The hype
Guests are blown away by the architecture and views but frequently disappointed by the small rooms and high food prices.
Ion Adventure Hotel
$350-650/ noche
Reserva esto si You want a front-row seat to the Northern Lights in a brutalist, industrial-chic box at the edge of the world.
Por qué a la gente le encanta
- The Northern Lights Bar's glass-box design is a bucket-list architectural marvel
- Geothermal pool sits right under the hotel pillars for steamy, scenic soaks
- Remote location near Thingvellir National Park feels completely off-grid
Resumen rápido: A stunning piece of architecture that relies heavily on its looks, while service and maintenance often struggle to match the luxury price tag.
Reseñado por @KarenQuiroz6310454: I stayed here for a weekend disconnect and it was surreal. The contrast between the freezing lava fields and the warm thermal pool is insane. It feels like a spaceship landed in Iceland. Perfect for just staring at the view with a glass of wine.
Lo que dijeron los huéspedes que se hospedaron aquí
Reality check
The 'Lava Spa' pool is much smaller than it looks in photos (approx. 10m x 2m) and gets crowded quickly.
- You are a design nerd who appreciates concrete, glass, and industrial aesthetics
- You want to hunt for Northern Lights without leaving your hotel bar
- You plan to hike the nearby Hengill volcanic area directly from the lobby
Limpieza y Mantenimiento
7.5
- Housekeeping: Generally decent, but reports of missed dust and inconsistent restocking.
- Bathroom hygiene: Clean surfaces, but watch for mold on baseboards due to the wet room design.
- Maintenance: Showing age. Peeling paint on the exterior and worn wood in the spa area are common complaints.
- Linens & towels: Standard hotel quality, sometimes reported as worn or 'tired'.
- Odors & scents: Sulfur (rotten egg) smell is pervasive due to the location, not hygiene.
Sleepability™
7.5SILENCIOSO
0-4RUIDOSO
4-7.5MODERADO
7.5-10SILENCIOSO
- Ventilation systems humming loudly in some rooms
- Noise from the Northern Lights Bar if your room is located directly above or near it
- Thin walls between rooms
Antes de reservar
Es bueno saberlo
- Breakfast is often NOT included in the base rate and costs ~$30-40 USD per person
- The shower design in many rooms causes the bathroom floor to flood—use towels as a dam
- Nearest grocery store or alternative restaurant is 45+ minutes away in Selfoss or Reykjavik
Qué llevar
- Type 2 EV charging cable if driving an electric rental (hotel chargers require your own cable)
- Swimsuit for the geothermal pool (and a backup if you plan to use it daily)
- Slip-on shoes/sandals for walking from your room to the spa
Genio de Habitaciones
Mejores opciones
- Junior Suite for actual living space and a guaranteed lava field view
- Deluxe Room for the floor-to-ceiling window (request a view away from the power plant)
Habitaciones a evitar
- Standard Rooms facing the parking lot or power plant (industrial view, very cramped)
- Rooms near the bar/reception area due to noise
Genio de Solicitud de Habitación – copiar y pegar
“I am celebrating a special occasion and kindly request a Deluxe Room or Suite facing the lava fields, specifically away from the power plant view and the Northern Lights Bar to ensure quiet.”
Preguntas frecuentes y consejos ocultos
Todo lo que realmente quieres saber antes de reservar.
Is the sulfur smell really that bad?
Yes, it varies with wind direction but can be intense outside and occasionally noticeable inside. It smells like rotten eggs.
Do I need a 4x4 to get there?
In winter (Oct-April), absolutely. The access road is gravel and gets icy. In summer, a regular car is usually fine but a 4x4 is still more comfortable.
Is the pool private?
No, it's a communal geothermal pool. It's narrow and shallow, so it feels crowded with just 4-5 couples.
Can I see the Northern Lights from my room?
If you book a Deluxe room with floor-to-ceiling windows facing north/away from lights, yes. Otherwise, the bar is the best spot.
Is food available late at night?
No. The kitchen closes around 9:30/10 PM. There is no room service menu overnight, so bring snacks.
Are pets allowed?
No, the hotel has a strict no-pets policy.
Consejos de Insiders
- ✨
There is a 'secret' hiking trail loop (Nesjavellir Hike) that starts right behind the hotel; ask reception for the map to the 8.5km loop.
- ✨
If the hotel restaurant is fully booked or too pricey, you have zero other options nearby—book a table when you book your room.
- ✨
The 'Northern Lights Wake-Up Call' service exists—sign up at the front desk so you don't have to stay awake all night.
5 cosas que debes saber antes de ir
💡The 'gym' is extremely minimal—often just a few mats and maybe a treadmill, sometimes closed entirely.
💡The glass walls in the bar are amazing, but they get covered in condensation/frost in winter, sometimes obscuring the view.
💡You have to walk through the lobby/public areas in your robe to get to the spa.
💡The hot water in the showers smells of sulfur because it comes directly from the geothermal source.
💡Housekeeping can be hit-or-miss with restocking coffee pods and toiletries.
Guía Local
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