For those trapped in the urban jungle, the vast and boundless natural scenery of Iceland is a dream paradise. With the development of Iceland's tourism industry in the past two years, its back-to-nature charm and natural allure have captivated more and more people, appearing on Instagram abroad and on platforms like Xiaohongshu and Douyin in China. Besides the stunning waterfalls, glacial lagoons, and black sand beaches, attention is now focusing on the charming and unique accommodations in Iceland. This article will take you through the ins and outs of Icelandic accommodations, taking you closer to the popular Icelandic hotels, objectively evaluating and rationally analyzing their value for money, and even recommending some lesser-known yet unique hotels in Iceland that not only boast beautiful exteriors but also offer exceptional value for money!
Recommended itinerary:
Yellow (Imperial) List
Umi Hotel
Compared to the renowned ION Adventure Hotel, it hasn't received excessive attention from influencers and media, but it's still considered a top-tier hotel in Iceland. Browsing the hotel's official website and reviews on major online travel agencies (OTAs), one might feel that while the hotel looks impressive, something is missing.
First, let's discuss the OTA reviews. In the early stages of the hotel's development, the ratings weren't very high, and the reviews were uniformly lacking in detail. It wasn't until after 2021 that many high-scoring reviews with detailed descriptions of the hotel began to appear. So, overall, the hotel may have had some initial operational inexperience, and only after getting on track did it achieve breakthroughs. While most ratings are close to perfect, the "value" rating is noticeably low. The hotel's average price is around 2000-2500 RMB per night. After browsing the hotel's website, Umi Hotel's hardware and services are all highly standardized, featuring the same modern Nordic design, consistent hardware quality and attention to detail, and corresponding dining and beverage facilities. Its location is also away from main roads, situated by the sea, about 6km from Skógafoss , with views of the famous Eyjafjallajökull volcano in the distance . The surrounding area is quiet and peaceful, but not particularly luxurious. However, for those traveling by car, this location might make itinerary planning somewhat awkward on a southern route. Upon closer inspection, it's difficult to pinpoint a specific Icelandic label for a hotel priced around 2000 yuan. It's more accurately described as a high-quality boutique hotel that's decent in every way, nothing particularly outstanding. Therefore, if you're looking for the standardized experience of a star-rated hotel and want to avoid disappointment, Umi is indeed suitable for those with a higher budget.
The Retreat Hotel Blue lagoon
The renowned Blue Lagoon Hotel is arguably the pinnacle of luxury hotels. Its inclusion on this list can be summed up in one word: exorbitant! The Retreat Hotel is flawless in its own right, from its facilities and service philosophy to its iconic Icelandic volcanic hot springs. The only real flaw might not be the hotel itself, but rather my own poverty. That video of a private Blue Lagoon hot spring bath right outside your room has captivated countless viewers. And the scene was filmed in The Retreat Hotel's most expensive suite, priced at 15,000-17,000 RMB. Yes, not Krona, but RMB.
Related Experience: Blue Lagoon Hot Spring Comfort Experience
More importantly, even with money, you're not guaranteed a reservation. The hotel requires a minimum booking of two nights and is often fully booked, especially during peak tourist season . However, everyone who has experienced the Blue Lagoon Spa or the Blue Lagoon Hotel says it was worth it!
Blacklist:
The 5 Million Star Hotel
当多少人都被这个梦幻的名字所吸引的时候，我不得不说，朋友们，不好意思我要点醒你们了。有时候，梦幻的东西真的会像泡泡一样，华而不实...
首先，先不说泡泡酒店的设施是什么样标准。先说一下酒店预订方式比较独特，酒店不是可以单独预定，没有OTA网站的分销，可以预定旅游组合。ps：只有个别时间是可以单独预定酒店的（旺季6、7、8三个月），价格在1800rmb左右一晚。虽然说打包组合中，酒店价格不透明，但是相比较其他的旅行团市场价格而言，大致能猜到打包价格中酒店价格也不是很便宜。不过由于酒店独特性，其实很多特色酒店贵一些也是也可以理解。提供的旅行都是比较常见的行程，评论中也有不少客人反馈行程过于紧张。
其次，就是对于泡泡酒店的设施，他真的就是一个塑料泡泡放在了森林之中。由于每一个泡泡都是独立的，可以理解为泡泡形状的帐篷，所以取暖设施是类似于鼓风机那种机器，会有噪音是评论中和来自我同事的一个常见评论。还有最主要的就是，隐私问题，黑夜中可以不用在意，但是白天该怎么处理呢？还有一个最大的问题就是配套设施，洗浴和厕所都是在另外的位置，需要走一小段林中小路。如果半夜想去厕所，你们可想而知那种矛盾的心里。尤其是冬季，森林中有积雪或者冰的话，会更不安全。如果想要夜生活就更没必要奢求了，没有餐饮，没有酒吧，更没有娱乐设施。不过也是给了大家更多的几乎去感受星空和自然，不得不说冰岛的夜晚是非常美妙的，还可以倾听林间风声，但是前提是天气要够好，如果遇上风雪，别说极光了，连星星都看不到了...
