Skálakot Manor Hotel, Golden Circle

Pros

• This renovated manor house sits on a historic South Iceland horse farm in the shadow of the Eyjafjallajökull stratovolcano, just off the Ring Road and 15 minutes from Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss.
• The 14 rooms are spacious and individually designed, with tasteful country house-inspired decor and options for balconies and deep old-fashioned bathtubs.
• Step into the cozy dining room for farm-to-table fine dining made from locally sourced and seasonal ingredients.
• The on-site stables provide guided riding excursions on the farm's homebred Icelandic horses.
• You can unwind after a day of hiking or horseback riding in the small freestanding spa, complete with a hot pool and sauna.

Cons

• The "sea view" rooms face the ocean, but it's quite far away.
• The hotel doesn't have an elevator, but the staff is happy to assist with luggage.

Authenticity

Skálakot Manor Hotel is run by Guðmundur and Jóhanna, the seventh-generation owners of this historic South Iceland horse farm. Native breed sheep and Icelandic horses still graze the sweeping green fields, but the early 20th-century manor house is now a beautiful small boutique hotel, filled with period features like vaulted beamed ceilings and decorated with vintage-inspired touches like crystal pendant lamps and herringbone parquet floors. If you ever tire of gazing out the picture windows, you'll find nods to the surrounding landscapes in the many pastoral oil paintings and equestrian-themed objets d'art, and you can explore the nearby beaches and highlands on horseback by booking scenic rides at the on-site stables.

Location

The hotel has a truly spectacular setting, nestled at the foot of the dramatic Eyjafjallajökull stratovolcano and surrounded by rural South Iceland landscapes. Located about two hours southeast of Reykjavík, it's set just slightly off the famous Ring Road and lies equidistant between the popular waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss (each about 15 minutes away by car). The open-air Skógar Museum is a 15-minute drive south, and another 25 minutes beyond that takes you to the black-sand beaches of Vík. It makes a perfect base for hiking in the region, and several trails lie within walking distance.

Rooms & Bathrooms

Each of the hotel's 14 rooms is individually designed, with elegant decor that includes Chesterfield headboards, vintage-style wallpapers, and geometric tiled bathrooms. Most feature vaulted ceilings, painted beams, and large windows, and some include small balconies with views of the mountains or the distant coast. Standard units are still relatively roomy, while the larger second-floor Grand rooms add balconies or deep old-fashioned bathtubs. The top-floor Master Suite is a guest favorite, with a freestanding clawfoot tub, a cozy woodstove, and a balcony facing the coast and the offshore Westman Islands. Two double rooms on the ground floor are wheelchair accessible.

Amenities

A complimentary breakfast buffet of Icelandic classics is served each morning, and you can order heartier a la carte options like traditional pancakes and eggs. Later in the day, the charming dining space transitions to lunch and dinner menus featuring creative takes on seasonal Icelandic ingredients. Nearby, a cozy lounge is an ideal spot for coffee and cakes or a nightcap, and in warmer weather the outdoor terrace hosts summer barbecues. A small spa is located in a separate building off the manor, where you'll find a sauna, a large hot pool, and treatment rooms for deep tissue and hot stone massages. 

Family-Friendliness

Children are welcome at Skálakot Manor Hotel, and the plentiful outdoor space and resident Icelandic horses are sure to appeal to young nature lovers (particularly during the spring foaling season). The Mini Suite is the best choice for families, with a separate living area that can accommodate two extra beds. Larger groups can also book the entire third floor which includes the Master Suite and a Standard Twin. Families should note there's no elevator, so upper-story rooms are accessed by stairs and may not suit young children and strollers.