UMI Hotel, South Coast

Stay year-round at the UMI Hotel, a modern space situated between the sea and the subglacial volcano Eyjafjallajökull. Located just off the Ring Road, UMI Hotel is just over two hours from Reykjavík and 2.5 hours from the airport. This property was once an abandoned farm, which a family transformed into a stylish hotel that highlights the beauty of the surrounding area. Seljalandsfoss, with its picturesque cavern and cascading waters, and the arched rock formation of Dyrhólaey are both 30 minutes away by car, while the black sand beach of Víkurfjara is 40 minutes away.

The hotel offers around 25 rooms that are doubles or twins, featuring clear views of the mountains or sea. The style is simple and modern, with leather furniture, wooden furnishings, and wool blankets to add some more coziness in the winter. Superior options include extra amenities like Bluetooth speakers, espresso machines, and hair straighteners.

The view is the focus here, whether you're soaking in the sight of the volcano from the lounge bar or watching the northern lights from the comfort of your bed. The restaurant with tasty Icelandic cuisine made from locally sourced fare has windows all around to take in the landscape. This family-run operation has a personal feeling, which you'll notice as soon as you walk in the door and meet Breki, the family dog who's the hotel host and mascot.