Review / The Reykjavik Edition: true luxury in the heart of Iceland’s capital – from its stunning interiors and Michelin-worthy Tides restaurant down to the Le Labo bath products
We checked in to Iceland’s gorgeous Reykjavik Edition, and found its location in the trendy Old Harbour neighbourhood to be the ideal base from which to explore the city – and beyond
I’m exhausted when I board my bus from Keflavík International Airport to Reykjavík, Iceland. The short drive comes on the heels of a gruelling, 20-plus-hour flight from Hong Kong, so it’s understandable that, for a moment, I wonder confusedly whether I’ve been beamed onto an alien landscape. The scenery rolling past is like nothing I’ve ever seen before: all black, rocky lava plains covered with moss and dotted with the occasional house.
Reykjavík is simultaneously one of the smallest capitals in Europe and the most populous city in Iceland, with 200,000 of the country’s 380,000 people living there (there’s more than two sheep per human). The consensus among travel bloggers seems to be that the city is quaint and charming enough, but nothing to write home about – although it’s recently been building a reputation for its nightlife, live music and craft beer. However, it’s an excellent base from which to explore the country’s other offerings, which range from dramatic views of glaciers and mountains, to geysers, waterfalls and natural geothermal pools.
The hotel is a beacon of cosy yet contemporary luxury amid otherwise unfamiliar surroundings. The lobby evokes chic après ski vibes with its open-flame fireplace taking pride of place on the oak and ash wood floors, and is surrounded by velvet armchairs. This aesthetic continues in the 253 guest rooms and suites, which are filled with thoughtful amenities – from Le Labo bath and beauty products, to locally produced bars of Omnom chocolate and the colourful wool throw and ceramics created by local artists that you can even purchase at the hotel shop should you want to take them home.
The Reykjavik Edition is located in the city’s trendy Old Harbour neighbourhood, flanked by the sea and the twinkling glass Harpa Concert Hall – you’ll have a view of either from your room. This also means the hotel is only a short walk away from the piers and from bus stop No 5: whale-watching and other boat trips depart from the former, Northern Lights and day tours from the latter. City attractions including Laugavegur Street (great for shopping and dining), the Insta-worthy Rainbow Street, and Hallgrimskirkja church are also only a leisurely amble away.
