords, lodging in Iceland offers unique architecture and stunning natural vistas.

What to Expect From Iceland Hotels

Hotels across Iceland blend sleek Nordic minimalism with extreme proximity to natural elements. Key highlights include:

  • Geothermal Wellness: Many hotels feature outdoor thermal hot tubs, saunas, and direct hot spring access.
  • Northern Lights Services: Countryside hotels often offer wake-up calls when the Aurora Borealis appears in the night sky.
  • Nordic Design & Sustainability: Sleek wooden interiors, eco-friendly geothermal heating, and floor-to-ceiling glass windows framing wild landscapes.
  • Local Breakfast Buffets: Generous breakfast spreads featuring Skyr, freshly baked bread, smoked salmon, and hot coffee.

20 Best Places to Stay in Iceland

1. The Retreat at Blue Lagoon

  • Style: Ultra-Luxury Geothermal Resort
  • Location: Grindavík, Reykjanes Peninsula
  • Best For: Five-Star Spa Luxury & Honeymooners
  • About the Place: An exclusive sanctuary featuring private access to a subterranean geothermal lagoon, floor-to-ceiling glass suites surrounded by lava fields, a underground spa, and Michelin-recommended dining.
  • Book & Explore: Places to Stay in Iceland

2. Hotel Rangá

  • Style: Luxury Countryside Lodge
  • Location: Hella, South Coast
  • Best For: Northern Lights Viewing & Astronomy
  • About the Place: A log-cabin resort featuring geothermal outdoor hot tubs, themed suites, gourmet dining, and its own high-tech astronomical observatory with expert astronomers on site.
  • Book & Explore: Places to Stay in Iceland

3. Ion Adventure Hotel

  • Style: Modern Eco-Design Hotel
  • Location: Near Þingvellir National Park
  • Best For: Architecture Enthusiasts & Nature Retreats
  • About the Place: An award-winning design hotel jutting out over lava fields near Lake Þingvallavatn. Features a glass-walled Northern Lights bar, thermal pool, and eco-friendly construction.
  • Book & Explore: Places to Stay in Iceland

4. The Reykjavik EDITION

  • Style: Modern 5-Star Luxury City Hotel
  • Location: Old Harbour, Reykjavík
  • Best For: Waterfront Luxury, Dining & Nightlife
  • About the Place: Located next to Harpa Concert Hall, featuring sophisticated contemporary design, custom timber details, a spa, rooftop bars, and fine dining by top Icelandic chefs.
  • Book & Explore: Places to Stay in Iceland

5. Hotel Búðir

  • Style: Historic Countryside Boutique Hotel
  • Location: Búðir, Snæfellsnes Peninsula
  • Best For: Romance, Coastal Isolation & Fine Dining
  • About the Place: Set beside a famous black wooden chapel on a remote lava field along the ocean, offering ocean-facing rooms, cozy fireplaces, and an acclaimed seasonal restaurant.
  • Book & Explore: Places to Stay in Iceland

6. Deplar Farm

  • Style: Ultra-Exclusive Outdoor Luxury Lodge
  • Location: Troll Peninsula, North Iceland
  • Best For: Heli-Skiing, Outdoor Adventure & Luxury
  • About the Place: A converted sheep farm with a turf roof in a remote mountain valley, offering custom heli-skiing, geothermal indoor/outdoor swimming pools, sauna, and full-inclusive service.
  • Book & Explore: Places to Stay in Iceland

7. Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon

  • Style: Contemporary Wilderness Hotel
  • Location: Hnappavellir, near Jökulsárlón
  • Best For: Glacier Lagoon Exploration
  • About the Place: A stylish design hotel situated between Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, offering panoramic mountain rooms, sauna, hot tubs, and gourmet restaurant.
  • Book & Explore: Places to Stay in Iceland

8. Hotel Umi

  • Style: Minimalist Nordic Boutique Hotel
  • Location: Eyjafjöll, South Coast
  • Best For: Quiet Beach & Volcano Views
  • About the Place: Tucked at the foot of Eyjafjallajökull volcano facing black sand coastal plains, featuring minimalist Scandinavian decor, ocean views, and fine dining.
  • Book & Explore: Places to Stay in Iceland

9. Siglo Hotel

  • Style: Historic Harbor Resort Hotel
  • Location: Siglufjörður, North Iceland
  • Best For: Fjord Scenery & Relaxation
  • About the Place: Built directly over the water in a historic fishing town, featuring oceanfront balconies, outdoor geothermal hot tubs right by the fjord, and harbor dining.
  • Book & Explore: Places to Stay in Iceland

10. Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre

  • Style: Chic Urban Lifestyle Hotel
  • Location: Downtown Reykjavík
  • Best For: Walking Distance to Shopping & Dining
  • About the Place: Set across interconnected historic houses near Laugavegur, featuring local vinyl record collections, Nordic design, cozy lounge fires, and bike rentals.
  • Book & Explore: Places to Stay in Iceland

11. Hotel Lakagígar

  • Style: Countryside Lake Hotel
  • Location: Kirkjubæjarklaustur, South Coast
  • Best For: Rural Peace & Volcanic Excursions
  • About the Place: A serene countryside hotel set beside a small lake, serving as a base for Super Jeep tours into the remote Laki volcanic craters.
  • Book & Explore: Places to Stay in Iceland

12. Bubble Hotel (5 Million Star Hotel)

  • Style: Transparent Glamping Dome
  • Location: South Iceland & Golden Circle Secret Locations
  • Best For: Stargazing & Aurora Borealis
  • About the Place: Transparent, climate-controlled bubble domes situated inside secluded pine forests, offering guests the chance to sleep directly under the stars and Northern Lights.
  • Book & Explore: Places to Stay in Iceland

13. Krapf (Magma Hotel)

  • Style: Lakeside Boutique Cabins
  • Location: Kirkjubæjarklaustur
  • Best For: Cozy Stays & Volcano Landscapes
  • About the Place: Cozy private rooms housed in wooden cabins overlooking a quiet lake and moss-covered lava fields, offering tranquil privacy and birdwatching.
  • Book & Explore: Places to Stay in Iceland

14. Hotel Kraz (Hotel Kálfafell)

  • Style: Countryside Guesthouse
  • Location: Near Skaftafell
  • Best For: Budget Ring Road Travelers
  • About the Place: A traditional, friendly family-run hotel offering comfortable rooms and warm home-cooked meals right along the southern Ring Road.
  • Book & Explore: Places to Stay in Iceland

15. Hótel Húsafell

  • Style: Sustainable Luxury Resort
  • Location: Húsafell, West Iceland
  • Best For: Eco-Luxury, Hiking & Thermal Pools
  • About the Place: A 100% self-sustaining resort powered by on-site hydroelectricity, featuring geometric design, thermal pools, a golf course, and proximity to ice caves.
  • Book & Explore: Places to Stay in Iceland

16. Eyja Guldsmeden Hotel

  • Style: Eco-Boutique Hotel
  • Location: Near Laugavegur, Reykjavík
  • Best For: Eco-Conscious Travelers
  • About the Place: A certified eco-friendly boutique hotel featuring Bali-inspired organic wooden canopy beds, organic breakfasts, and warm bohemian atmosphere.
  • Book & Explore: Places to Stay in Iceland

17. Hotel Kea

  • Style: Classic City Hotel
  • Location: Downtown Akureyri
  • Best For: Northern Exploration & Urban Access
  • About the Place: A historic hotel located in central Akureyri right next to Akureyrarkirkja church, offering traditional rooms, bar, and easy access to shops.
  • Book & Explore: Places to Stay in Iceland

18. Seljótel (Hotel Selja)

  • Style: Boutique Country Hotel
  • Location: Near Seljalandsfoss
  • Best For: South Coast Sightseeing
  • About the Place: A family-run country hotel offering clean modern rooms with mountain views, positioned just minutes from Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls.
  • Book & Explore: Places to Stay in Iceland

19. Laxá Hótel

  • Style: Modern Eco-Hotel
  • Location: Lake Mývatn
  • Best For: Lake Mývatn Exploration
  • About the Place: Sleek modern hotel set on a hill overlooking Lake Mývatn and surrounding lava fields, featuring large floor-to-ceiling windows and local dining.
  • Book & Explore: Places to Stay in Iceland

20. Kex Hostel

  • Style: Vintage Industrial Social Hostel & Hotel
  • Location: Old Biscuit Factory, Reykjavík
  • Best For: Solo Travelers, Backpackers & Social Vibe
  • About the Place: Housed inside an old biscuit factory along the waterfront, combining vintage school furniture, a lively gastropub, private rooms, and dorms.
  • Book & Explore: Places to Stay in Iceland

Featured Image

The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland
The Retreat at Blue Lagoon