Hverfisgata 45, Reykjavik, Iceland | (618) 248-8274
Convenient downtown location a block from shopping on Laugavegur Street
Contemporary apartments with iPod docks and flat-screen TVs
Kitchenettes stocked with free refreshments
24-hour reception and daily housekeeping
Internet corner with a printer
Breakfast delivered to apartment (for an extra fee)
Free Wi-Fi and parking
Breakfast not included with standard rates
No restaurant or bar
Ground floor rooms can be noisy
The mid-range Reykjavik Residence Hotel provides relaxed apartment-style living near Reykjavik's downtown attractions. Its contemporary Studios and One- to Three-Bedroom Apartments with kitchenettes cater to couples and families who want a bit of independence. Modern appliances are included and fridges are stocked with some free refreshments. Ground floor units can be noisy with the area's foot traffic, and the property lacks on-site facilities like a restaurant or fitness center, but the homey atmosphere and attention to detail are hard to top for apartment-style digs in the center of town. Travelers looking for a traditional hotel should consider CenterHotel Thingholt, which has industrial-chic style at lower rates.
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Scene
Historic mansion converted into contemporary apartments
Built in 1918, the converted mansion housing the Reykjavik Residence Hotel was once a Norwegian embassy and school for the vocal arts. The lobby feels like a contemporary home, with a 24-hour reception desk and a small living room lounge with a plush couch and tables made of carved tree stumps. Black-and-white historical portraits are showcased throughout the elegant hallways with the reverence of an art gallery. As an apartment-style hotel, there aren't many common areas for guests, as most tend to be travelers looking for an independent taste of real Icelandic city life. The hotel's modern studios and apartments attract mostly families as well as couples seeking a homey space with the convenience of a kitchenette.
Location
Centrally located in downtown Reykjavik next to Laugavegur Street
The hotel is centrally located in downtown Reykjavik and surrounded by bars and shops. It's a block away from the city's major shopping destinations on Laugavegur Street, and a three-minute walk to more shops and dining on Skolavordustigur. Guests can walk to plenty of sights, including Reykjavik's two most iconic attractions -- Hallgrimskirkja church is six minutes away on foot and the famous Sun Voyager Sculpture on the waterfront is less than a 15-minute walk. The National Museum of Iceland takes 18 minutes to reach on foot. Farther destinations include the Blue Lagoon, which will take 45 minutes to reach by car. Keflavik International Airport (KEF) is about a 45-minute drive from the hotel.
Rooms
Spacious, contemporary apartments with kitchenettes
The Reykjavik Residence Hotel has 17 apartments in six different layouts with bright contemporary decor. They range in size from Studios to large One- to Three-bedroom apartments, and all are spacious -- the smallest Studio has 23 square meters of space (248 square feet), which is larger than most regular hotel rooms in Reykjavik. Design details vary from unit to unit; some have quaint pitched ceilings while others have hardwood floors or slate tiling. Colors tend towards soft greens and grays. All have kitchenettes or full kitchens with modern appliances including microwaves, coffeemakers, toasters, electric stovetops, and refrigerators stocked with free refreshments like milk and juice. Dishware and cereal are also provided. Free Wi-Fi is standard, along with flat-screen TVs, DVD players, and iPod docks. Bathrooms have heated towel racks and either shower/tub combos or walk-in showers -- nice details include metro tiling. The larger units have dining rooms and add full-size ovens as well as laundry facilities. Some rooms on lower floors may pick up noise from foot or street traffic.
Features
Internet corner, iPad rentals, breakfast available, and free Wi-Fi
The residence is slim on facilities apart from the small lobby lounge. Guests can find an Internet corner here with a Mac and a printer, plus iPad rentals are available for a fee. Breakfast isn't included with standard rates, but can be arranged for a fee in the form of a basket delivered to the room each morning. Wi-Fi is free, as is parking.
