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Iceland Parliament Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton in Reykjavik [In-depth Review]

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Hilton has a strong presence in Reykjavik, the relatively small capital city of Iceland, and I’ve had the pleasure of staying at 2 of the 4 Hilton properties there. My favorite time to visit Iceland is the first part of June as flights from the U.S. become more available and the heavy crowds have yet to descend on the city.

I was particularly excited about this trip as I would review Hilton’s newest property in Reykjavik, the Iceland Parliament Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, and also an established property, the Hilton Reykjavik Nordica.

The Iceland Parliament Hotel opened in December 2022 in a complex of buildings formally housing Iceland Telecom, Independence Hall, and the Lady’s School. As with many hotels in the city center, great attention was given to preserving the historical features of some of the city’s oldest buildings while transforming the space and adding new space for modern use.

The result is a stunning 163-room hotel situated in a prime location near Iceland’s Parliament building and surrounded by some of the city’s public squares. I couldn’t wait to experience the property and share a review of my stay with you.

Flying to Iceland

Booking a summer flight from my hometown in northern Michigan can be expensive. It’s a tourist area and flights can be full due to high demand. A round-trip flight to Reykjavik can easily exceed $1,500, even in economy class.

Booking a few months in advance, I was able to find a fare under $1,000 then used a few Delta gift cards to reduce the expense even further. I bought the gift cards and received bonus earnings using my Chase business credit cards at office supply stores and the American Express® Gold Card to earn 4x points at U.S. supermarkets (up to the first $25,000 per calendar year in purchases; then 1x points).

I flew comfortably in Delta Comfort+ seating due to my elite status with Delta.

If I had not had Delta gift cards to use up, I could have used 80,000 United miles for a round-trip award ticket.

Delta launched seasonal direct flights between Detroit (DTW) and Reykjavik (KEF) this year, so I was anxious to try the new route versus flying via Minneapolis (MSP) or on United via Chicago (ORD), as I have previously.

Another viable, and very popular, option would be to fly nonstop on Icelandair. The airline offers flights throughout the year from several North American cities. However, fares weren’t much less and I would have needed to secure a positioning flight from northern Michigan to the city of departure.

Icelandair Direct Flights to Reykjavik
Icelandair has several direct flights from major North American cities. Image Credit: Icelandair

Booking the Hotel

I always try to use Hilton Honors points or free night certificates when staying at a Hilton property, especially for an expensive stay. The cash rate for the nights I wanted at the Iceland Parliament Hotel was pricey at over $700 per night (including taxes and fees) but a standard room was available for 80,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Iceland Parliament Hotel Booking
Cash prices for the nights I wanted were expensive. Image Credit: Hilton

While not inexpensive, we value Hilton Honors points at 0.5 per point, so 80,000 points at the equivalent of ~$400 is still better value than paying cash. This is the standard points price for the 3 Hilton properties within the city. The Hilton Reykjavik Nordica, located about a mile out of town, can normally be booked for 60,000 Hilton Honors points.

Hilton Reykjavik Nordica Location
Of the 4 Hilton hotel properties in Reykjavik, 3 can be booked for 80,000 points per standard room night and 1 for 60,000 points. Image Credit: Hilton

I used my Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card to secure my reservation. The card comes with complimentary Hilton Honors Diamond elite status and earns 14x points per dollar spent on eligible Hilton purchases.

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
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The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Automatic Hilton Diamond status, an annual free night, and a travel and resort credit make this the perfect card for those who stay in Hilton hotels.

All information about Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by Upgraded Points.

Apply With Confidence

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If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Automatic Hilton Diamond status, an annual free night, and a travel and resort credit make this the perfect card for those who stay in Hilton hotels.
Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership
175,000 points
$875
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20.99% - 29.99% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)
Why We Like This Card

The information regarding the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.


Paying hundreds of dollars for an annual fee on a co-branded hotel card might seem ridiculous, but you should know that the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is much more than your run-of-the-mill hotel credit card.

The Hilton Aspire card is not only a phenomenal card for Hilton Honors loyalists, but even those who visit Hilton hotels just a few times a year can still get excellent value out of all the benefits that are packed into this card.

