Hotel Reykjavik Grand review: a warm welcome to iceland

As your plane descends into the wild expanse of Iceland, the rugged landscape begins to take hold of your imagination; volcanoes quietly stirring under thick ice caps, imposing lava fields stretching as far as they eye can see, and deep fjords carving their mark into the magnificent coastline.

Within this land of raw, untamed beauty, the city of Reykjavik emerges as a landmark of modern sophistication, exploration, and a unique introduction to Europe both as a destination and as an idea amongst travelers. At the heart of this Nordic city lies a gem waiting to be discovered—the Hotel Reykjavik Grand.

The Hotel Reykjavik Grand isn’t just about having a bed to crash in after a day of exploring (though trust us, the beds are definitely cloud-like). It’s about waking up to the views of sparkling seascapes, savoring local cuisine (Reykjavik is packed with amazing food) that’s as diverse and delightful as the land itself, and experiencing the warm Icelandic hospitality.

Whether you’re a family on a fun-filled vacation, co-parents creating memories, or a solo adventurer seeking thrills, this spot has you covered. Welcome to Hotel Reykjavik Grand.

Where is Hotel Reykjavik Grand located?

Much like its name, Hotel Reykjavik Grand is located just about 1 mile or approximately 1.5 KM from where the lively city center starts, making it a great option for travelers wanting to stay close to the action.

While the hotel is pretty close to most restaurants, pubs, and shops in Reykjavik, it makes for a much easier experience to have a car to get to and from the hotel as navigating to downtown Reykjavik involves some busy streets. For guests who do end up renting a car during their stay, the hotel offers free parking to patrons in a sizeable parking lot. Check out Blue Car Rental!

the room

Our room at Hotel Reykjavik Grand was quite comfortable, spacious, and came with a view of the active lobby below. The beds were spacious enough for us both to take one of our sons and sleep with them separately, and even though the room provided more than enough sunlight, we were able to draw the blinds shut during nap time in the middle of the day, creating enough darkness to sleep.

As far as the check-in process, it was relatively simple like most hotels. We had used Hotels.com to book all of our stays for our Iceland trip, and we also took advantage of the “pay when you arrive at the hotel option” just in case we ended up switching plans at the last second.

We did have a bit of an early flight which arrived at approximately 11 AM in the morning, and with standard check-in time being about 3 PM, we were unable to get an early check-in with the hotel being fully booked.

Hotel Reykjavik Grand is definitely one of Reykjavik’s most popular hotels, so in most cases, we would advise that you don’t bank on an early check-in unless their occupancy is abnormally low for when you’re visiting.

We ended up booking the Atrium View Twin Room for a total of 4 nights which costs us roughly $260 per weekend night (Friday & Saturday) and about $160 each per night for Sunday and Monday. This brought us to an approximate total of $850 for 4 nights. Not too bad!

Our room was situated on the 3rd floor of the hotel and accommodated up to 3 people (our youngest son is only 2 so it wasn’t a problem with the extra person).

Included in the Atrium View Twin Room is a satellite TV, Free WIFI, hair dryer, small fridge, a spacious bathroom, coffee/tea maker, and of course, a phone.

For our kids, we found the room to be exceptionally accommodating, spacious enough for them to move around in, and they had a blast playing in the curtains while watching guests move about their day below.

For us as co-parents, we were able to request two twin beds instead of one double, and each had a place to sit at night and work or watch shows so that we weren't right on top of each other.

Cash Thompson in the Grand Reykjavik Hotel Lobby

Amenities

The amenities at Hotel Reykjavik Grand are quite impressive as it is considered a “first class conference hotel for guests who require superior service and excellent facilities.”

This uniquely designed hotel truly does have everything family, co-parent, or solo travelers would need for their stay in Reykjavik.

Some of the amenities include: a gym or fitness center, a spa, complimentary WiFi, stylish lounges, a bar, a restaurant, and coffee service in the lobby.

Hotel Reykjavik Grand also has over 1,950 sq meters of event spaces that can host just about anything the mind can imagine.

We definitely enjoyed the coffee service and the delicious restaurant the most as we ended up eating at the hotel 2/4 nights during our stay here.

Reykjavik Spa

Although we didn’t get to make use of the spa, we heard from other guests that it was well worth indulging in. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 12pm-6pm and Sunday from 11am-3pm, guest can book treatments in advance to their arrival. Book Here.

dining options

Grand Brasserie

Open every day from 12pm-2pm and again from 6pm-10 pm, Grand Brasserie restaurant offers guests a variety of light meals and delicious wines. The décor makes for a beautiful setting and the ambiance set the tone for the rest of our culinary adventures in Iceland. You can check out the Lunch Menu & Dinner Menu in the links provided.

We very much enjoyed the Salmon, Duck Legs, and Grilled Beef Tenderloin.

Grand Brasserie Restaurant - Hotel Reykjavik Grand

Other Dining options near Hotel Reykjavik Grand

krost

Described as a relaxed grill & wine bar featuring small plates, burgers, and hearty traditional mains, KROST was recommended to us by quite a few travelers we know who had visited Iceland. Their menu can be found HERE.

GrillmarkaOurinn

Grillmarkaðurinn is a notable restaurant in Reykjavik, best known for its grill-focused menu. The interior is styled with natural elements like moss and trees, making for a unique atmosphere. The restaurant takes pride in sourcing ingredients from local farms, ensuring quality and freshness.

The menu offers a range of dishes, from locally inspired ones such as whale, horse, reindeer and puffin, to more conventional options like beef steak. Regardless of your preference, each dish is carefully grilled and smoked. A standout feature is their selection of gin cocktails, appreciated by many patrons.

To keep in mind: Grillmarkaðurinn is on the higher-end in price-range.

Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur

A famous hot dog stand operating since 1937 has made its mark in downtown Reykjavik. Even former US President Bill Clinton has stopped by for a bite. Nestled near the harbor, this small food stand is an excellent choice for those looking for a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.

The specialty here is a hearty hot dog, available with lamb or beef, loaded with various toppings. Try it with 'the works': a mix of fried and raw onions, ketchup, and remolaði, a blend of mayonnaise and mustard relish. A cold beer to complement the hot dog is a popular choice among visitors.

Though there's no seating available, the taste of these well-crafted hot dogs more than compensates for it. If you're in Reykjavik, this place is well worth a visit.

The price range here is more on the budget side.

Sustainability Practices

Hotel Reykjavík Grand proudly meets the stringent guidelines set by the Nordic Ecolabel, ensuring it upholds the highest level of environmental, health, and quality standards. The Nordic Swan Ecolabel, recognized as the official sustainability marker in the Nordic region, attests to the hotel's commitment to these standards.

overall experience

Hotel Reykjavik Grand was located in a phenomenal location, had all the amenities a band of family travelers could ask for, and our room gave us everything we needed. For a 4-night stay, we found the price point to be fair, and the staff was exceptionally helpful, informative, and kind. Especially the restaurant staff. They were so kind to our two boys and hooked them up with some paper and markers.

We really didn’t have to travel far for the things we needed—which made it comforting traveling with little kids.

The Havoc on Holiday travelers rates the Hotel Reykjavik Grand an 8.8/10 overall.