Where to stay in Iceland – Top 5 Cool and Unique Places to Stay in Iceland (2024 Guide)

Where to stay in Iceland hotels

Are you traveling to Iceland and don’t know where to stay? There are plenty of great accommodation options, and choosing the best one for you can be a little intimidating.

Well, if you’re trying to decide where to stay in Iceland, you’ve come to the right place. This guide breaks down some of the coolest and most unique places to stay in Iceland. 

Rightly nicknamed “The Land of Fire and Ice”, this is a country of glaciers, lava fields, and hot springs. Known for its natural wonders and breathtaking landscapes.

It’s also the perfect country to find cool and unusual accommodation that will make you love it even more.

Where to Stay in Iceland

When planning where to stay in Iceland, one could choose to book standard, run-of-the-mill hotels. But some travelers prefer something a little more unique. 

Are you looking for a hotel with a difference?

What about a farmhouse where you can explore Iceland riding a horse? Or an eco-conscious, luxury hotel in the middle of nature where you can see the Northern Lights?

I’ve put together a list of the most interesting and unique stays in Iceland, to help you get the most out of your trip.

lake city lights

Unique Places to Stay in Iceland

Now, without further ado, here are 5 of the most inspiring and cool hotels in Iceland. 

Each one is unique and offers a wonderfully distinctive atmosphere. There’s no doubt that they’re some of the most amazing places to stay in Iceland.

1. Rangá hotel – The perfect place to view the Northern Lights

Ranga Hotel

If you don’t know where to stay in Iceland but you know you want to relax and immerse yourself in the natural world, Rangá hotel is for you.

Located almost 10km from Reykjavík, in south Iceland, it will allow you to explore the country’s hidden wilderness.

And you will have a wakeup call if the Northern Lights appear so you won’t miss them! It’s certainly one of the coolest places to stay in Iceland!

Don’t leave the hotel without tasting its delicious wild salmon! And be sure to take a soak in one of its outdoor hot tubs.

2. Hotel Eldhestar, one of the best places to stay in Iceland

Eldhestar is a countryside hotel for nature and adventure lovers. Do you know that it’s inspired by the Icelandic horse?

A really important animal in their culture.

Icelandic horse

Located in the heart of southwestern Iceland, just off the Ring Road, this eco-friendly accommodation has a unique location between volcanic mountains and hidden valleys. It’s one of the most interesting and unusual hotels Iceland has to offer.

Eldhestar hotel offers a variety of riding and horse trekking tours that will connect you with nature. Would you like to explore the green hills surrounding the volcano Hengill?

Or would you prefer to ride through the islands of the Ölfusá delta? You choose!

Finally, after an exciting day, what about a relaxing afternoon at one of Eldhestar’s hot tubs? What else can you ask for?

3. Fosshotel Vatnajökull – Enjoy the panoramic view of Vatnajökull glacier

Fosshotel Vatnajökull

Fosshotel Vatnajökull hotel is located in the southeast of Iceland with a spectacular panoramic view of the majestic glacier Vatnajökull. This enormous glacier is one of the largest in Europe! 

The hotel is the perfect accommodation if you want to take guided glacier tours or boat trips on the Jokulsarlon lagoon.

It also offers fantastic hiking trips to nearby Skaftafell National Park. In my opinion, it’s one of the most unique hotels in Iceland!

3. 101 Hotel – Explore the vibrating capital town of Reykjavik

Reykjavik from above

One of the best, well-designed Iceland hotels, 101 Hotel is located in downtown Reykjavik, known for its shopping, art and design.

All rooms in the hotel are super stylish and decorated in black and white. Choose those overlooking the harbor for amazing views.

This place is one of those unique places to stay in Iceland.

Are you ready to explore the city that Anita Briem and Björk call home? Reykjavik is also the starting point for the classic, Icelandic Ring Road trip.

101hotel hotel iceland

4. Ion Adventure Hotel – The coolest place to stay in Iceland for a luxury adventure

If you like challenges and extreme adventure but also want to feel unique and special; ION Adventure hotel is the best choice.

ION hotel

Go for a trek on volcano Mt. Hengill, explore the Nesjavellir Geothermal Power Station or the famous Gullfoss waterfall. You’ll love it!

Located just outside of Thingvellir National Park, it’s definitely one of the coolest hotels Iceland has to offer.

After a day full of exploring, the best way to relax is to taste ION Adventure Hotel’s selection of organic food and a massage at the spa. Or, kick back in the stunning outdoor swimming pool and admire the otherworldly views.

Cool places to stay in Iceland – Final thoughts

The enchanting lava fields, active volcanoes, icy glaciers, and steamy springs of Iceland will capture your heart and leave you breathless.

These unique Iceland hotels will only enhance the experience and help to make your visit an adventure you’ll never forget. 

Have you been to Iceland? Have you stayed at any of these Iceland unique hotels? Are any of them on your bucket list?

If you liked these hotels to stay in Iceland, you will love my guides to the top 5 things to do in Iceland and 10 Must-see natural wonders of Iceland.

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Sara Rodríguez

A passionate traveler with a mission: Help you plan your next trip easily and enjoy it to the fullest.

In this travel blog you will find everything you need to get inspired and organize your next adventure. Read more about my story here.

20 responses to “Where to stay in Iceland – Top 5 Cool and Unique Places to Stay in Iceland (2024 Guide)”

  1. Marlys says:

    I’ve never ever been to Iceland but have read so much about it that I’m really tempted to put it in my bucket list. Perhaps in summer though. I’m not for snow and ice. I’m a southern (Europe) belle!

  2. Nathalie says:

    Still haven’t been to Iceland but I think my choice would be a farmhouse or small intimate hotel. Thanks for sharing this wonderful post.

  3. I am going to Iceland and may, so I am glad to find this article. I definitely want to stay in a place where I can see the Northern lights!

  4. Miranda says:

    I love that the Ranga Hotel has a wake up call service for the northern lights. The ION hotel looks like a hotel we have here in Canada: the Fogo Island Inn in Newfoundland. Thanks for the super informative round up.

  5. Emiel says:

    I love this, great collection! Iceland is not really on our bucket list…but the Northern Light is. Just have to convince the family to travel to Iceland, they don’t like cold and rainy weather :)
    But these hotels look amazing and will for sure add to the experience. Thanks. Bookmarked!
    Emiel

  6. Jame Ng says:

    Iceland is a very beautiful country.. I will never forget my visit :D

  7. Marc says:

    I absolutely love Iceland and it has so much to offer. I love to see the northern lights and the the rugged landscapes the country has to offer. Each time when I see an article about I want to go there. Thanks for sharing.

  8. John says:

    Iceland amazing where a lot of interesting things. I always desire to be watching the Northern Lights. I will go to iceland soon. Thank you for share.

  9. Johnwooden says:

    Iceland is one of best destinations and it look so beautiful. Hope I can come to it in future

  10. Ellie Cleary says:

    Nice post Sara – particularly like the 101 hotel! That bathtub after a cold day looks amazing :)

  11. Magdalene says:

    Those are some amazing hotels and I can’t believe that I’d never been to Reykjavik. Its time for me to do some serious planning

  12. Jose Allen says:

    iceland is one of most place I want to travel in this year. Thanks for your suggest about hotel . It is really good information I need.

  13. Samielorraine says:

    I need to visit at least once before I die! My ancestors migrated here from iceland in the 1920s, ever since j heard about the country I’ve wanted to visit! Beautiful!

  14. Ryan Biddulph says:

    Hi Sara,

    The natural beauty of the place is stunning but the lodging always stood out to me. Homes and apartments and buildings unlike any other place on earth. How incredibly neat. Thanks for sharing :)

    Ryan

  15. Iceland is 1 of most favorite island I want to visit. It’s great island

  16. Brooke of Passport Couture says:

    Looks like a fantastic selection of hotels–I wouldn’t know which one to book because they all look spectacular! The one that is the most appealing is the 101 Hotel because of its architecture and interior decor. It seems that all of these options have a great panoramic view, whether it’s of the outdoors or the cityscape.

  17. Danial says:

    Okay, I am sold on Ranga Hotel where I can never miss witnessing the mind-blowing Northern Lights!

  18. John says:

    Very nice post. Thank you very much for sharing such useful infermation

  19. Kristen says:

    Great post! Thanks for the info, can’t wait to visit! Feel free to check mine as well Travel to Morocco :)

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