Miðborg, Reykjavík
Stay by area: our top hotel picks in Miðborg, Reykjavík
The curated list of best hotels in Miðborg, Reykjavík
Miðborg is Reykjavík’s lively core, where history and modern merge. Its streets are lined with colourful wooden houses typical to Iceland, from the 19th century, contrasting with contemporary landmarks like the Harpa Concert Hall. The area is packed with museums, galleries and cosy cafés, making it a great spot for culture and people-watching. Food lovers will find everything from casual bites to high-end dining, while the nightlife buzzes with bars and live music. Whether you’re here for the history, the food, or just to soak up the atmosphere, Miðborg is the perfect introduction to Reykjavík’s creative and dynamic energy.
Overview: Miðborg’s top hotels
01
Iceland Parliament Hotel
Iceland Parliament Hotel comprises seven interconnected buildings, including the former telecommunications headquarters, the first women’s secondary school in Iceland and Independence Hall. The interior, curated by leading architect and interior designer Paolo Gianfrancesco, showcases contemporary Icelandic art and sophisticated design. The hotel offers 163 guest rooms and suites. You can dine at Hjá Jóni Restaurant, which serves international cuisine crafted from quality local ingredients or unwind at Telebar that offers a curated selection of drinks. For relaxation, the Parliament Spa provides geothermal tubs, saunas and private cabanas.
Read the full article on Iceland Parliament Hotel.
Iceland Parliament Hotel
Thorvaldsenstraeti 2-6
Reykjavík
Iceland
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Photography courtesy of Iceland Parliament Hotel
02
Hotel 101
101 Hotel, named after its downtown postal code, is located in an austere 1930s concrete building a hop and a skip from Reykjavík’s harbour. The city’s first boutique hotel, founded by entrepreneur and interior designer Ingibjörg S. Pálmadóttir, still holds its own with its minimalist, monochrome decor that easily could be mistaken for that of a sleek art gallery.
Read the full article on 101 Hotel.
101 Hotel
Hverfisgata 10
Reykjavík
Iceland
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Photography courtesy of Hotel 101
03
Canopy by Hilton
From drinking water naturally filtered by Icelandic lava, to in-room music boxes that play Icelandic lullabies, this hotel oozes Reykjavik charm. Guests are welcomed with a locally inspired keepsake at check-in, introducing them to a space that is simultaneously wholly Icelandic and in keeping with Canopy by Hilton‘s adventurous aesthetic. Chef Jóhannes Steinn Jóhannesson’s ever-changing menu is influenced by the offerings of local farmers and fishermen at Geiri Smart restaurant.
Canopy by Hilton
Smiðjustígur 4
Reykjavík
Iceland
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Photography courtesy of Canopy by Hilton
04
Apótek Hotel
Apótek Hotel was once the city’s main pharmacy, and it has been central to city life for over a century. In fact, it was the first large building in Reykjavik, and the downtown area grew around it. Today the city buzz continues to revolve around its classy facade and elegant corner entrance. Combining rich period details with a contemporary and monochrome look, Apótek welcomes guests to the vibrant heart of the city.
Apótek Hotel
Austurstræti 16
Reykjavík
Iceland
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Photography courtesy of Apótek Hotel
05
Ion City Hotel
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.
Read the full article on Ion City Hotel.
Ion City Hotel
Laugavegur 28
Reykjavík
Iceland
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Photography courtesy of Ion City Hotel
06
Kvosin Downtown Hotel
In a historic building dating back to the late 19th century, this small and charming boutique hotel with 24 boutique apartments enjoys a prime downtown location. Kvosin Downtown Hotel has been renovated by local designers Haf Studio and Einar Geir Ingvarsson, who have given it a modern Scandinavian look with minimal furnishings and documentary-style photos of local life. The hotel’s Aldamót bar, a popular hangout among locals, serves fine drinks, light dishes, and wine.
Kvosin Downtown Hotel
Kirkjutorg
Reykjavík
Iceland
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Photography courtesy of Kvosin Downtown Hotel
07
Exeter Hotel
This limited-service 106-room hotel bucks the trend with its loft-style interiors and unfussy, urban vibe in a city not known for its edgy design. With its industrial-chic aesthetic, Exeter Hotel stands out from other Reykjavik hotels and draws a younger, funkier crowd. The result is simple, clean design done inexpensively but well, with a look and feel that’s suitably Scandinavian. The hotel’s Old Harbour location puts it close to key attractions, while its lively bar – popular with locals – ensures an upbeat atmosphere.
Exeter Hotel
Tryggvagata 12
Reykjavík
Iceland
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Photography courtesy of Exeter Hotel
08
Center Hotels Laugavegur
This ultramodern frill-free hotel is a top choice for exploring Iceland’s capital. Center Hotels Laugavegur reflects the spirit of Reykjavik – the quirky, metropolitan vibe that makes this city so distinctive comes alive throughout the building. However, you can pop down to the hostel’s nature-inspired eatery, Lóa, If you fancy a bite to eat or a drink without having to head out. It’s named after the bird that marks the start of spring, and serves a blend of Icelandic and international dishes, as well as a breakfast buffet.
Center Hotels Laugavegur
Laugavegur 95-99
Reykjavík
Iceland
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Photography courtesy of Center Hotels Laugavegur
09
Hotel Von
Hotel Von, located on Laugavegur in Reykjavík’s city centre, offers 52 pristine rooms designed for comfort and style. You can choose from various room types, each equipped with modern amenities such as HD TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, and Sóley Organics toiletries. The on-site BON Restaurant serves French-inspired cuisine, offering breakfast, dinner and a selection of premium wines and drinks. The hotel’s prime location provides easy access to Reykjavík’s shops, restaurants and cultural attractions, making it an ideal choice for city exploration.
Hotel Von
Laugavegur 55
Reykjavík
Iceland
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Photography courtesy of Hotel Von
10
Local 101
Local 101 is set in a historic building on Ránargata, a quiet street in downtown Reykjavík. The architecture reflects the area’s traditional charm, with its classic façade and interiors that balance heritage details with modern comfort. The hotel offers a range of rooms, each designed with simplicity and functionality in mind, featuring blackout curtains, complimentary Wi-Fi and Sóley Organics toiletries. Litli Barinn, the on-site bar and restaurant, serves a locally inspired breakfast and a selection of drinks. The location places guests within easy reach of Reykjavík’s harbour, art museums, independent shops and buzzing cafés.
Local 101
Ránargata 4a
Reykjavík
Iceland
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Photography courtesy of Local 101
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