The hype
Travelers love the free parking and breakfast but consistently complain about thin walls and the 'industrial' location.
Oddsson Hotel
$130-220/ night
Book this if You have a rental car, hate paying for parking, and prefer a modern, contactless base over downtown charm.
Why People Love It
- Free underground parking (a rarity in Reykjavík)
- Brikk Bakery downstairs is legendary for breakfast
- Spotless, modern rooms with smart TV casting
Quick Take: A hyper-clean, self-service dormitory for grown-ups located in a strip mall—efficient, but don't expect a concierge to hold your hand.
Reviewed by @Sonya_Heath: I rated this 10/10 for value! The free parking saved us so much hassle with our rental car, and the breakfast spread (especially the Skyr with frozen fruit) was the perfect start to our road trips. Not luxury, but super cozy and smart.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'Midtown' name is marketing fluff—you are a 45-minute walk or 15-minute bus ride from the actual city center.
- You rented a car and plan to drive the Ring Road
- You want a high-quality breakfast included in the rate
- You prefer digital check-in and zero small talk
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9
- Housekeeping: Service is on-demand or every 3rd day, but the initial clean is consistently rated as spotless.
- Bathroom hygiene: Immaculate. Heated floors and modern grout lines show no signs of mold.
- Maintenance: Newer building feel; very few complaints about broken fixtures, though soundproofing is structurally lacking.
- Linens & towels: Crisp, white, and hotel-standard. No threadbare issues reported.
- Odors & scents: Neutral and fresh; no lingering smoke or musty carpet smells.
Sleepability™
6MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Heavy footsteps from upper floors
- Doors slamming in hallways
- Street noise on the Grensásvegur side
Before you book
Good to know
- Check-in is 100% digital; you receive a code via email 2 days prior.
- The underground garage has only 16 spots; arrive by 6 PM to snag one, otherwise use the outdoor lot.
- There is no fridge in Standard/Economy rooms, only in Family rooms or common areas.
What to pack
- High-quality earplugs (essential)
- Eye mask (summer sun is intense and blackout curtains can have gaps)
- European power adapter (Type F)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Top floor (4th floor) rooms to eliminate overhead foot traffic noise
- Mountain View rooms for a glimpse of Esja instead of the parking lot
Rooms to avoid
- Rooms near the stairwell/elevator (constant traffic noise)
- First-floor rooms facing the street (privacy and noise issues)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am a light sleeper and kindly request a room on the top floor (4th floor), away from the elevator and stairwell, to minimize overhead noise.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a front desk?
No. It is entirely self-check-in via keypad codes. There is a 24/7 support phone number, but no physical staff in the lobby.
Is parking actually free?
Yes, both the underground garage and the outdoor lot are free. However, the garage fills up quickly in the evening.
How far is downtown?
It is not walkable for most (45 mins). You need to take the #14 bus (stop across the street) or drive 10 minutes.
Is breakfast included?
Yes, a continental buffet is included and highly rated, featuring waffles, skyr, and fresh bread.
Can I store my luggage?
Yes, there is a self-service luggage room available for free before check-in and after check-out.
Is there a gym or pool?
No gym or pool on-site, but Laugardalslaug (city's best thermal pool) is a 4-minute drive away.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'common area' fridges on each floor are a lifesaver for storing road trip snacks since standard rooms lack minibars.
- ✨
Don't pay for coffee; the lobby machine offers free espresso drinks 24/7.
- ✨
The #14 bus stops right outside and goes straight to Hlemmur (downtown food hall) in 15 minutes.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Midtown' location is actually a warehouse district called Skeifan—great for grocery runs, bad for views.
💡The shower floors are heated, which is a surprising luxury in this price bracket.
💡There is no daily housekeeping unless requested; they clean every 3rd day.
💡The bunk beds in family rooms are surprisingly sturdy and adult-sized.
💡You can make your own waffles at breakfast, which causes a traffic jam at 9 AM.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Oddsson Hotel is located and what's nearby.