Cosy hotels in Iceland
We've scored 78 cosy hotels in Iceland that clear our cosiness bar; Guesthouse 1x6 leads at 7.2/10. Here are the 60 cosiest, ranked by cosy score.
Featuring stays in Keflavík, Hvolsvöllur, West Iceland, Selfoss, Akranes, Stykkishólmur.
- Keflavík, Iceland
Hosts Andi and Yuki set the tone from the moment they collect you from the airport with a warm latte in hand, and the guesthouse itself rewards closer inspection with rooms filled with local art and handcrafted details, homemade chocolates left at your door, a hearty breakfast, and a geothermal hot pool in the garden, all tucked into a quiet seaside neighbourhood just minutes from Keflavík airport.
- Hvolsvöllur, Iceland
A charming working horse farm with attentive, personal staff, beautiful Icelandic setting, and thoughtful touches like hot tubs and excellent home-cooked meals, though small bathrooms and the expense slightly undercut the intimate, homely feel.
- West Iceland, Iceland
Tucked at the end of a gravel valley road on a working farm, Dalahyttur Lodge wins hearts with its thoughtfully appointed cabins, complete with slippers, balcony views across the hills, and locally sourced dinners that must be pre-booked but are unanimously praised, all overseen by warmly attentive hosts who make every small detail, from replenished breakfasts to spare toothbrushes, feel quietly considered.
- Selfoss, Iceland
Tucked into a remote Icelandic landscape of lava fields and roaming horses, Torfhús Retreat wins hearts through its turf-roofed chalets built to echo Iceland's historic vernacular, private basalt-stone hot pools steaming even in blizzard winds, a nightly four-course dinner of startlingly fresh, masterfully presented cuisine, and staff who will ring your room at half past one in the morning to make sure you don't miss the Northern Lights.
- Akranes, Iceland
The guesthouse radiates a quiet, refuge-like warmth through its glowing windows set into dark timber cabins, offering the sort of intimate shelter one craves when surrounded by Iceland's vast, snow-laden landscape.
- Selfoss, Iceland
Tucked into a remote South Iceland landscape where the owner's father has planted 100,000 trees over fifty years, this quietly special retreat welcomes guests with warm owners Oli and Anna, their two friendly sheepdogs, a varied organic breakfast with sweeping sunrise views, geothermal thermal baths fed by mineral-rich springs, and spacious rooms with large bathrooms and patio doors framing the countryside, though at least one guest has noted inconsistent service and unresolved maintenance issues worth bearing in mind.
- Iceland
Tucked into Iceland's rugged coastline a short walk from a black sand beach, Umi Hotel wins devoted guests through its quietly attentive staff, who will dry your shoes after a waterfall soaking and remember your partner's birthday, alongside a restaurant where Chef Simon's beautifully presented, ingredient-led dinners and an elevated breakfast buffet make the intimate, peaceful rooms feel like the very best kind of home base.
- Stykkishólmur, Iceland
Tucked into a 150-year-old timber building beside Stykkishólmur's harbour, Hotel Egilsen wins hearts through its attentive staff, Marta and colleagues regularly pressing tea and biscuits on guests reading in the lounge, alongside breakfasts laid out to your chosen time, compact but freshly appointed rooms, and a warmth of welcome that makes returning from a blustery day on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula feel like coming home.
- Hvolsvöllur, Iceland
Guests return time and again to Midgard Base Camp for its family-like warmth, where staff go to extraordinary lengths to help, from booking tours with knowledgeable local guides to lending their own phone and email, while evenings spent in the convivial lobby, soaking in the hot tubs, and watching Icelandic foals graze in the fields beyond make for an adventure base that feels far more like a well-loved home than a hotel.
- Reykjavik, Iceland
Presided over by the warmly attentive Jon, who stocks the kitchen with coffee, milk and fruit and quietly moves injured guests to easier rooms without being asked, this spotless Reykjavik guesthouse charms with its skylit bedrooms, a studio with its own little outdoor sitting area, and an unbeatable walking-distance position near the harbour, the cathedral, and the city's best restaurants.
