Tjarnarvellir 3, Hafnarfjordur, Iceland | (541) 362-3741
Comfortable, modern hotel that's a good value in a quiet location
Removed from Reykjavik's late-night noise, and near nature trails
Straightforward, streamline guest rooms that are comfortable and bright
In-room flat-screen TVs and kettles with free tea/coffee
Family rooms with bunk beds available
Lobby lounge bar and a large breakfast room
Free hot breakfast that includes scrambled eggs
Free on-site parking
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Far from the city's dining, nightlife, and most attractions
Guest rooms lack mini-fridges
No fitness center (but there's one next door)
No full-service restaurant
Hotel Vellir is a three-pearl hotel located in a sleepy area in the port town of Hafnarfjordur, about 20 minutes outside of Reykjavik. There are no restaurants or bars nearby, but nature trails are a short walk away, and for some, the peaceful location removed from Reykjavik's late-night noise is a perk. There's basic, IKEA-style furniture throughout, with 68 guest rooms that are streamline but a bit uninspired, with just black, gray, and white decor, and no accents to give them energy. But they're comfortable and bright, and all come with flat-screen TVs and kettles, though there are no mini-fridges. Features include a small lobby bar, free hot breakfast, and free Wi-Fi throughout, but there's no fitness center. Travelers looking for similar accommodations that are closer to the city can consider Hotel Vik Arctic Comfort.
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Scene
Modern mid-range hotel with lots of natural light for leisure travelers
Built in 2015, Hotel Vellir is a somewhat basic mid-range hotel, but its modern, Scandinavian design aesthetic elevates the experience. It shares a mint-green building with a Reebok fitness center, and while there's a large "restaurant" sign, guests should note that this is just a breakfast room. A parking lot spans one side of the property and there's a view of low, treeless hills on the other (making it picturesque to some, and dreary to others). Despite the overcast climate and the minimalist gray color scheme, its interiors are bright, with lots of windows and natural light. The reception desk juts around a corner, where it doubles as a small bar, and the lounge has a pop of color, with orange and red furniture paired with monochrome floors and walls. The common spaces also feature colorful glass artwork by an Icelandic artist. The hotel mainly draws sightseeing couples and some families.
Location
In a port town, about a 20-minute drive from Reykjavik
Though it’s only about a 15- to 20-minute drive from downtown Reykjavik, the hotel is in on a relatively remote street with no restaurants, bars, shops or main attractions within walking distance. The town of Hafnarfjordur is known for its annual Viking festival, and as a place where elves and other mystical beings still reside (local tours are available). Most of the restaurants and shops are along the waterfront, about a five-minute drive from the hotel, and it's a seven-minute drive to Golfklúbburinn Setberg golf club. The Blue Lagoon is about a 26-minute drive, while Gulfoss Waterfalls can be reached in just under two hours by car. Expect a 30-minute drive to Keflavik International Airport.
Rooms
Basic modern rooms with flat-screen TVs and kettles, but no mini-fridges
The hotel's 68 rooms have large windows, or at least banks of smaller windows along the length of their walls, that bring in a lot of natural light and brightening up a monochrome gray palette. Gray carpeting and furniture keep the spaces streamline, with pale-wood accents and framed glass artwork that adds some color, but not enough to liven them up. All units have twin beds, either as singles or pushed together as doubles. Standard rooms have small desks and seating areas with chairs and tables, and all units come with flat-screen TVs, electric kettles with free tea and instant coffee, and free Wi-Fi, but there are no mini-fridges. Family Rooms add bunk beds and Junior Suites have living areas with couches. White- and gray-tiled bathrooms have walk-in showers with pull curtains and rainfall showerheads.
Features
Limited, with a lobby bar, plus freebies like breakfast and parking, but no on-site gym
This hotel offers slim amenities, with a few nice freebies added. There's no full restaurant, but a free continental breakfast served in a large dining room, with hot options like scrambled eggs. There's also a small lobby bar serves beer, wine, and coffee, with seating at three bar stools and a lounge with colorful couches and chairs. While the hotel lacks a fitness center, guests saying in Family Rooms and Junior Suites are provided with free passes to the Reebok fitness center within the building. Free on-site parking is included, as is Wi-Fi throughout.
