Hótel Borg by Keahotels, Reykjavík

Pros

• You'll be staying in a landmark hotel in Reykjavík, renowned for its Art Deco style and historical significance as Iceland's first luxury property.
• Hótel Borg is centrally located a short walk from Reykjavík's main attractions, including the Parliament House and Hallgrímskirkja, and the Sculpture & Shore Walk.
• Indulge in a spa treatment, taking advantage of the indoor hot pool, sauna, and steam bath.
• En suite bathrooms are lux with heated floors, deep soaking tubs, and Molton Brown products.
• You don't have to leave the premises to find something to eat with the on-site Borg Restaurant.
• Gym rats can maintain their workout routine with the well-equipped gym and its state-of-the-art equipment.

Cons

• Some rooms use mechanical keys, which may feel less convenient than electronic key cards but add a touch of nostalgic charm to your experience
• Breakfast includes traditional Icelandic options and is considered satisfactory, though it might not cater to all international tastes.

Authenticity

Hótel Borg is a Reykjavík icon as Iceland's first luxury hotel, established in 1930 and dreamt up in the Art Deco style by strongman and wrestling champion native, Jóhannes Jósefsson (say hi to his bust in the hotel lobby). In its heyday, the hotel attracted luminaries like Marlene Dietrich, William Faulkner, and Ella Fitzgerald. A major renovation in 2015, including adding more rooms and facilities, helped restore the hotel to its former glory while also adding modern amenities. Interiors are adorned with Art Deco-inspired shapely leather armchairs and couches, wood and lacquer desks and tables, and veneered parquet flooring.

Location

Perfectly placed in the capital's bustling center, the distinguished landmark overlooks the picturesque Austurvöllur square, directly across from the Icelandic parliament and the national cathedral (Hallgrímskirkja). This prime location places you within easy walking distance of numerous cafés, restaurants, bars, and cultural attractions, including the scenic Tjörnin pond and waterfront Harpa, as well as the start of Laugavegur, the city's main shopping street. To snap those classic sunrise pics of the "Sun Voyager," takes about 15 minutes on foot, following the Sculpture & Shoreline Walk.

Rooms & Bathrooms

All 99 rooms, across seven room types, are tastefully styled with a mix of Art Deco flair and modern amenities, like Bang & Olufsen speakers and Nespresso machines. Expect displayed black-and-white photos of Reykjavík and custom-made furnishings, including parquet flooring, wood and lacquer desks, leather armchairs, and comfy Hästens beds. Black marble bathrooms come equipped with soaking tubs, heated floors, Molton Brown toiletries, robes, slippers, and Philippe Starck fittings. For top views, book an upper-floor Suite overlooking Austurvöllur square, or go all out with the Tower Suite for two floors of luxury and panoramic vistas of Iceland's capital.

Amenities

When it comes to amenities, Hótel Borg doesn't disappoint. The in-house Borg Spa provides a modern sanctuary where you can indulge in massage, facial treatments, and body therapies (book by appointment) and unwind in its hot pool, sauna, and steam room—perfect for recharging after a day of exploring. There's a full-service gym with free weights and cardio machines (treadmill, bike, and rowing), and in-house Borg Restaurant's menu reflects classic Icelandic fare, like pickled dishes, braised lamb shoulder, and Arctic char, bringing the Art Deco vibe into its space.

Family-Friendliness

Most rooms can accommodate up to three guests, while the Tower Suite can add adjacent Deluxe Rooms to sleep up to seven. Cots are available, as are extra beds (for a cost and depending on room choice).