Hotel Odinsve Apartments

Hotel Odinsve occupies a modern blocky building in Reykjavik’s center. Its interiors feature contemporary decor, though the lobby is a bit generic and plain with white tiles and a sleek front desk. Large photographs by famous Icelandic photographer Ragnar Axelsson adorn the walls of the hallways, providing a trendy and chic touch to the neutral decor. The on-site restaurant has more character thanks to a rustic style. Wooden floors and chairs, white tablecloth-clad tables, and a number of potted plants create a homey atmosphere, while a skylight and floor-to-ceiling windows make for bright and attractive areas throughout. The bar has a more intimate vibe with red carpet, sleek black tables, and an impressive glass wine display. Most guests staying here are couples who can be seen in the restaurant, though a number of families are drawn to the hotel for their fully equipped apartments.

The hotel is centrally located in Reykjavik, not far from the shopping and attractions of downtown. The famous Hallgrimskirkja church, the National Gallery of Iceland, and the National Theater are a five-minute walk away. For shopping, Bankastraeti street is five minutes away, while Laugavegur street -- the main shopping street -- is lined with upscale clothing boutiques and can be reached in three minutes. There’s a few cafes on surrounding streets, though a diverse selection of dining options and bars are found within a five-minute walk of the property. The closest bus station takes six minutes to reach on foot. Reykjavik Airport is a five-minute drive away, while Keflavik International Airport can be reached in about 50 minutes. The Blue Lagoon is a 45-minute drive from the hotel.

The rooms at Hotel Odinsve are sleek and modern, with a neutral color palette, hardwood floors, Icelandic photographs on the walls, and a minimalist aesthetic. Rooms aren’t overly spacious, though some, like the Suites and Apartments, have separate living rooms. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, desks, tea- and coffee-making facilities, and minibars. Apartments are equipped with full kitchens, dining tables, and two bathrooms. Rooms don’t have air-conditioning, though this is common in Icelandic hotels. The white-tiled bathrooms are quite cramped and include showers or shower/tub combos with waterfall showerheads. Toiletries and hairdryers are hidden in drawers beneath the sinks. Note that some complaints have been made about noise from the bar (in rooms on lower levels), hallways, and other rooms.

The hotel's most popular feature is its on-site bistro, SNAPS, which attracts plenty of locals and guests alike. It serves Scandinavian cuisine for lunch and dinner, while a breakfast (for a fee) is offered in the mornings. There’s also a trendy bar with a large selection of wine and a crowd that can be noisy in the late evenings. The hotel lacks a spa and gym, but it does offer a fully equipped meeting room, a public computer in the lobby, and free Wi-Fi throughout the property. There’s no on-site parking, though parking can be found on surrounding streets for a price.