Hotel
The Reykjavik EDITION
Five-star harbourfront hotel beside Harpa with 253 rooms and suites, the TIDES seafood restaurant, a rooftop bar and a social spa looking out over the bay.
Hotel Holt
Classic four-star hotel in the quiet Þingholt district, established in 1965 and home to what it describes as Iceland's largest private art collection.
At a glance
- Type
- Classic art-filled boutique hotel
- Area
- Þingholt, Reykjavik, Iceland
- Price
- $$$ · Upscale
- Hotel class
- 4-star
- Official site
- holt.is
Good to know
- 42 rooms
- Private art collection
- Bar
- Jazz
- Meeting rooms
- Free high-speed internet
Why we recommend it
Hotel Holt is a family-founded hotel on Bergstaðastræti in Þingholt, the residential district of old houses and quiet streets between the lake and Hallgrímskirkja. It was established in 1965 by Þorvaldur Guðmundsson and his wife Ingibjörg Guðmundsdóttir, and its defining feature is art: the hotel houses what it describes as Iceland's largest private art collection, with paintings and drawings on display throughout the public rooms, corridors and bedrooms, as well as in a dedicated gallery section.
The hotel has 42 rooms, decorated in a classic style that feels very different from the many new design hotels in the city. Room types range from singles and doubles to deluxe rooms, junior suites, including one with a balcony, and suites. Many rooms look out towards Hallgrímskirkja, which is only a few minutes away on foot. Toiletries come from the Icelandic brand Sóley Organics, and high-speed internet is free.
Downstairs there is a bar, and the hotel has a jazz programme as well as spaces for meetings and events. The atmosphere is calm and traditional, more like a private house full of paintings than a busy city hotel, and it attracts guests who appreciate that. The hotel also offers bookable tours and has a playlist curated by the Icelandic musician Högni Egilsson, a small touch that reflects its links with the local arts scene.
Hotel Holt suits couples, art lovers and travellers who want a peaceful base within walking distance of everything. Families may prefer somewhere with more facilities, as there is no spa or pool, but the city's public swimming pools are easy to reach. The four-star rating and the art collection make it a good choice for a special stay at a level below the big luxury hotels.
From the hotel it is a short walk to Hallgrímskirkja, Skólavörðustígur, Laugavegur and Tjörnin, and Þingholt's streets of corrugated-iron houses are pleasant to explore in the evening. Book ahead for summer and ask for a room with a view of the church. Because the hotel is small, it is worth contacting it directly with any special requests, such as a quiet room or help arranging tours, before you arrive. The hotel website notes that Reykjavik has not been significantly affected by recent seismic activity on the Reykjanes peninsula.
Hotel Holt FAQs
What is special about Hotel Holt?
The hotel houses what it describes as Iceland's largest private art collection, displayed throughout the building and in a gallery section.
When was Hotel Holt established?
It was established in 1965 by Þorvaldur Guðmundsson and Ingibjörg Guðmundsdóttir.
How many rooms does the hotel have?
Hotel Holt has 42 classically decorated rooms, from singles to suites.
How many stars does Hotel Holt have?
It is a four-star hotel.
Is there a bar?
Yes. The hotel has a bar and a jazz programme.
Do rooms have views?
Many rooms have views of Hallgrímskirkja.
Where is Hotel Holt?
It is at Bergstaðastræti 37, 101 Reykjavik, in the Þingholt district a few minutes' walk from Hallgrímskirkja and Laugavegur.
How do I contact the hotel?
Call +354 552 5700 or email [email protected].