an absolutely fantastic trip...

Iceland | Jul 2 - Jul 16, 2023

We spent two nights at Herad - Berjaya Hotel. The hotel room was average, but it pleasantly surprised us with its slightly above-average size and well-appointed amenities, including a nice shower. The location in Egilsstadir, a decent-sized city, proved to be convenient as it had two grocery stores and several restaurants within walking distance from the hotel (or a very short drive). One of the highlights of our stay was the proximity to Vök Baths, just a 15-minute drive away. We indulged in this relaxing experience every night, making it a perfect end-of-the-day treat. Another positive aspect was the availability of an EV charger at the hotel. While you needed to have your own cable, it was a great convenience for electric vehicle . The breakfast buffet at Herad - Berjaya offered a wide selection of items. We particularly enjoyed the good espresso they served, adding a pleasant touch to our mornings. Overall, our stay at Herad - Berjaya Hotel was enjoyable, and the combination of its amenities, location, and EV charger made it a convenient and comfortable choice during our time in Egilsstadir.

Describing this place as a hotel is quite a stretch. It is located on the second floor, above a busy road and a bank, with just five rooms. Unfortunately, it lacked any distinctive character or charm. To add to the disappointment, the management misrepresented the room, and despite our efforts to work with them and address the issue, they proved to be highly unaccommodating, and it even left us questioning their honesty. Given our experience, I strongly advise against choosing this accommodation for your stay. There are much better options available that will provide a more pleasant and genuine hospitality experience.

The Gullfoss Hotel proved to be a conveniently situated accommodation along the Golden Circle, offering a serene setting that granted us swift access at day's end and a hassle-free departure the next morning. The rooms were slightly above the average European size and, though modest in amenities, provided a comfortable stay. Additionally, the breakfast spread was satisfying, boasting a wide array of standard options to choose from.

The Katla Hotel offers rooms that match the standard of a mid-level chain hotel, but they could use a bit of tender loving care and come with limited amenities. The dining experience, both breakfast and dinner, lived up to expectations. Being a larger-than-average hotel, it did get a bit crowded, resulting in lines at the buffet. Nevertheless, the food quality was good, slightly above average, as they pleasantly included a selection of typical Icelandic traditional dishes. The hotel boasts a small, hot bath area, as well as a compact gym with a limited range of equipment. On the whole, the hotel seems to align with a three-star rating, but what sets it apart are the enjoyable hot bath facilities and the inclusion of typical Icelandic dishes. Conveniently situated in Vic, the hotel's location proves to be an added advantage.

This hotel messed up our reservations, and instead of July 6th it booked our reservations for June 6th. we did not use this hotel and where disappointed with this mess up

Our stay at Hrifunes Guesthouse was an absolute pleasure. The apartment we stayed in felt like like the personal residence of the owners, Haukur and Hadda. The breathtaking views from the property added to the overall amazing experience. The staff at Hrifunes Guesthouse truly exceeded our expectations, providing us with exceptional last-minute support. When our friends faced a mix-up with their reservations at a nearby guesthouse and had their accommodations canceled just before check-in, we reached out to Hrifunes Guesthouse in a frantic situation. To our relief, they went above and beyond to accommodate our friends within just 30 minutes, saving the day! On top of that, they treated us all to a delicious homemade dinner, creating a memorable dining experience. The warm and inviting atmosphere, coupled with the outstanding hospitality and stunning views, made our stay truly unforgettable. Meals were served family-style. The menu offered a diverse selection of dishes, catering to both vegetarians and meat lovers. It's worth noting that Hrifunes Guesthouse is situated quite off the main road, approximately a 15-minute drive on a gravel road. However, the tranquil and picturesque location only adds to the charm of this hidden gem. In conclusion, we wholeheartedly recommend Hrifunes Guesthouse to anyone seeking a cozy retreat with exceptional service, a welcoming ambiance, and the added bonus of mesmerizing views. Our experience was nothing short of fantastic.

This guesthouse was of average quality, and we found out that it was family-owned and managed. Our rooms were tidy and clean, featuring comfortable beds for a good night's rest. However, one downside was the shower /bathroom, which lacked amenities, affecting the overall rating of the hotel. We dined at the hotel for both dinner and breakfast. The dinner options were somewhat limited, but we were pleasantly surprised by the incredibly delicious homemade dandelion ice cream (made from Brunnhóll Country Guesthouse's own cows) . Additionally, we enjoyed the unique VatnaJokull beer, an IPA infused with thyme! As for breakfast, it was average, offering the usual fare without any standout elements. Overall, the guesthouse provided a decent stay with some delightful highlights in the dining experience.

