Kvosin Downtown Hotel

The Kvosin Downtown Hotel opened in 2013 after this historic building was given a contemporary Scandinavian makeover. Its stately front door opens into a lobby that feels a bit like a cafe, or a trendy general store, with window seating and a rolling ladder that leans against shelves full of goods. Ornate floor tiles combine with wood molding painted in muted grays, with black accents under ceiling-mounted stage lights. There are charming touches, like a chalkboard showing the upcoming week's weather forecast. Guests are mainly couples and families, along with some groups of friends keen on taking advantage of the spacious, kitchenette-equipped apartments. Don't expect to spend all day at the hotel, though, as there are few facilities on-site. Guests do gather at the stylish Klaustur Downtown Bar for wines and cocktails in a Scandinavian-chic space with unfinished wood floors and furnishings, filament bulb lighting, and cozy, window-side seating with colorful velvet pillows. 

Located in downtown Reykjavik, the hotel is across the street from Reykjavik Cathederal and Parliament, one block from Austurvollur square. It's surrounded by popular bars and eateries as well as other hotels. Laugavegur, Reykjavik's main shopping street, is a five-minute walk away. Guests can walk to plenty of attractions -- the stunning Harpa concert hall and conference center is a seven-minute walk from the hotel, the Hallgrimskirkja church is 10 minutes away on foot, and the famous Sun Voyager Sculpture is 15 minutes away. Keflavik International Airport (KEF) is about a 50-minute drive from the hotel.

The hotel's 24 apartment-style rooms have keypad entry and an open-concept floor plan. Denoted by titles that range from Big to Biggest, with space for two to up to six guests, each has a parquet-floor living space with a kitchenette. Neutral tones and minimalist furniture are dressed up by colorful cabinets and partially exposed brick walls -- it's a hip look that feels like a slice of actual Icelandic living. Moody photographs of Icelandic landscapes add a extra dash of local flavor. The kitchenettes include electric ranges set in marble countertops, mini-fridges, Nespresso machines, and dishware. Larger apartments add dining tables or breakfast bars with stools. Some have small balconies with city views. Free Wi-Fi comes standard along with smart TVs and Tivoli audio systems. The black-and-white Escher-tile bathrooms have walk-in rainfall showers stocked with Aveda products. There's also a top-floor apartment called The Mountain Suite, named in honor of the "Game of Thrones" character (the actor is an Iceland native), which has two huge terraces with views over the colorful rooftops of Reykjavik. 

Facilities are slim at the Kvosin Downtown Hotel, but it does have a 24-hour reception desk with tour booking assistance. Through the lobby, Klaustur Bar takes up most of the ground floor, with a chic bar and hip lounge seating by the windows. It has a wide selection of wine and beer, and has a daily happy hour, but doesn't serve food. Breakfast is included at a cafe around the corner called Bergsson Mathus. Offerings are quite simple and typically include fruit along with a hard boiled egg, homemade muesli in yogurt, and locally baked sourdough bread. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.