- Iceland
This small guesthouse achieves real warmth through its shared kitchen-living spaces with mountain views, thoughtful hosts who bring coffee and help guests settle in, and the intimate, lived-in feel of a home rather than a hotel, though its modest facilities and scattered bathrooms prevent it from reaching the highest cosiness tier.
- Reykjavik, Iceland
Steeped in Icelandic art, including prominent works by Jóhannes S. Kjarval displayed alongside sculptures and historical artefacts in a warmly wood-panelled lobby, Hotel Holt charms with its old-school character, a stellar breakfast of homemade sourdough and fresh croissants, and staff who will store your luggage, refill your water bottle, and mix you an exceptional Irish coffee, even if the rooms themselves feel a touch dated and compact for the price.
- Iceland
Tucked beside an Icelandic lake with sweeping views that guests describe as impossible to leave, this thoughtfully appointed cabin wins hearts with its fireplace, volcano and glacier book collection, outdoor hot tub, Nespresso machine, and lantern-lit interiors, though prospective guests should note the kitchen is deliberately basic and hot water capacity has its limits.
- Budhir, Iceland
Surrounded by lava fields with sheep grazing nearby and a historic church within walking distance, Hótel Búðir offers spotless rooms with small balconies overlooking mountains and a sandy bay, exceptional dinners, outstanding cocktails, and staff whose warmth guests consistently single out as a highlight of their entire Iceland trip.
- Laugarvatn, Iceland
Housed in a converted district school with great views, this characterful Icelandic guesthouse wins guests over with friendly, helpful staff, clean and cosy rooms, and a restaurant serving notably good fish and chips at reasonable prices, making it a well-priced base for exploring the Golden Circle.
- Patreksfjörður, Iceland
A freshly renovated guesthouse in a quietly dramatic Westfjords port town, Pálshús wins over travellers with spotlessly clean, neatly furnished rooms, each with its own sink, a well-equipped shared kitchen, and a rooftop terrace with a grill, though the single shared bathroom across five rooms does require a degree of patience and good humour from guests.
- Blönduós, Iceland
This guesthouse achieves real warmth through its owner-led communal dinners featuring homemade dishes, characterful separate accommodation with sea views, and attentive personal service, though the modern rooms and small-scale setting lack the deep intimacy of a truly intimate retreat.
- Breiðdalsvík, Iceland
Tucked into a quiet Eastfjords village that most travellers pass without stopping, this warmly run hotel rewards those who linger with cosy, cabin-feel communal spaces, a free sauna and jacuzzi, homemade bread at breakfast, attentive staff who return season after season, and small honeymoon touches, prosecco, cake, and room upgrades, that leave guests wishing they had stayed longer.
- Stykkishólmur, Iceland
Perched just steps from Stykkishólmur's harbour, Akkeri Guesthouse wins hearts with its spotlessly kept rooms, balcony views, a hearty breakfast spread that accommodates allergies, and an innkeeper whose warmth, from lending towels after kayaking to sharing local tips, makes every arrival feel like coming home.
- Ólafsfjörður, Iceland
Whilst the communal dining, fireplaces, and attentive personal service create moments of warmth and connection, the ultra-luxury scale (75 staff, 16 rooms, high-end spa facilities) and corporate structure, including a $180 private dining surcharge, pull against true cosiness, leaving it polished and impressive rather than intimate or homely.
- Mývatn, Iceland
Clean, warm rooms and a wonderful breakfast set a fine tone at this well-placed Mývatn hotel, where staff, particularly the exceptionally helpful Juliet at reception, go out of their way to point guests towards the quieter corners of Iceland's volcanic north.
- Iceland
Tucked away in the Icelandic wilderness beside a nearby waterfall, Basalt Hótel wraps guests in deep quiet, with spacious, clean rooms whose windows frame the northern lights, charming staff, and dinners that taste gloriously homemade.
- Borgarnes, Iceland
A characterful converted house with quirky, lived-in charm, sunken couches scattered throughout, shelves of curiosities to browse, and warm service, that successfully trades corporate polish for the intimate, homely feel of dropping into someone's eccentric sitting room for coffee.
