HotelChatter

Tags: Iceland Hotel Reviews / Iceland Hotel Guide / Killer View / → All Tags

Iceland Hotel Guide: Glymur Resort Has Killer Views and Themed Chalets

Where: 301 Akranes, Hvalfjordur, Iceland

HotelChatter contributing editor Tim Leffel is braving the erratic weather of Iceland and reporting on the local hotel scene this week. Most hotels are listed in euros or kroners, but prices have been converted into dollars, which are actually worth something there right now.

The owner of Glymur Resort freely admits she "knew nothing about running a hotel" when she bought a building that was formerly home to six failing businesses and turned it into an inn seven years ago. The "hidden people" -- fairies said to populate the hills around here -- must have blessed her, though, as this is now regarded as one of the best hotels in Iceland.

When you've got a view like this, it's easy to be happy with your stay. The hotel is perched over Whale Fjord, a dramatic area carved out by glaciers, but less than an hour from Reykjavik. Meals mix in lots of fresh ingredients and a number of local dishes, with an emphasis on seafood and lamb. The restaurant and lounge both overlook the water, as do the two community hot tubs that are filled with running geothermal water. There are hiking paths behind the resort up into the hills and the staff can arrange kayaking, fishing, or whale watching.

more ›