Positioned on Aðalstræti, one of Reykjavík’s oldest streets, Hotel Reykjavík Centrum combines a historic setting with the walkability that first-time visitors prize. According to Booking.com, the property lies roughly 150 meters (500 feet) from the city center, placing guests steps from museums, restaurants, and tour departure points. This review draws on verified platform data and guest feedback to assess whether the hotel’s central location and pricing make it a sound choice for a Reykjavík stay.
Last checked: 2026-09-11
Compare the lowest rates and guest reviews. Many options with free cancellation.Check rates
Bundle flight + hotel and compare deals and rewards in one place.Check ratesThis link contains affiliate advertising. Prices and availability may change on the destination site.
Property Name: Hotel Reykjavík Centrum · Star Rating: 4-star superior · Location: Bustling city center, walking distance to museums, restaurants, bars, and Old Town · Parking: Underground, monitored parking garage nearby · Price Range (per night): €155 (April) – €385 (August)
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-09-11.
Sources reviewed: official property website, TripAdvisor reviews, Booking.com listing, Expedia listing, Kayak price comparison, Reserving.com reviews.
No on-site visit, no staff interview, and no independent verification of amenities beyond cited sources.
Snapshot: Hotel Reykjavík Centrum
- Aðalstræti 16, 101 Reykjavík, on a historic street in the Miðborg district (Expedia)
- Opened in 2005, occupying buildings on one of Reykjavík’s oldest streets (TripAdvisor extended reviews)
- Consistently rated 9.0–9.4 out of 10 for location on major travel platforms (Kayak)
- Typically ranked #7–#9 among ~60 Reykjavík hotels (TripAdvisor UK)
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Property Name | Hotel Reykjavík Centrum |
| Star Rating | 4-star superior |
| Location | Bustling city center, walking distance to museums, restaurants, bars, and Old Town |
| Parking | Underground, monitored parking garage nearby |
| Price Range (per night) | €155 (April) – €385 (August) |
What is the nicest hotel in Reykjavik, Iceland?
Hotel Reykjavík Centrum frequently appears near the top of traveler rankings because of its location and consistent quality. On TripAdvisor it holds a 4.9 out of 5 location score, and on Kayak aggregate reviews give it a 9.0–9.4 rating for location. The hotel is a 4-star superior property built in 2005, and guest reviews on Booking.com and TripAdvisor highlight its central position and cleanliness. One TripAdvisor reviewer described it as “perfect location, close to the centre of town, but still quiet.”
Specifications at a glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Room types | Standard double, superior, junior suite, family rooms (not all details verified) |
| Key amenities | On-site bar/restaurant, highly rated breakfast, free Wi-Fi |
| Check-in / Check-out | 15:00 / 12:00 (per Booking.com) |
| Nearby bus stop | Bus Stop 1 (City Hall), 2–3 minute walk |
| Distance to Laugavegur (main shopping street) | Approximately 5–7 minutes on foot |
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Exceptional central location – walking distance to Harpa, Hallgrímskirkja, Old Town
- Quiet side street setting despite being downtown
- On-site breakfast praised by multiple reviewers
- Underground parking nearby (a rarity in Reykjavík centre)
Cons
- Compact room sizes, mentioned by several guests
- Occasional street noise (though less than on Laugavegur)
- No on-site spa or pool – typical for a city-centre hotel
What is the best area to stay in Reykjavík for tourists?
For first-time visitors, the Miðborg (city centre) is consistently recommended. Hotel Reykjavík Centrum sits at Aðalstræti 16, within a 10–15 minute walk of Hallgrímskirkja, Harpa Concert Hall, the harbour, and the Settlement Exhibition. Expedia’s hotel overview calls the area “walkable with great shopping,” and the property is just off Laugavegur, the main shopping and dining street. The proximity to Bus Stop 1 at City Hall, a 2–3 minute walk, is especially useful for joining Golden Circle and South Coast tours. This area is safe and well-lit, with a mix of historic buildings and modern amenities.
Is it safe to walk around downtown Reykjavík at night?
Reykjavík’s city centre is generally considered very safe after dark. Crime rates in Iceland are low, and downtown streets are well-lit. Multiple reviews on TripAdvisor and Kayak mention that guests feel comfortable walking to dinner or bars in the evening. The area around Aðalstræti and Laugavegur remains active late, with restaurants and pubs open. One guest on Reserving.com wrote that the location is “close to bus stop 1 and safe even at night.” For solo travellers and couples, the walkability of the neighbourhood reduces reliance on taxis.
What is the cheapest month to visit Iceland?
According to Kayak data, April offers the lowest average nightly rate at Hotel Reykjavík Centrum: approximately €155 per night. August is the most expensive, reaching about €385 per night – a 60% difference. The shoulder months of May, September, and October also present lower rates than mid-summer. This pricing pattern aligns with Iceland’s tourism season: April sits in the early spring, after winter but before the peak summer influx. For budget-conscious travellers booking this hotel, April provides a clear cost advantage.
Price context
- Low season (shoulder): €155–€200 per night (April, May, September, October)
- High season (peak summer): €300–€385 per night (June–August)
- Winter (November–March): typically €160–€250 per night (data less consistent)
Our pick: Hotel Reykjavík Centrum for first-time visitors and couples
Based on the verified location scores, the quiet yet central setting, and the April pricing advantage, this hotel is best suited to first-time tourists who want to walk to major sights, and to couples seeking a convenient base without a car. The underground parking and proximity to Bus Stop 1 also make it practical for those renting a car or joining day tours. The trade-off – compact rooms and no pool – is offset by the neighbourhood’s character and walkability.
““Hotel Reykjavík Centrum is located in the bustling city center within walking distance of some of Iceland’s best museums, restaurants and bars.””
– Tripadvisor hotel description, Platform editorial copy
““Located in Downtown Reykjavik, Hotel Reykjavik Centrum is in a walkable area in Reykjavik with great shopping.””
– Expedia hotel overview, Online travel agency editorial
Frequently asked questions
Where do celebrities stay in Reykjavik?
High-profile visitors sometimes stay at Hotel Borg or the Tower Suites, but Hotel Reykjavík Centrum’s quiet historic setting also attracts guests seeking discretion – though no celebrity names are confirmed in available reviews.
How much is a cup of coffee in Iceland?
A standard filter coffee in a Reykjavík café averages around €4–€5, and a cappuccino about €5–€6. The hotel’s breakfast includes coffee, which guests often note as good value given local prices.
What not to bring into Iceland?
Iceland Customs prohibits fresh meat, milk, eggs, and certain plants. Smoked or cured meats from non-EU countries are also restricted. Most travellers buy food after arrival.
What is a must-try snack in Iceland?
Icelandic skyr (a thick yoghurt-like dairy product) is widely available. Also popular are pylsa (lamb hot dogs) from stands like Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, a 5-minute walk from the hotel.
What time do Icelanders eat dinner?
Typical dinner times in Reykjavík range from 18:00 to 20:00, with restaurants often filling later on weekends. The hotel’s bar/restaurant offers early seating as well.
What is the main predator in Iceland?
Iceland has no large land predators – the most dangerous wild animals are Arctic foxes and occasional seals. For travellers, the greatest risk is weather-related, not wildlife.
Sources
- Booking.com – Hotel Reykjavík Centrum
- Booking.com (CZ) – Hotel Reykjavík Centrum
- Hotels.com – Hotel Reykjavík Centrum
- Reserving.com – guest reviews
- Expedia (DE) – German-language listing
- ReykjavikHotels-Iceland.com – hotel description
- TripAdvisor – location score page
- Expedia (US) – hotel listing