Room With a View Apartments

Given that Reykjavik is one of Europe's top party cities, this centrally located property attracts a club-enthusiastic crowd, and noise can be an issue. Families tend to take advantage of quieter weekdays, while party-goers dominate the weekends. The building's '60's Mal og menning publishing house origins are still alive with its famous bookstore, although apartments forming this 1994-opened establishment occupy most of the property. It also includes annex buildings across the street, which have less-impressive views and lack an elevator. The main building's rooftop whirlpool offers sensational views across Faxafloi Bay, plus free-to-use sauna and steam facilities embrace Iceland's wellbeing culture. Common spaces are limited, but smart. The lobby's slick blacks and washed concretes have edgy Nordic design, and large paintings dividing inlaid shelving are classy under pendant lamps. Large slate-gray leather sofas form galley seating, and while there's no bar or restaurant, the front desk sells hot and cold beverages, plus snacks. Guests choose the property for its funky vibes, but location is the hotel's strongest asset.

The hotel sits on bustling Laugavegur, Reykjavik's busiest street. Design and clothing boutiques here accompany endless cafes, bars, clubs, and restaurants, and much of the city's attractions are in walking distance. It's seven minutes on foot for Hallgrimskirkja's modern cathedral and greenery-filled Austurvollur square, and three minutes farther for Reykjavik's City Hall and Art Museum. Waterfront sculpture, Sun Voyager, is a 15-minute walk, as are fancy restaurants around the Old Harbour. A 24-hour Bonus supermarket is a three-minute walk. Lava-surrounded natural baths forming the Blue Lagoon are a 40-minute drive. Keflavik International Airport is a 45-minute drive, and around the same time via busses that stop outside the hotel.

Divided between the main building and annex, apartment-style rooms are modern and attractive, ranging from Studios to four-bedroom apartments. Actual decor varies a bit between units, but expect wood floors, contemporary furniture, and jazzy details like large abstract artwork, zebra-print ottomans, or red-painted cabinets. Studios have desks, flat-screen TVs with DVD players, and ironing facilities, plus kitchenettes with electric hobs, kettles, coffeemakers, microwaves, toasters, mini-fridges, and all necessary cookware. Apartments have living/dining areas with sofa beds, tables, full-size fridges, and dishwashers. No safes or AC are provided. Bathrooms come with shower or shower/tub combos, toiletries, and hairdryers. Higher-category rooms have whirlpool tubs, some of which are on their outdoor terrace. Note, however, that Budget Studios have their private bathrooms located across the hall. Annex rooms have less-stellar views and are only reached by stairs. Rooms can be fitted with cribs. Unfortunately, all rooms suffer from some street noise.

Features here are limited, although the hotel's unbeatable location is a feature in itself. No meals are offered, and there's no bar on-site, but guests can purchase drinks and snacks from the front desk, which is staffed 24/7. Staff can arrange tours and excursions, including airport transfers (at a fee). The rooftop terrace is small and simple, but spectacular views encompass Reykjavik's city, the Esjan mountain range, and distant ocean. Its outdoor whirlpool is popular, although there are no changing areas, and guests staying in annexes will need to cross the street for rooftop action. There's no gym, but a sauna and steam room have a relaxation area -- generally appreciated after a long day out. The hotel has no parking facilities, although with so much nearby, a vehicle isn't necessary here. Guests looking to park can use paid street parking, or garages around the city. Pets are not permitted. Wi-Fi is free throughout.