Northern Light Inn

The Northern Light Inn has a contemporary style with a few antiques and other charming touches that make it feel homey. Parts of the building -- such as the lobby -- feel sparse, with tiled floors and little to no decoration beyond a few photographs of the Northern Lights. However, the vibe changes to cozy and relaxing in the lounge, which has plush comfy couches and chairs (many of which are worn), a fireplace, and plenty of light from floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the lava fields. The honesty bar has a similar atmosphere with leather sofas and plaid chairs. Max’s Restaurant, by contrast, has a more contemporary vibe, with wooden floors, white tablecloth-covered tables with contemporary white chairs and panoramic views from large windows. Still, it’s the small things -- such as offering a service to wake guests up in the middle of the night to see the beautiful Northern Lights -- that makes this place truly inviting. The hotel mainly attracts tourists, mostly couples, who stay here due to its proximity to the Blue Lagoon. Note that the hotel is right next to a large geothermal plant, causing a sulphur smell to permeate the area. 

Northern Light Inn has a countryside location amid fields of lava, just off of Highway 43, near a huge geothermal plant. The hotel provides a free shuttle to and from the Blue Lagoon, a four-minute drive or a 28-minute walk, as well as discoutned taxi service to the Keflavik International Airport (a 20-minute drive). Beyond those two destinations, guests need a car to explore the area, as there are no restaurants, shopping, or attractions nearby. The town of Grindavik is a six-minute drive away. Attractions like Thingvellir or Geysir and the city of Reykjavik, can be reached within 45 minutes to an hour by car.

The guest rooms at the Northern Light Inn are cozy, modern, and individually decorated with light, bright decor, wooden floors, white linens, dated plush armchairs, and bold accent walls with floral wallpaper that varies among the rooms. All rooms have kettles, geothermal heating, and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels. Bathrooms are modern, and most have gray-and-white tiling, sinks with limited counter space, and walk-in rainfall showers with half-glass doors. Hairdryers are provided, but toiletries are limited to soap dispensers by the sinks and in the showers. Guests staying in newer Deluxe Rooms, added after our visit, receive perks like complimentary L'Occitaine toiletries and free admission to the wellness center, and two of these rooms are accessible. All rooms have views of lava fields and some have views of the geothermal plant. Be aware that there have been some complaints about bothersome noise from early risers heading to the airport. 

For a small mid-range property, this hotel has a nice number of features. The Northern Lights Wellness Spa, added after our visit, provides a fitness center (free for all guests), three different saunas, and several relaxation areas (including a unique tranquility room). There is a free breakfast buffet that sometimes has homemade biscuits or waffles, and it opens early for guests with morning flights. The on-site Max’s Restaurant serves Nordic cuisine at lunch and dinner, plus afternoon coffee and cakes. There’s a small honesty bar with some leather chairs and couches. The outdoor patio has a few tables and chairs, though not many. A meeting room can be rented. The lobby also has a public computer. There’s a lounge with comfy sofas near a fireplace plus tables and chairs, and there are board games and a few books for guests to borrow. Coffee and tea are served in the lobby all day, and both Wi-Fi and parking are free.