ION冒险酒店（ION Adventure Hotel）
首先不得不给大家提的是，这几年登上了大大小小网络热搜的离子冒险酒店。光听名字是不是就觉得非常的酷了，有种元宇宙的感觉。当你看到酒店最便宜的房费，一晚都要两千多元人民币，是不是会不禁思考到底是什么吸引了如此游客和网红打卡前往呢？
首先对于酒店的设计和硬件，肯定是五星级标准。富有设计感的大堂，独特的外观，泳池，桑拿，再从装修到床品再到客房消耗品，都是细节考究。更不用说在酒店大堂透过落地窗，看极光这种美妙体验了，酒店下方是他们自带的泳池，在极光出现时，躺在泳池里欣赏极光是如何的体验呢。不过，如果但看网站描述和客人评价，虽然有非常良好的硬件和服务基础，但是还是会有人指出酒店的客房空间过拥挤，与价格不匹配这一个问题。
如果再考虑到酒店的地理位置，可能就褒贬不一的评价了。它坐落在亨吉德山（Mount Hengill），距离列入联合国教科文组织世界遗产名录的辛格韦利尔国家公园（Þingvellir National Park）18公里，并不是有绝对的地理优势。当然，由于坐落在野外，就会享有更好的自然风光，就像它的网上宣传照片一样，极光风景常伴。但是大家有没有发现，所有的网图几乎都是一个角度拍摄呢。其实是因为在酒店西南侧边，有一个名为奈斯亚威里尔的地热发电厂（Nesjavallavirkjun），虽然是可以当做冰岛地热发电的辅助了解，但是却不能忽略了他对酒店住客体验和周围环境多多少少影响。当然如果从另一个角度思考，酒店外观设计带有的工业风，和这个发电站风格还是吻合的。
红榜：
Vogafjós Guesthouse
北部的农场体验，住在米湖（Lake Mývatn）边的农场里。紧挨米湖，有着绝对的专属风景，房间是木质建筑的农场小屋，非常有冰岛的风格。农场除了有客房可以住，还有自带的餐厅。农场已经有一百二十多年的历史，现在拥有120多头羊和40多头牛。在农场的牛舍中间，建立了一个咖啡厅，也是这家农场出圈制作之一，可以边喝咖啡边和牛牛们对视，还可以品尝最新鲜的现挤牛奶，如果时间合适，还能观看挤牛奶（一天两场）。当然在五月，还会有机会看到新出生的小羊羔。
如果预定住宿，可以预定晚餐和米湖温泉的套餐，价格约人民币1900左右，如果只是来这里吃一顿餐也是很推荐，尤其是农场的羊肉和奶制品，上乘新鲜的品质绝对能让您大饱口福。
相关体验：米湖天然温泉入场票
Efstidalur
这个在黄金圈附近的农场的民宿将带给你一份独特的冰岛农场体验。民宿装修属于冰岛传统风格，十分温馨和舒适，价格也很亲民可爱。除此之外，农场里可以看到各种小动物，甚至透过餐厅的窗户，可以看到跟你一样也在进餐的牛牛们。整的氛围是非常接地气又欢乐的感觉，比较适合带孩子的家庭出游。与此同时，农场不仅有自给自足的餐厅（肉类，奶制品和蔬菜都是来自于农场）、住宿，还有自己的冰淇淋和骑马体验。冰淇淋是有机的home-made, 同样是原材料完全取自于农场，各种朴实无华的食材，在简单的加工烹饪后，保持着最自然的味道。所以这也是它们餐饮和民宿口碑俱佳的原因之一，食材品质很是考究。哪怕不在这里住宿，黄金圈游玩的时候路过这，不妨来一个冰淇淋再顺便喝杯咖啡歇歇脚。
Hrifunes Guesthouse
一本书，知道了一个摄影师，又知道了一家民宿和餐厅,然后一见钟情的爱上了他们经营的民宿。
过程就是这么有意思，不管是从他们餐厅的装潢，还是到客房的细节装饰，无一处不展示着如何把乡村风和冰岛的文化做到结合完美。从书中看出房东是一个懂得发现美的人，不管是他展示的风景照片，还是关于菜品的设计，哪怕是餐具，都是独特的魅力吸引着你。紧挨着入海口，不仅可以看到河景，海景，还能看到山景和各种动物。热情的房东和超赞的早餐，以及一千多一晚的房价，得到了网上一致的好评。
Hótel Lækur
家族拥有的Hótel Lækur酒店坐落在黄金圈和南海岸之间的冰岛马场上，距离海拉（Hella）有10分钟的车程。自驾途中能一眼就看到Hótel Lækur，黄白绿三色的房子，展示着温馨和活力，六七百元一晚的房间也显得格外亲民。房间温馨舒适，推门而出，就是大草坪和河流，这种自然气息迎面扑来。
其实，我第一眼看到酒店实景的时候，脑海中第一个反应就是这里好适合做草坪婚礼啊。不管是客房数量和价位，还是整体风格，还是酒店大厅以及户外草坪和远远地雪山风景，真的就是为草坪婚礼而搭建的啊！所以，如果真的是想在冰岛举行一场轰轰烈烈而又梦幻美妙的婚礼，不如就选这里吧！！
Hótel Laxá
Located near Lake Mývatn, it's fair to say it's a budget-friendly alternative to the Umi Hotel. Compared to the Umi, which costs over 2000 RMB, Hótel Laxá is very similar in terms of decor, style, and facilities. It features floor-to-ceiling windows and an industrial-style exterior, while the interior boasts standard features typical of luxury hotels. The only slight difference is the view of the vast wilderness and Lake Mývatn outside the windows; otherwise, it perfectly fits the description of a budget alternative. Because hotels in Iceland are generally unique, with very few chains, the added value comes from the surrounding natural scenery. So, if you're only interested in natural views, the price is only half that of the Umi. In that sense, it's a real steal!
