The hype
Travelers obsess over the industrial design and the bakery smells in the lobby, but many wish the rooms were slightly bigger.
Exeter Hotel
$150-300/ nat
Bestil hvis You want a brooding, industrial-chic base camp with the city's best donuts in the lobby and the Old Harbour at your doorstep.
Hvorfor folk elsker det
- The in-house bakery (Deig) and burger joint (Le Kock) are legitimate local hotspots
- Sauna and small gym are free for guests—a rare perk in downtown Reykjavík
- Location is unbeatable: steps from the harbor but just off the main tourist drag
Hurtig oversigt: It’s cooler than it is quiet, so bring earplugs if you plan to sleep before the bar closes.
Anmeldt af @mettahara: I spent my evenings thawing out in this incredible industrial-style spa. The sauna is super moody and hot, and that cold bucket drop is the perfect wake-up call after a long flight. Honestly, I booked this place just for the wellness area and it didn't disappoint.
Gæst der boede her sagde
Reality check
The 'lively atmosphere' means bass from the bar or street noise can bleed into lower-floor rooms on weekends.
- You appreciate concrete walls, exposed pipes, and Marshall bluetooth speakers
- You prioritize great food and coffee within 30 seconds of your bed
- You want to be near the Harpa Concert Hall and the Grandi food district
Renhed & Vedligeholdelse
9
- Housekeeping: Generally excellent daily service, though occasional reports of missed refills (coffee/sugar).
- Bathroom hygiene: Sparkling. The industrial tile work hides nothing. Showers are powerful and clean.
- Maintenance: Newer hotel (2018), so wear is minimal. Exposed concrete is intentional, not damage.
- Linens & towels: Crisp, high-quality white linens. Rare complaints of worn towels, but usually fresh.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells like fresh donuts and coffee. Rooms are neutral/fresh.
Sleepability™
7MODERAT
0-4HØJT
4-7.5MODERAT
7.5-10STILLE
- Street noise from Tryggvagata (cars, late-night revelers)
- Bass/music from the on-site bar and restaurant on weekends
Før du booker
Godt at vide
- Breakfast is NOT always included and can be pricey; grabbing a bagel at Deig downstairs is often a better deal
- The 'closets' are often just open garment racks—pack light or prepare to live out of your suitcase
- City tax is approx €5.50 per night/room, usually payable at check-in
Hvad skal du pakke
- European power adapter (Type F) — the hotel has USBs but a plug is safer
- Sleep mask and earplugs (essential for summer midnight sun and street noise)
Værelses-genie
Bedste valg
- Harbour Suite (top floor) for actual views and a balcony
- Superior Rooms on the 3rd or 4th floor facing the inner courtyard for quiet
Værelser at undgå
- Economy Double (Ground Floor) — you are essentially sleeping on the sidewalk
- Any room directly above the bar if you have an early flight
Værelses-anmodnings-genie – kopier og indsæt
“I am looking forward to my stay. Please assign a room on the highest possible floor, facing the inner courtyard or away from the street to minimize noise. Please avoid the ground floor Economy rooms.”
Ofte stillede spørgsmål og skjulte tips
Alt hvad du gerne vil vide før du booker.
Is there parking?
No. You have to use public street parking (P1/P2 zones are expensive) or the nearby Hafnartorg car park.
Is breakfast included?
Depends on your rate. If not, buy a fresh bagel from Deig in the lobby—it's better than the buffet.
Does the hotel have a pool?
No pool, but there is a small sauna and fitness room available for guests.
Can I check in early?
Rarely guaranteed. Check-in is 3 PM. They will store your bags for free if you arrive early.
Is it good for families?
It's okay, but the rooms are small and the vibe is very adult/industrial. Not a playground hotel.
How far is the Blue Lagoon?
About 45-50 minutes by car or bus. It is NOT near the hotel.
Insidertips
- ✨
The 'Happy Hour' at the hotel bar (Tail) is a solid deal for expensive Reykjavík standards.
- ✨
Ask for a room with a 'garment steamer' if you hate ironing; some superior rooms have them.
- ✨
The back entrance near the sauna is a shortcut to the Old Harbour if you want to avoid the main lobby crowds.
5 ting du bør vide før du tager af sted
💡The ground floor rooms have zero privacy; pedestrians can see right in.
💡The 'gym' is tiny—basically a few dumbbells and a treadmill, don't plan a CrossFit workout.
💡Housekeeping can be hit-or-miss with refilling coffee pods; you might have to ask the front desk.
💡The industrial lighting in the bathrooms is cool but terrible for applying makeup.
💡You can smell the donuts frying at 6 AM—torture or heaven, depending on your diet.
Lokal Playbook
Kort
Se hvor Exeter Hotel ligger, og hvad der er i nærheden.