Skólavörðustígur 45, Reykjavik, Iceland | (586) 210-9239
Convenient downtown location within walking distance of attractions
Excellent views of Hallgrimskirkja church directly across the street
Straightforward rooms with flat-screen TVs and en-suite bathrooms
Free continental breakfast
Cozy bar and snack lounge
Large outdoor patio
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Rooms are small and basic
Weak Wi-Fi may not be accessible on higher floors
Building lacks elevators
Limited on-site features
The two-and-a-half-pearl Hotel Leifur Eiriksson has the privilege of being the only hotel in Reykjavik with unobstructed views of Hallgrimskirkja church, which is just across the street. Many of the hotel's 47 simple rooms have great views of the city's most iconic landmark, though they're small and lacking in basic amenities like coffeemakers. Free continental breakfast is served in a welcoming bar and lounge adjoining a large outdoor patio, but there are no other on-site facilities. The Radisson Blu 1919, Reykjavik has more style and is more central, but its upscale rates are a bit higher.
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Scene
Modern family-run hotel across with excellent Hallgrimskirkja views
The sound of church bells can be heard every hour during the day at Hotel Leifur Eiriksson, which is situated across the street from the striking Hallgrimskirkja church. This small family-run hotel has an attractive lounge in its lobby, with parquet wood floors and characteristically Scandinavian-style modern furniture. A small sitting area off of the third floor staircase is nestled in a bright alcove with a bookshelf and doors that open to a small balcony overlooking the church. It's a compact hotel, but the lack of an elevator may be disappointing to those staying on the fourth floor. Guests here are predominantly couples on holiday, though families, solo travelers, and groups of friends pass through as well.
Location
Downtown location, across from Hallgrimskirkja church
The hotel is located across the street from one of Reykjavik's most iconic structures, Hallgrimskirkja church. While not right in the middle of downtown, the hotel is in central Reykjavik and most sights are within a short walk. Major shopping destinations on Laugavegur Street are about a five-minute walk from the hotel, while the National Museum of Iceland can be reached in 15 minutes on foot. The famous Sun Voyager Sculpture on the waterfront is a five-minute drive. The harbor and Harpa-Reykjavik Concert Hall are just over 10 minutes away on foot; the striking building is home to live events throughout the year. Keflavik International Airport (KEF) is a 45-minute drive from the hotel.
Rooms
Basic, cozy rooms with simple decor, many with views of the church
The hotel's 47 rooms are small, cozy, and plain, though many have magnificent views of the church. The carpeted rooms feature basic decor with simple light or dark wood veneer furniture and a few quaint touches like fresh flowers and decorative throw pillows that add pops of color. Retro metal reading lights sit above every bed, while the rest of the furnishings consist of bedside tables, small desks, and chairs. Deluxe Rooms add small sitting rooms with armchairs and small tables. Older flat-screen TVs are wall mounted, and some are positioned in a way that would make viewing awkward. The tiny bathrooms tend to be musty, with simple walk-in showers. Some showers aren't walled off, or lack a shower curtain, meaning that the bathroom is more like a wet room (though squeegees to clean up aren't offered) -- it's not the most convenient design scheme we've encountered.
Features
Bar and lounge, outdoor patio, and free breakfast
This simple hotel has one main common space that's adjacent to the lobby, which includes the front desk area separated by a partial wall from the bar. It's an inviting space, decked out in light woodwork with a few white bar stools and a dozen tables. A free continental breakfast is served daily, with snacks and drinks available all day at the bar, but no on-site restaurant for lunch or dinner. There's also a large outdoor patio with white pallet-style benches and tables amid colorful potted flowers. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.
