The Nordic Nomad

Reykjavík, Iceland

Ion City Hotel

What’s the hotel in a nutshell?

While Ion City Hotel might not be quite as adventurous and outdoorsy as its sister property Ion Adventure Hotel, it remains firmly grounded in the Icelandic way of life. Founded by hotelier Sigurlaug Sverrisdóttir and designed by Erla Dögg Ingjaldsdóttir and Tryggvi Thorsteinsson of award-winning local studio Minarc, this centrally located hotel is a sleek and modern base from which to explore Reykjavík – and has a couple of tricks up its sleeve to make us want to come back for more.

What are the rooms like?

Ranging between 20 and 75 square metres in size, Ion City Hotel’s 18 rooms are roomy and light. The large beds are made with Egyptian cotton linen and bathrooms feature a wall decorated with Icelandic lava stones. We recommend the Deluxe Rooms, which comes with both a shower and a bathtub, and the Junior Suite, which has its own private balcony and sauna. Make sure to ask for a quiet room if you’re a light sleeper, as the hotel is located on Reykjavík’s main street with several bars in the vicinity.

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Ion City Hotel Reykjavik Iceland
Ion City Hotel Reykjavik Iceland

What else?

In the lobby, references to Iceland’s unique nature are in abundance. Above the custom-designed white reception desk, in the shape of a block of ice, hangs a bird’s nest lighting sculpture by Minarc. The staff sports uniforms and jewellery by local Icelandic designers. Sumac, the hotel’s restaurant, looks east to the Lebanon city of Beirut for inspiration – owner and chef Þráinn Freyr Vigfússon serves up a fragrant Middle Eastern feast and handcrafted Mediterranean cocktails.

What’s the neighbourhood like?

Miðborg, known as Reykjavík 101 after the postal code of this area, is the heart and soul of the city. It is full of music, art and great food. As one of Reykjavík’s most popular neighbourhoods, its residents are given a special name. Nicknamed Miðbæjarrotta, Icelandic for ‘downtown rat’, the artists, creatives and bohemians who live in the area wear the epithet with pride. Some of the highlights of this area include the striking Hallgrimskirkja Church, the National Museum of Iceland, Nauthólsvík Beach, the Volcano House and Harpa Concert Hall.

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Ion City Hotel Reykjavik Iceland
Ion City Hotel Reykjavik Iceland
Details

Ion City Hotel
Laugarvegur 28
Reykjavík
Iceland

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Photography courtesy of Ion City Hotel

Urban

Rural

Trendy

Classic

Happening

Serene

Affordable

Lavish

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Details

Ion City Hotel
Laugarvegur 28
Reykjavík
Iceland

Affiliate link (what is it?)

Photography courtesy of Ion City Hotel

Urban

Rural

Trendy

Classic

Happening

Serene

Affordable

Lavish

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