CenterHotel Skjaldbreid

This central property is part of a family-run chain of six hotels located across Reykjavik city center and decor here is sober and without much color. Artwork is similarly plain and the overall vibe is functional, while the abundance of black-and-white is broken up with wooden cabinets and serving tables. The hotel is well-located just off the main city shopping area, and a nightclub is nearby, which does produce some noise over weekends. There is a quiet, relaxed vibe throughout the property during the week, but most people spend their time out exploring during the day. It’s therefore no surprise that couples looking to experience the culture and sights of Reykjavik are the hotel's main clientele. As CenterHotel is child-friendly and offers free stays to kids 6 and under, it also appeals to families.

The hotel’s location in downtown Reykjavik means that many major attractions are within fairly easy walking distance from the front door. Lots of shopping is just, as the hotel sits right on buzzing Laugavegur, and there are plenty of cafes, bars, and restaurants all around. Unfortunately, this also means that there's noise from bars and nightclubs on the weekends. The Icelandic Parliament and National Gallery of Iceland will take eight minutes to reach on foot, while Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Center, Reykjavik Art Museum, and Reykjavik City Hall are all within a 10-minute walk. A little farther out are the Sun Voyager Sculpture and Shore Walk, about 15 minutes away on foot. Pjodleikhusid bus and coach station is just a minute’s walk away and the main bus terminal, Hlemmer, will take 10 minutes to reach on foot. Expect a 45-minute drive to Keflavik International Airport and the hotel can arrange transfers on request (for a fee).

The hotel has 33 rooms arranged over four floors, ranging in size from Standard to Superior Singles and Doubles. Rooms have neutral colored walls, with deep green carpeting and some splashes of color in curtains, throws, and seating. Most rooms have framed artwork in varying shades and designs, including some generic Ikea prints, and there's matching wood and melamine furniture with headboards and nightstands. Each bed has wall-mounted bedside lamps, plus throw pillows for an additional touch of comfort. Standard features include flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, minibars, electric kettles, blackout drapes, and free Wi-Fi. The surrounding neighborhood can be noisy on weekends, given the central location of the property, and there is a nightclub nearby. Bathrooms are small and done in plain white tiled surrounds with sober gray floor tiles. Each has a shower cubicle and modern fittings, although counter space is limited in most. Hairdryers and pump-dispensed toiletries are provided. 

The hotel is centrally located in the heart of Reykjavik’s main shopping area but what it gains from its location, it lacks in overall amenities. There’s no fitness center, business center, or bar, and the restaurant is open for breakfast only. The lounge is cozy and comfortable and there is a large-flat screen TV that faces the reception desk rather than where guests would congregate. The free breakfast is a welcome extra, offering a range of cold options, such as cereals, yogurt, toast, breads, meats and cheeses. The hotel keeps the area open all day and into the evening, offering guests free tea and coffee and a spot to relax after a day of activity. CenterHotel also has room service, although the hours are limited. The central location means there’s no on-site parking. Kids under 6 stay free if using existing bedding and a surcharge is payable for extra cribs or rollaway beds. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout.