Reykjavík Marina - Berjaya Iceland Hotels, Reykjavík

Pros

• You'll find yourself in Reykjavík's vibrant Old Harbour and within a short walk of cultural sights like the Saga Museum and Harpa Concert Hall.
• The hotel's decor mixes funky local pieces and vintage photographs with designer furniture for a cool, laid-back feel.
• Rooms are creatively laid out and decorated with a nod to Iceland's fishing heritage, featuring maritime-themed art and wallpapers alongside tartan fabrics and retro furniture,
• You'll find a variety of creative common spaces, including a cozy lounge with a firepit, a small private cinema, a professional hair salon, and a popular cocktail bar and bistro.

Cons

• The simplest rooms tend to be very small; consider upgrading for more space and harbor views.
• Locals frequent the adjoining Slippbarinn bar and bistro, and it can get busy on the weekends.

Authenticity

Reykjavík Marina's four-story building is something of a local landmark, with a distinctive curved facade that's housed everything from a paint factory to a carpentry workshop. Today, it's a cool harborside hotel, with a recent redesign by THG Architects. The interior draws inspiration from its surroundings, with an eclectic mix of nautical-themed artwork, vintage photos, and kitschy knick-knacks (look out for the stuffed puffins and carved fisherman) among the designer furniture and statement lighting pieces. The hotel's breakfast buffet lets you start your day Icelander style with a shot of cod liver oil, while after dark you'll find locals flocking to adjoining Slippbarinn, the city's first cocktail bar.

Location

Situated at the edge of Reykjavík's Old Harbour, the hotel overlooks a bustling tableau of fishing boats and whaling tours. It's a 5-minute amble along the scenic Sculpture and Shore Walk to the Maritime Museum, or a 15-minute stroll toward the vibrant downtown area to reach sites like the Harpa Concert Hall and the Settlement Museum. Harbor and whale watching tours leave just feet from the hotel's doorstep, and in the summer you can hop on a ferry to nearby Viðey island. There's no parking available on-site, but convenient free parking is available nearby.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The 150+ rooms range from tiny singles to suites, but the recurring theme is playful—think maritime wallpapers, colorful tartan fabrics, retro furniture, and tiled bathrooms with simple showers. The smallest rooms have a dorm-like look, but with enough stylish touches and mod-cons to keep them from feeling too spartan. Book one of the larger Double or Deluxe rooms for harbor views or a balcony, or nab the Adalbjorg Suite for an apartment-like feel, complete with living room, kitchenette, and a clawfoot tub overlooking the harbor. The hotel also has 10 accessible rooms available for guests with limited mobility. 

Amenities

The hotel's creative common areas are the real stars of the show here, including a cool lounge with a '60s-style firepit, a cozy library with wingback chairs and leather sofas, a small cinema that hosts movie nights, and a professional hair salon. Step into the popular Slippbarinn bar and bistro to experience a legendary part of the city's nightlife, where locals flock to sip cocktails and nibble on vegan burgers and American-style chicken wings. An optional buffet spread of meats, cheeses, cereals, and fruit is served at the breakfast bar each morning, and those with an extra early start can arrange for a handy on-the-go option.

Family-Friendliness

Families are welcome at the Reykjavík Marina, and you'll find plenty of room configurations to suit larger groups. Family rooms sleep four with an extra sofa bed, while the fun Studio 6 room sleeps up to six with its large bunk beds. The on-site restaurant features a kids' menu, and the colorful common areas and mini-cinema are often a hit with kids and teens.