There are some hotels which show off a destination’s uniqueness the moment you walk in the lobby and Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Marina is one of them. The hotel is located by a slipway in the old downtown harbour district of Reykjavik, where it has a unique view of the ocean. The slipway is a great location for a hotel, just a stone’s throw from the capital’s attractions, with one of the best views across the bay.
Speaking of views, the below view was what I woke up to each morning, taken from my hotel room balcony window at around 4 in the morning.
A typical room looks something like this, although each one has its own unique charm.
One of the hotel managers graciously showed me a room on the basement level wing that was designed to sleep families or friends traveling together. Below is a shot of a bunk (ideal for kids) and below “it” is a standard double bed, one which looks up at a piece of Icelandic art.
Joined to the hotel is the Slipp Bar and restaurant area, which is buzzing every evening. While so many hotel bars don’t have a good vibe after hours, this one attracts locals in the area as well and is known to be a hip and vibrant place to grab a pint of beer or glass of whatever floats your boat. A couple of people I met on an all day hike to a volcano an hour or so outside of Reykjavik joined me for drinks here and we spotted Björk sitting at a table near us. Yes, THE Björk!
Of course, my first reaction was to head over for a quick hello. My interest in chatting to her had nothing to do with her fame and accolades, but because her dress was fabulous and I wanted to tell her so, she’s also a Sag and I wanted talk about the creative elements of some of her videos. Curiosity, really. My new-found friends looked at me in disbelief as if I had lost my mind.
My new German buddy pulled out his phone and pulled up a video that showed her attacking a British reporter in Bangkok. Whoah Nellie! Then again, I thought doesn’t everyone lose their cool on occasion? Remember Princess Diana’s nightmare with the paparazzi.
Either way, seeing the video was definitely a deterrent and so, I didn’t approach her nor did I snap the photo I so wanted to take of her in that seriously fabulous blue dress. Private time with friends is private time and I respected that, as I was having private time with my own posse. Needless to say, Slipp Bar’s energy is fabulous and you never know who you’re going to see or meet.
If you’re staying at the hotel of course, you can also opt to grab a sandwich, coffee or yoghurt in the cooler near the reception and just head to your room. I actually got take-out from a nearby Thai restaurant one night, because I wanted to write for a few hours with that energetic nautical view before heading to the bar downtown where 30 Norweigans were waiting for me to join them.
The rest of the reception area is equally cool. There are plenty of lounge areas where you can just relax and hang out and a library in the corner, if you’re interested in slowing things down.
Like I said, eclectic, funky, hip and modern in every way.
There are plenty of nooks and crannies where you can go, to either escape if you so wish or…..socialize in one of the more active lounge areas or simply head to the bar for a more vibrant energy scene.
In addition to the funky hip lobby, the fabulous views and the oh so nautical themed rooms, there’s a film viewing studio area in the back, with brightly colored comfy chairs. Most of the films shown are Icelandic, but they have subtitles so you can follow along.
We loved this hotel and give it a two thumbs up! If you want something authenticly Icelandic while maintaining your cool factor, all in the center of Reykjavik, Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Marina is a great spot!!
Location: Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Marina is located on Myrargata 2 at the Harbor.
Note: I was hosted by Iceland Tourism Board to stay here, but all opinions expressed are entirely my own. Go here for more on Iceland hotels / top Iceland hotels, and for food in Iceland / Iceland restaurants / top Iceland restaurants.
Renee Blodgett is the founder of We Blog the World. The site combines the magic of an online culture and travel magazine with a global blog network and has contributors from every continent in the world. Having lived in 10 countries and explored nearly 80, she is an avid traveler, and a lover, observer and participant in cultural diversity.
She is also the CEO and founder of Magic Sauce Media, a new media services consultancy focused on viral marketing, social media, branding, events and PR. For over 20 years, she has helped companies from 12 countries get traction in the market. Known for her global and organic approach to product and corporate launches, Renee practices what she pitches and as an active user of social media, she helps clients navigate digital waters from around the world. Renee has been blogging for over 16 years and regularly writes on her personal blog Down the Avenue, Huffington Post, BlogHer, We Blog the World and other sites. She was ranked #12 Social Media Influencer by Forbes Magazine and is listed as a new media influencer and game changer on various sites and books on the new media revolution. In 2013, she was listed as the 6th most influential woman in social media by Forbes Magazine on a Top 20 List.
Her passion for art, storytelling and photography led to the launch of Magic Sauce Photography, which is a visual extension of her writing, the result of which has led to producing six photo books: Galapagos Islands, London, South Africa, Rome, Urbanization and Ecuador.
Renee is also the co-founder of Traveling Geeks, an initiative that brings entrepreneurs, thought leaders, bloggers, creators, curators and influencers to other countries to share and learn from peers, governments, corporations, and the general public in order to educate, share, evaluate, and promote innovative technologies.
