Centerhotel Arnarhvoll

The Centerhotel Arnarhvoll is situated in an eight-story gray-and-white high rise. The hotel opened in 2007 and features stylish, minimalistic-modern decor. The lobby is welcoming and homey, with light-wood floors, long slouchy black couches, large ottomans, and modern art. The front desk area has a trendy vibe with a gray stone floor, gray accent wall, lime-green columns, and a bright-red couch. There's a subtle Scandinavian vibe throughout, with sleek wood chairs and IKEA-style rugs. The top-floor restaurant is a real standout, less because of the decor (though it's nice) and mostly because of some excellent views of the city and seafront. The common areas are stylish, modern, and well-kept, a step above average chain hotels in this range. With its proximity to downtown, this hotel is a hotspot for business travelers and tourists alike, including couples, families, and guests going solo.

Arnarhvoli is well-located in downtown Reykjavik, in walking distance of restaurants, bars, and popular sights. The corner building is situated near a busy main road and overlooks the famous Harpa Concert Hall (a six-minute walk away) and the sea. Guests can walk to the Sun Voyager Sculpture (eight minutes), the iconic Hallgrimskirkja church (12 minutes), and the National Museum of Iceland (18 minutes). The main shopping street, which also has lots of restaurants, is a four-minute walk from the hotel. Keflavik International Airport (KEF) is about a 50-minute drive or guests can take an airport shuttle (for a fee). Limited parking is available on-site for free, and there's also paid parking available nearby.

Guest rooms at the Centerhotel Arnarhvoll are simple but modern, with dark tiled floors, gray accent walls, and black furniture. A lime green stripe above each bed creates a chic feel, while rugs add softness. Bedding is plain white and beds are finished with tiny side tables and gooseneck reading lamps. Furnishings include desks and chairs, but since rooms are small and compact, there are no real wardrobes, just open-format shelving with hangers. In-room amenities include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, well-stocked minibars, and tea- and coffee-making facilities, in addition to safes and irons.  Bathrooms are modern, fully tiled in black and white, but they're also tiny and the wet-room-style showers can soak the whole bathroom. They include hairdryers and are stocked with hand and shower soap. Of the hotel's 104 rooms, most are Standard and Deluxe Doubles and Twins, though there are also six Singles available. Some rooms have views of the harbor -- others, the parking lot. Guests sometimes complain of noise from neighboring rooms due to thin walls. 

For a mid-range hotel, the Centerhotel Arnarhvoll has a fair amount of extra property features catering to leisure travelers. The Sky Lounge bar and restaurant has great views of the water and offers a daily happy hour and reportedly good food. A free buffet breakfast is also served daily, with hot and cold dishes. The basement includes a small spa with a steam room, sauna, and a hot tub, but it costs extra for guests not staying in Deluxe Rooms. Reception is open 24 hours and the concierge can help book tours. The hotel can also arrange for laundry and dry cleaning, fax and photocopying, a Northern Lights wake-up call, or an early breakfast. There are limited free parking spaces available at the hotel, but inexpensive options are also available nearby. Airport shuttle service is available for a fee, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.