- Hjalteyri, Iceland
Perched on the edge of a fjord with a hot tub overlooking the water, this small guesthouse run by a warm elderly couple offers quietly comfortable rooms, the Europe Room in particular praised for its exceptional soundproofing and restful bed, though shared facilities can feel stretched at busy times, making it best suited to travellers who value a homely, personal welcome over polished amenities.
- Reykjavik, Iceland
A well-located central Reykjavik apartment house where hosts Hlín and Sigurgeir are praised across multiple stays, including a wedding weekend, for waiting up through the small hours to welcome arriving guests, offering well-stocked kitchenettes, comfortable beds, and the kind of warm, knowledgeable local advice that has families and honeymooners alike quietly vowing to return.
- Sauðárkrókur, Iceland
Tucked away in a small Icelandic town, this characterful historic hotel wins hearts through its atmospheric restaurant, where attentive, warmly personal service and memorable dishes, from puffin to reindeer meatballs and hearty tomato soup, more than compensate for the compact, thin-walled rooms, while a hot tub and sauna round off a day's hiking in fine style.
- Hveragerði, Iceland
Perched beside a geothermally active river in Hveragerði, this hotel wins hearts with its exquisite restaurant food, the lamb and lobster soup drawing particular praise, hot tubs overlooking the water, and warmly smiling staff, though discerning travellers should note that the exterior and some fittings fall short of the boutique billing and would benefit from a good deal more attention.
- Egilsstaðir, Iceland
Rustic and unpretentious from the outside yet surprisingly characterful within, this remote Icelandic hotel wins hearts through spotlessly clean, simply furnished rooms, a well-regarded breakfast, owner-cooked dinners, and the sort of hands-on, warm-hearted hospitality, from helping guests change tyres to rescuing snowbound travellers, that makes a stay in the wilds of East Iceland feel reassuringly looked after.
- Borgarnes, Iceland
A handy base for exploring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, this cabin-like hotel wins visitors over with its friendly staff, freshly baked bread and banana cake at breakfast, and a warming lamb soup at dinner, though a reported bed bug incident serves as a cautionary note for light sleepers.
- Reykjavik, Iceland
This handsome Art Deco hotel on Reykjavik's central square wins consistent praise for its warm, helpful staff, who arrange taxis, secure early check-ins, and dispense local recommendations with evident enthusiasm, alongside a breakfast buffet stocked with salmon, skyr, crispy bacon, and rhubarb-topped potato pancakes, all set within comfortable, heated rooms where the bathroom floors are warmly underfoot even on the coldest Icelandic mornings.
- Grindavík, Iceland
Tucked into the lava fields near the Blue Lagoon, this quietly comfortable inn wins guests over with spacious, impeccably clean rooms, an observation lounge, a well-regarded breakfast, and staff so attentive they handle everything from dinner reservations to airport taxis, all rounded off by a convivial honesty bar and the reliably good fish and chips at Max's Restaurant next door.
- Seyðisfjörður, Iceland
Tucked behind the blue church in a quietly enchanting fjord town, this freshly renovated hotel charms with well-appointed rooms, some boasting loft beds and heated bathroom floors, and a breakfast served by attentive staff who'll make you a hot chocolate without a second thought.
- Iceland
The ION Adventure Hotel wraps guests in plush robes and slippers, a coffee maker and minibar in rooms of concrete walls and light-toned wood framing lava landscapes, a geothermal pool fed by the same hot springs that scent the surrounding air, and a glass-walled Northern Lights Bar where you can sink into a cosy nook with a cocktail and a photography book whilst the aurora dances overhead.
- Akureyri, Iceland
Perched above Akureyri with sweeping views of mountains and water, these spotlessly clean, well-equipped little houses offer underfloor heating, a fully kitted-out kitchen, and the rare pleasure of watching the northern lights arc overhead from the comfort of your own sofa, all supported by hosts whose communication guests consistently praise.
