CenterHotel Plaza

CenterHotel Plaza stands on Ingólfstorg, the oldest square in Reykjavik, in the heart of the old town, and its main selling point is location. It is part of CenterHotels, an Icelandic group that runs several hotels in the capital, and with more than 200 rooms it is one of the bigger hotels in the historic centre. The Old Harbour, Laugavegur and most of the main sights are within easy walking distance.

The rooms are modern and practical rather than luxurious, aimed at travellers who will spend most of their time out exploring. Breakfast is available, wifi is free, there is a 24-hour front desk and a concierge service, and the hotel has disabled access. For groups and business travellers there are meeting rooms: Eldfell, which holds up to 80 people, and the smaller Hekla and Katla, with access to a garden and catering options.

The Plaza Bar is open daily until midnight and has a happy hour from 16:00 to 18:00, useful in a city where drinks are expensive. Beyond the hotel, dozens of restaurants, cafés and bars are within a few minutes' walk, from the hot dog stand near the harbour to the restaurants of Austurstræti and Hafnarstræti. The hotel holds Green Key environmental certification.

CenterHotel Plaza suits first-time visitors, couples, friends travelling together and anyone who wants to be able to walk everywhere. Families should check the room types and sizes when booking, as standard rooms in central hotels are often compact. As the hotel is on a square in the middle of the nightlife district, weekend nights can be lively outside; ask for a room facing away from the square if you are a light sleeper.

The hotel's central position also makes it easy to return to your room between activities, which is useful in winter when you may want to drop off layers or warm up before going out again in the evening.

Many day tours pick up from central bus stops a short walk away, which makes this a convenient base for excursions, and the airport bus serves the centre. Book early for summer and the New Year period, when central hotels sell out. Ingólfstorg is a short walk from Austurvöllur and the Parliament House, the Settlement Exhibition on Aðalstræti, Harpa and the harbour.