The Fosshótel Lind boasts a prime location just outside the heart of Reykjavik, making it conveniently accessible to most tourist attractions and shopping areas by foot. One of the highlights of this hotel is its delightful breakfast, which is of exceptional quality. we also liked the espresso / cappuccino . Additionally, the front desk staff are welcoming and amicable, ensuring a pleasant stay for guests. The rooms at Fosshótel Lind are comfortably sized and equipped with amenities that align with the standards of a typical average European hotel. This ensures that guests have a satisfying and comfortable experience during their stay.

Situated in the Myvatn Geothermal area, the Fosshótel Mývatn is a delightful hotel exuding charm. With its mid-century furnishings and decor, it brings a unique touch to the atmosphere. The dining area has been thoughtfully designed to showcase stunning views of the lake. A standout feature is the sauna, adding a touch of relaxation to the stay (unless one would like to experience the Myvatn Geothermal spa) . Moreover, the parking lot boasts a few EV chargers, a definite plus for eco-conscious travelers. The hotel staff, both at the front desk and in the restaurant, consistently provide a warm and helpful experience. The rooms offer sufficient space and comfort, though there's a slight downside – they tend to become overly warm, and regrettably, there's no way to adjust the temperature. Despite this, our stay was thoroughly enjoyable.

A stunning guesthouse located slightly north of Hvammstangi, both the interior and exterior are truly captivating. The bed (and the sofa) was exceptionally comfortable, and the cleanliness and spaciousness of the place, including the generously-sized bathroom, were notable. The room and porch offered breathtaking views, adding to the overall experience. We were pleasantly surprised by the breakfast, neatly arranged in the room's refrigerator upon our arrival. The variety and quality of the spread left a strong impression. I wholeheartedly recommend this guesthouse.

We found the Guesthouse Storu-Laugar to be a pleasant choice for accommodation. The service was friendly and accommodating. The room came with breakfast, which was satisfactory (Dinner could be requested in advance). The only peculiar aspect was the layout – the bedroom was in one building while the breakfast room was 150 meters away in another building , which was inconvenient in the morning . The natural hot tub, while resembling a cement trough with hot spring water, offered stunning countryside views. It provided a delightful way to wrap up the day.

The Hestaland Guesthouse is a haven for those with an affection for horses, as the name "Hestaland" implies. Nestled within a horse ranch, it attracted guests who were either on their way to or returning from horse tours – a trend we noticed except for our own group. The porch held a jacuzzi, warm though not steaming hot. Unfortunately, we couldn't adjust the temperature, prompting us to visit the wonderful Krauma thermal spa for a more satisfying soak. Another option was the Borgarnes Swimming Pool, which proved to be a budget-friendly alternative. Inside, an open kitchen served as a gathering spot, providing a limited breakfast and space for some guests to enjoy their takeout dinners. However, our room was particularly compact, and the bathroom mirrored this size constraint. The challenge was keeping the bathroom floor dry, a task that proved rather difficult.

Hotel Holt in Reykjavík is conveniently accessible by car. We arrived early and were pleased to find free parking available at the hotel's lot. The hotel's location is just a short stroll away from the city center and Reykjavik's main attractions, including restaurants and bars. A standout feature of the hotel is its original collection of artwork, thoughtfully curated by the owner. This added a charming and unique touch, reminiscent of times gone by (given that the hotel was constructed in the 1960s). The breakfast provided was truly exceptional, ranking among the best we experienced during our two-week trip. Our room was clean and offered nice amenities, including an artistic espresso machine. However, it was evident that the room's was dated, and some maintenance work could enhance the overall experience. The front desk staff were friendly and welcoming, contributing to a positive stay.

This tour was educational and enjoyable. However, it was a bit crowded, which made the experience less personal. Still, the Fontana Geothermal Baths that followed were a great treat.

This experience was a nice treat after the Rye Bread tour. It was relaxing and fun. Really enjoyed the hot springs.

This experience was fantastic and exceeded expectations. The tour guide was excellent, energetic, and provided informative geological and historical insights. This wasn't just a hike, it was a truly informative experience.

This was one of the four different baths we visited. Each of them was unique and provided a relaxing experience. Really enjoyed these baths.

This was another lovely spa experience. Enjoyed the uniqueness of each spa visited.

This tour was oversold and under-delivered. The promised super jeep was simply two old-fashioned vans, one of which broke down and had to be towed both ways. The tour was overcrowded with 25 people (and not 12-15 as promised), making the tour more cumbersome and slow. However, the tour guide was decent and we somehow got what we expected from him.

The food tour was delightful, involving visits to several restaurants where we indulged in delicious Icelandic dishes. The explanations provided were informative, and there was an ample amount of food to savor. However, the group turned out to be larger than expected, which made it a bit challenging to hear the guide clearly.