- Reykjavik, Iceland
Perched beside a working shipyard where fishing boats sit on the slipways, this characterful harbourside hotel wins guests over with patient, kind reception staff, a classy bar serving classic Icelandic food, a brilliant library filled with seafaring antiques and original wood sculptures, and invigorating mineral-water showers after long cold days of exploration.
- Hafnarfjörður, Iceland
The Viking theme and intimate scale create some character, with friendly staff, comfortable beds, in-room kettles, and a decent breakfast, though the simple economy rooms lack the warmth and natural materials that would elevate this beyond pleasantly functional.
- Reykholt, Iceland
A well-maintained modern guesthouse with warm, attentive service and a small breakfast lodge that creates modest intimacy, though the contemporary design and exposed hot tubs lack the deeper character and ambient warmth that would elevate it beyond pleasantly comfortable.
- Kópavogur, Iceland
Tucked beside a tranquil lake teeming with water birds, Hotel Kriunes charms with its eclectic mix of classic room design, taxidermied animals dotted about the interiors, hot tubs, a sauna, massage chairs, and sweeping lake views from the restaurant and bedrooms, all wrapped in a wonderfully quiet setting where you can walk the lake path, kick a football about, or watch the midnight sunset from your window.
- Bíldudalur, Iceland
A quietly welcoming guesthouse in the remote Westfjords, where comfortable, well-kept rooms, a simple but satisfying complimentary breakfast, and a reliable coffee machine offer a warm refuge after long drives through spectacular scenery.
- Reykholt, Iceland
Tucked into the Icelandic landscape, this glamping retreat offers transparent bubble accommodations with wonderfully comfortable beds, a cosy and warm interior, and the atmospheric possibility of rain-soaked nights or northern lights overhead, though guests should come prepared for sulfurous shower water, a hilltop walk to the bathrooms, and the absence of overnight reception staff.
- Reykjavik, Iceland
Sitting in the heart of Reykjavik within walking distance of the city's main attractions, this polished hotel wins consistent praise for its generous buffet breakfast with both buffet and menu options, spotless and well-appointed rooms adorned with gorgeous art throughout, attentive and hospitable front-desk staff, a basement spa complete with hot tub, steam room, sauna, and cold room, and a restaurant that repeatedly draws admiration, making it a thoroughly comfortable and well-positioned base for exploring Iceland's capital.
- Selfoss, Iceland
Lying in a heated bed beneath a transparent bubble dome, watching the aurora dance overhead in Iceland's ink-dark sky, this is the sort of stargazing experience that a handful of guests describe as quietly life-changing, though prospective visitors should note the shared facilities, the raw simplicity of the pods themselves, and the very real possibility that winter cold and icy paths may test their resolve.
- Laxamyri, Iceland
Tucked into a wonderfully quiet setting near Húsavík, this well-kept bungalow wins hearts with its breathtaking views, comfortable beds, a friendly owner named Solveig, and the charming bonus of a welcoming dog on arrival.
- Iceland
Tucked into a breathtaking Icelandic landscape with waterfalls nearby, this small hotel wins hearts through attentive staff like Leo, comfortably modern rooms with warm beds, a 24-hour hot tub, and a restaurant where dishes such as horse meat and lobster soup are prepared with evident care, though breakfast can be inconsistent and the bar prices may raise an eyebrow.
- Reykjavik, Iceland
Clean, comfortable rooms with sweeping panoramic views over Reykjavik, including glimpses of Hallgrímskirkja, a well-equipped shared kitchen, and a warmly attentive host make Thor Guesthouse a sensible, well-priced base right in the heart of the city.
- Mosfellsbær, Iceland
A little worn around the edges yet warmly welcoming, Hótel Laxnes wins guests over with its friendly, attentive staff, bright and spotlessly clean rooms with mini-kitchens, and a hearty breakfast of warm porridge and fresh waffles served in the adjoining pub that doubles as reception, all in a quietly convenient spot near supermarkets on the outskirts of Reykjavík.
- Hafnarfjörður, Iceland
Clean, comfortable rooms and a breakfast generous enough to pack up for a 4am departure, tended by staff warm enough to make returning guests feel they are coming home.
