Klettsvegur 1-5, Vik, Iceland | (888) 710-7049
Walking distance to the ocean and black-sand beaches
Under Mt. Reynisfjall, near birdlife and many regional attractions
Restaurant serves Icelandic cuisine using local ingredients
Simple but modern rooms with rainfall showers
Bar with daily happy hour
Free Wi-Fi
Free parking
No hot tubs or pool
Tiny fitness room
Little dining and nightlife in the area
The most prominent hotel in the small town of Vik, the upscale, 46-room Icelandair Hotel Vik is also the most expensive. Built in 2014, its rooms are simple but modern, with floor-to-ceiling windows to take in the view. It's a worthy spot for tourists looking for a base camp to explore the region's natural wonders, or to recharge during short stays in the middle of a road trip. There's a restaurant and a bar, but no geothermal hot tubs or other amenities to make it worth the trip on its own. Budget travelers and those just passing through for the night should compare with the lower rates right next door at Hotel Edda - Vik i Myrdal, also owned by Icelandair.
Scene
Modern concrete and glass hotel beneath rugged hills
Tucked below sandstone cliffs, the concrete and glass Icelandair Hotel Vik cuts a low profile into the craggy hills surrounding it. There's very little traffic here, with natural light filling the hotel's airy spaces instead of noise. The hotel has a stylish, modern look, with a design inspired by the region's natural surroundings and colors. Pendant lamps with antique filament bulbs dangle above the front desk and the neighboring lobby bar, separated by a glass fireplace set into a rough-hewn stone wall. Sculptures by a native artist adorn each Icelandair hotel lobby, with black birds prominent here, hung from the ceiling or perched on the floor near a piano.
Location
On the southern coast of Iceland, near black-sand beaches
Centrally located in the small town of Vik, the hotel is surrounded by rugged hills and traditional family homes, along with a few restaurants and shops. There is little nightlife around, but the hotel is close to some of Iceland’s more remote natural wonders, such as glaciers, volcanoes, black-sand beaches, and hot springs. Mt. Reynisfjall is just a three-minute drive, and some guests opt to hike along trails from the hotel to observe the puffins and other abundant birdlife along the way. The seafront Dyrhólaey nature reserve is a 25-minute drive, while the Skógarfoss waterfalls are about 30 minutes away from the hotel. Reykjavik is a good two hours and 20 minutes away by car. Expect a three-hour drive to Keflavik International Airport (KEF).
Rooms
Simple rooms with rainfall showers, and ocean or hillside views
The hotel has 46 rooms with either hillside or ocean views (and the Reynisdrangar Pillars in the distance). The decor is simple and modern, with wood floors, plain walls, and an uncluttered use of space. Floor-to-ceiling windows make the most of the view and sitting areas have a pair of armchairs with a natural log table. Double or twin beds are accompanied by more attractive bedside log tables, with headboards covered by dramatic landscape photos. Small flat-screen TVs are mounted on the walls above modest desks with bench chairs. Bathrooms have large walk-in showers with handheld and rainfall-style showerheads. Deluxe Rooms add larger living areas with sofa beds, and Family Rooms have a small lofted bedroom with a second flat-screen TV.
Features
Icelandic restaurant, lobby bar, fitness room, and free parking
The hotel's Restaurant Berg serves classic Icelandic cuisine like arctic char from Fagridalur in southern Iceland, and dishes with regional twists like the lamb fillet grilled on stones from nearby Black Beach. The lobby bar has a gas fireplace and a daily happy hour. There's no hot tub or pool here and the 24-hour fitness room is tiny, but there are plenty of nature trails and off-road hiking opportunities to keep active in the area. Free parking is available on-site.