Hotel Katla by Keahotels, Vík

Pros

• You'll find yourself in a prime location to explore South Iceland's natural wonders, with black sand beaches, glaciers, and waterfalls all within a short drive.
• Past kimkim guests appreciated the amenities like the outdoor hot tub and sauna, perfect for relaxation after a day of exploring.
• The on-site restaurant serves quality Icelandic dishes like gravlax and roast lamb.
• Happy Hour at the bar offers a wide selection of cocktails, wines, and beers, making it an ideal spot to relax in the evening.

Cons

• The hotel is a bit outside (a 5-minute drive) the center of Vík.
• While guests can enjoy a hearty breakfast buffet with fresh fruits, vegetables, and pastries, the price isn't included in the room rate.
• Some rooms and en suite bathrooms could do with a refresh. 

Authenticity

Hotel Katla is a rustic property that channels the Scandinavian summer home aesthetic with shiplap-clad rooms (as seen in the Standard categories) and simple furnishings. The restaurant showcases Icelandic culinary traditions with dishes like gravlax and roast lamb, but it's the views of the surrounding nature, including the mountain the hotel backs onto.

Location

Nestled just outside the center of Vík, Hotel Katla provides a quiet base for exploring Iceland's South Coast. You'll be 5 minutes away from Vík and its black sand beach, Vikurfjara, and 18 minutes away from Reynisfjara and the basalt stacks of Reynisdrangur. Not to mention, Dyrhólaey, where you can view puffins, is 23 minutes away, and Skógafoss is about 40. Vík is home to a handful of eateries, shops, the popular Lava Show, and hiking trails. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

There are seven categories of rooms, with only the Standard Triple and Superior Triple rooms accommodating up to three travelers. Some rooms look out to the Icelandic landscape, some look onto the parking lot and hotel buildings. Rooms are bright and airy, with tall ceilings, some slanted, and some (the Standard category) with all or partial clapboard cladding. All rooms, even less rustic, share a similar aesthetic with simple furnishings, moss green and/or gray textiles, and large photographic artwork of nature scenes from around the country. The property is wheelchair accessible and caters to those with limited mobility.

Amenities

Hotel Katla has a large restaurant that serves buffet-style breakfast and a la carte dinner with views and a menu focusing on Icelandic ingredients. Guests can unwind at the bar and lounge, enjoying a selection of cocktails, wines, and beers, with a daily happy hour. The hotel also offers an outdoor hot tub, sauna, and a small gym. The outdoor hot tub is a highlight for many guests.

Family-Friendliness

Hotel Katla isn't particularly tailored for families, as it lacks specific amenities for children. However, its spacious rooms, option to request an extra bed to sleep up to four guests in the two triple room categories (for a charge), and proximity to natural attractions might be enough for smaller families.