Hótel Vestmannaeyjar, Westman Islands

Pros

• You'll find yourself in Heimaey's town center, with most of the island's hiking and bird-watching opportunities reachable by car in under 10 minutes. 
• Rooms are simple but comfortable, furnished in a minimalist, neutral style. 
•  The small lower-level spa area includes hot tubs, showers, and a sauna.
• A generous breakfast buffet is included in the room rate, and the on-site restaurant serves a creative menu of locally sourced seafood and produce for lunch and dinner.

Cons

• Rooms are basic and compact; if space is a priority, you should upgrade to the larger Deluxe Double option.

Authenticity

Hótel Vestmannaeyjar sits on Heimaey, the largest (and only inhabited) island of the Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar). The three-story building features a convenient address in the center of the island's eponymous town, and while the modern interiors don't offer much in the way of authentic charm, it makes a handy, comfortable spot to base yourself for a few days of puffin watching and volcano hikes. The decor leans toward utilitarian and simple, but you'll find a few nods to the surroundings in the panoramic photos of island landscapes and tasteful volcanic-themed decor in the on-site restaurant. 

Location

Most visitors arrive on Heimaey via the 45-minute ferry from the mainland, and the hotel is just 10 minutes on foot (or a 3-minute drive) from the port. There are plenty of shops and restaurants within a block or two, and you can easily stroll to the Sagnheimar Folk Museum or the Eldheimar Volcano Museum, grab your hiking boots and drive 5 minutes east to the Eldfell crater trailhead, or turn 10 minutes south to the world's largest puffin colony. You'll find plentiful free parking on-site, and there's an EV charging station across the street.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The hotel's 40+ rooms are simple and somewhat nondescript, with options ranging from spartan singles to a larger double room with a seating area. All feature a neutral palette of greys and taupes with wood-style flooring and large windows, plus electric kettles, WiFi, and modern bathrooms with walk-in showers. Most rooms and bathrooms are on the small side, so if extra space is a priority try to nab the Deluxe Double, which adds some square footage as well as scenic views over the nearby volcanoes. 

Amenities

Icelandic seafood and locally sourced produce feature on the creative menus at the ground-floor Einsi Kaldi restaurant, where you can order a la carte or splurge on a multicourse tasting menu surrounded by volcanic-themed decor. A complimentary breakfast buffet is served in the same space each morning, and there's a cozy bar area that makes a nice spot to start (or end) an evening. Downstairs, you'll find a small spa area with multiple hot tubs and a traditional sauna, and massage treatments can be arranged with the front desk.

Family-Friendliness

Hótel Vestmannaeyjar welcomes families, though the limited room options aren't a great match for larger groups. Foldaway cribs and extra beds are available at request, and the on-site restaurant offers a kids' menu.