Hotel Borg by Keahotels

Originally opened in 1930, the Hotel Borg has since become a city landmark. Situated in a beautiful white corner building overlooking a green square, guests feel transported from the moment they step inside. The restored and expanded property offers Art Deco decor designed to recall the hotel’s original glamour, and the hotel achieves this end with high marks, effortlessly managing to balance historic elegance with modern accommodation. The entryway features a tiled floor with a symmetrical geometric pattern and beige walls accented with a silver motif. White molding and arched doorways with rectangular inlays add to the elegance while bronze statuettes that flank a doorway help illuminate the room. Early 1930s opulence is visible throughout the hotel’s common areas. Chrome elevators with geometric designs, tiered pendant lighting, mirrored inlays, and patterned wallpaper are some of the atmospheric touches. The hotel’s restaurant and bar are a real stand out. These include a parquet floor, turquoise accent walls, boudoir chairs, and brown-suede button-tufted booths. The hotel is geared towards international tourists and upscale travelers looking for a stay with grand style.

Located in downtown Reykjavik, the Hotel Borg is ideally situated on a corner property that overlooks Austurvöllur square on one side and a cobblestone street on the other. It shares the street with popular bars and eateries as well as other hotels. The popular Laundromat Cafe is a two-minute walk away. Guests can walk to plenty of sights -- the stunning Harpa concert hall and cultural center is a seven-minute walk from the hotel, the Hallgrímskirkja church is 13 minutes away, and the famous Sun Voyager Sculpture is 18 minutes away. Laugavegur, Reykjavik's main shopping street, is a five-minute walk away. Keflavik International Airport (KEF) is about a 50-minute drive from the property, or guests can take the Flybus airport shuttle (for a fee), which departs after every international flight and will drop guests off directly at the hotel. Parking is available, but it costs an extra daily fee. 

While rooms range in size and each features custom made furniture, in general rooms at the Hotel Borg are understated, well-maintained, and immaculately clean. Each is finished with neutral tones and Art Deco accents. A parquet floor meets rich brown or gray walls accented with fresh white molding and ceilings, while black-and-white framed photos of old Reykjavik hang on the walls. A tiered leather headboard, globe pendant lights, and white leather chairs with lacquered brown accents provide 1930s touches. Black-and-white-bathrooms are chic with heated black tiled floors, white subway tiles in the shower/tub combos, and designer fixtures. Bathrooms include bathrobes, slippers, individual toiletries, irons and ironing boards, and hairdryers.

Each room includes a flat-screen satellite TV, coffee and tea making facilities, a safe, a mini-bar, and free Wi-Fi.  The hotel also features interconnecting rooms and suites, which may include extra amenities such as Bang & Olufsen flat-screen TVs and Hastens beds with goose-down duvets. The two-floor Tower Suite is the crown jewel of the Hotel Borg, offering astounding panoramic views of the city. But, it’s popular enough that it can be difficult to book. 

Rooms have double-glazed windows, which keep them relatively quiet, but light sleepers may want to consider rooms higher up or facing away from the nearby night club. While not all rooms have wonderful views, rooms facing the square tend to be a good bet. Some guests prefer the 56 rooms in the old wing to those added in 2015 in the new wing. 

The hotel offers its own Borg Restaurant and Bar which serves seasonal Icelandic cuisine in a glamorous dining area. A breakfast buffet is served daily; it costs an extra fee, and offers standard European buffet fare in addition to smoked salmon and Icelandic yogurt. The Gold Room is a historic, restored banquet hall that can host up to 75 guests. A small spa on the basement level includes a hot tub, sauna, and steam room and costs a reasonable extra fee. The hotel also has a small fitness area with cardio and weight equipment. Room service is available during limited hours. The hotel has an attentive concierge staff who can assist with babysitting services, massage services, and currency exchange. Wi-Fi is free throughout, and there are two computers for guests to use.