Related Itinerary: 8 Days 7 Nights Iceland Summer Island Tour by Car: Lake Mývatn & Black Sand Beach
The Greenhouse Hotel
My first glimpse of this hotel was at night when I passed through the spa town of Hveragerði. Looking through the large windows into the building despite the winter chill, I was greeted by a warm, spring-like atmosphere. The lush greenery and atmospheric restaurant were captivating under the night sky. Later, I learned that it was a unique hotel combining various styles of dining, spas, and accommodation. Its greenhouse lobby houses seven restaurants, a shop selling Icelandic specialties, and an ice cream parlor. So, staying here for a night could be quite a headache for those with decision-making difficulties, haha. Browsing all the hotel reviews, aside from a slightly lower rating for the Wi-Fi, all other ratings were above the Icelandic average. I even asked some Reykjavik residents, and they also expressed their love for The Greenhouse Hotel, because its ambiance is a huge highlight in Iceland, where greenery is scarce. The rooms are clean and simple, decorated with greenery, creating an indescribably warm and charming atmosphere. Although the spa town isn't a highlight of the Golden Circle, Icelanders often choose to hike and soak in a natural hot spring during their holidays, and then stay overnight in the spa town, thanks to the abundant geothermal resources nearby.
Related Itinerary: 4-Day Summer Self-Drive Tour of Iceland's South Coast: Glacier Lagoon & Black Sand Beach
360 Hotel & Thermal Baths
If your hotel budget is around 2,000-3,000 RMB per night, then I highly recommend this hotel. It's rated four stars, but many of its facilities rival those of five-star hotels. Every room boasts stunning floor-to-ceiling windows with breathtaking views, and as its name suggests, "Thermal Baths " is one of the hotel's highlights. In various reviews, the hotel's spa is definitely a major plus, offering a unique Icelandic experience. Imagine a sauna and a thermal bath at sunset, paired with a glass of wine – pure bliss!
The guest rooms feature a blend of rustic luxury and Scandinavian style. Leather furniture, exquisite mattresses, and high-quality toiletries all contribute to an understated sense of luxury. Regarding the hotel's location, I personally feel it's a matter of personal preference. Situated between Selfoss and Hella, it's convenient for shopping or dining in the city, but considering the surrounding scenery—near rivers, the sea, and lava caves—it's a bit far from major tourist attractions.
Magma Hotel
Finally, the grand finale is our Magma Hotel . Located in Kirkjubæjarklaustur , a major rest stop on Iceland's south coast, Magma Hotel is less than 3 kilometers from Kirkjugólf and Systrafoss waterfalls.
The hotel comprises individual thatched-roof bungalows, each with a stylish Scandinavian interior design, complemented by modern amenities, elevating both comfort and artistry. Every room boasts expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, each offering a different natural view—some overlooking a river, others a lake. Each room allows guests to step outside and relax on a lounge chair, immersing themselves in nature. Imagine: after a long day of sightseeing, taking a hot bath, lying in bed, watching free Netflix, while the aurora borealis appears and is reflected on the lake. What a wonderful experience! Even more delightful is the hotel's restaurant. Not only are the dishes delicious, but the complimentary breakfast is also exquisite. The restaurant itself is also fantastic, offering stunning views of the forest, lake, and distant snow-capped mountains—a perfect combination that creates a picturesque scene. Although Magma Hotel is a three-star hotel, its prices are very reasonable, with rooms ranging from double to quadruple rooms to meet diverse accommodation needs.
If you're looking for a stay at the Magma Hotel that's both simple and elegant, why not join our Christmas and New Year co-branded package? Some of our guests have even seen the Northern Lights here!