- Kirkjubaejarklaustur, Iceland
Tucked into a breathtaking lakeside setting in southern Iceland, this cluster of compact cabins charms most guests with their surprisingly spacious, well-appointed interiors, sweeping water views, a breakfast buffet that earns rapturous praise, and warmly attentive staff, though a handful of visitors have noted maintenance niggles in the bathrooms and the trek from the car park to the lower cabins with heavy luggage.
- Reykholt, Iceland
Tucked beside a church and forest in the Icelandic countryside, this well-kept hotel wins guests over with spacious, pleasantly warm rooms, attentive and welcoming staff, a relaxing spa, and a restaurant that turns out carefully presented dinners and generous breakfasts worth lingering over.
- Reykjavik, Iceland
Tucked discreetly down an alley off Laugavegur, this small, well-kept hotel wins guests over with beautifully designed rooms boasting mountain and city views, suite balconies with private saunas, a welcome glass of bubbles on arrival, and staff, Virginia at the front desk singled out by name, whose warm, attentive manner consistently turns a good stay into a memorable one.
- Hella, Iceland
Tucked into the Icelandic landscape with sweeping views of snow-capped mountains, this remote hotel wins guests over with its exceptionally comfortable beds, a well-stocked breakfast of hot dishes and fresh fruit, a sauna and hot tub, a reading nook at the bar, and the rather charming touch of staff waking you when the aurora begins, though service can be inconsistent, and some guests find the rooms and spa facilities fall short of expectations.
- Hrosshagi, Iceland
The forest location and heated beds create moments of intimacy, but cold bubble interiors, sparse lighting, distant icy toilet walks, and cramped shared facilities undermine any homely warmth, leaving this a striking novelty rather than a truly cosy retreat.
- Seltjarnarnes, Iceland
A snug, light-blue guesthouse where the owner will cheerfully cook you scrambled eggs to order, the lounge has a homely, relaxed feel, and the location on the Seltjarnarnes peninsula puts the northern lights practically on your doorstep.
- Reykjavik, Iceland
A friendly owner-run guesthouse of just five rooms, Arahús wins over low-key travellers with its clean, quiet rooms, shared kitchen, and an obliging host who has been known to show guests his sitting room with its lovely view and to accommodate early arrivals with quiet good grace.
- Reykjavik, Iceland
Friendly staff, exceptionally comfortable beds, a well-regarded breakfast, and a quietly cosy bar with a happy hour make this clean, reasonably priced Reykjavik hotel a reliably restful base, handily placed a pleasant twenty-minute walk from the centre.
- Iceland
A competent mid-range hotel with warm hospitality and heated comfort, undermined by corporate corners, instant coffee in rooms, exorbitant pricing, blaring breakfast music, and neglected spa facilities, that prevent it from feeling truly intimate or characterful.
- Reykjavik, Iceland
Stylishly decorated apartments with thoughtful touches, towel warmers, blackout curtains, and cosy throw blankets, sit quietly at the heart of Reykjavik, where a convenient breakfast and warmly attentive staff, particularly the much-praised Marianna and Marcin at reception, make for a polished and comfortable base, though some rooms run small and street noise can be an issue on lower floors.
- Grindavík, Iceland
The well-appointed cabins at Harbour View sit with unobstructed views straight over the harbour, each kept clean and stocked with everything you need, while the hosts respond promptly to queries, even something as small as adjusting the temperature, to make sure you're perfectly comfortable throughout your stay.
- Reykjavik, Iceland
Tucked close to Hallgrímskirkja with free street parking on the doorstep, this tidy, well-priced Reykjavik guesthouse wins over budget-conscious travellers with its comfortable beds, immaculately kept shared bathrooms, and the attentive, friendly manner of its owner.
- Reykjavik, Iceland
Stylishly decorated apartments with thoughtful touches, towel warmers, blackout curtains, and cosy throws, place this compact, immaculately clean Reykjavik hotel right in the heart of the city, where a tasty breakfast and warmly attentive staff, particularly the much-praised Marianna and Marcin at reception, make for a comfortable and well-located base.
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