So let’s have a look at what makes the card so valuable to travelers.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 14x points per $1 on Hilton purchases
  • 7x points per $1 on select travel and at U.S. restaurants
  • 3x points per $1 on all other eligible purchases
Cons
    • High annual fee of $550
Card Highlights
  • Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership
  • Earn 14x Hilton Honors Bonus Points when you make eligible purchases on your card at participating hotels or resorts within the Hilton portfolio
  • Earn 7x Hilton Honors Bonus Points for eligible travel purchases: on flights booked directly with airlines or AmexTravel.com and on car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies
  • Earn 7x Hilton Honors Bonus Points on dining at U.S. restaurants, including takeout and delivery
  • Earn 3x Hilton Honors Bonus Points for other eligible purchases on your card
  • Enjoy up to $400 in Hilton Resort Credits (up to $200 in statement credits semi-annually) on your card each anniversary year when you stay at participating resorts within the Hilton portfolio
  • Enjoy complimentary Diamond status
  • $550 annual fee
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 20.99% - 29.99% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Hotel Location and Transportation

On departure day, with everything in place, I boarded each of my 2 Delta flights and arrived at Keflavik Airport (KEF) early the next morning.

I then needed to find transportation to the city, about an hour away, where the Iceland Parliament Hotel was located. Fortunately, it’s easy to secure transport from the airport to Reykjavik as there are several options.

The Flybus is the most popular, but Airport Direct, Strætó (the public bus system), or a taxi (the most expensive) are additional choices. I could have also rented a car, although I didn’t need a vehicle once in the city, and it would have been an expensive option.

The Flybus does not have a fixed schedule so there is always a line of buses ready and waiting at the airport when you arrive.

I purchased a Flybus ticket at the desk in the arrivals area for ~$36 for one-way transport to the main bus terminal where I would then transfer to a shuttle that would take me to the stop near my hotel.

Iceland Parliament Hotel Flybus
The Flybus is a popular option for transport to the city center. Image Credit: Flybus

Reykjavik has an efficient bus stop system with convenient stops located near major attractions and accommodations throughout Reykjavik. Transportation and tour services utilize this system, separate from the public bus system, to pick up and drop off passengers.

When the Flybus shuttle dropped me off at Bus Stop #1, it was a very short walk to the hotel. Although Google Maps routed me around the block, I walked straight ahead, cutting through the block, directly to the hotel.

Iceland Parliament Hotel Walking Directions
The walk to the hotel from Bus Stop #1 is less than 3 minutes. Image Credit: Google Maps

I noticed the Parliament building as I approached the hotel. The Icelandic parliament is known to be the oldest parliament in the world, established originally in the year 950 at what is now Thingvellir National Park.

Iceland Parliament Hotel Parliament Building
As I walked by, I recognized the old Parliament building from a previous visit. Next door is the oldest church in Iceland.

The Iceland Parliament Hotel is in the heart of the city of Reykjavik and within walking distance of all the key attractions and the waterfront.

Iceland Parliament Hotel City Location
The Iceland Parliament Hotel is conveniently located in the Reykjavik city center. Image Credit: Google Maps

The entrance to the hotel was easy to spot. Just as I walked in, there was a nice display with historical information about the hotel.

Iceland Parliament Hotel Entrance
Once I passed the Parliament building, I saw the well-marked entrance to the hotel.

Check-in and Elite Benefits

My Hilton Honors Diamond elite status has served me well during my previous visits to the Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre and the Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton. I was hoping for a similar experience at the Iceland Parliament Hotel.

Check-in was pleasant and efficient. My Hilton Honors Diamond status was acknowledged and I received an upgraded room to a king junior suite. Along with the included breakfast, a complimentary drink at the bar was offered.

And, best of all, although it was barely noon, my room was ready.

Iceland Parliament Reception
Check-in went smoothly and my Hilton Diamond status was recognized.

The lobby area offered more than a dozen separate seating areas. I would have been very comfortable if I’d had to wait for my room to be ready.

Iceland Parliament Hotel Lobby
The lobby was vast but the private seating areas made the space cozy.

Modern and spacious, the hotel lobby was a surprise — in a good way.

Iceland Parliament Hotel Lobby
The hotel lobby featured dozens of original art pieces including paintings, mixed media, and sculptures.

Amenities

As the Iceland Parliament Hotel recently opened in late 2022, everything throughout the hotel is stunningly new. I had fun exploring the property and taking in the beauty of this series of renovated historic buildings.

First up was the fitness center and spa. A nice descent down the unconventional staircase was my choice over the available elevator.

Iceland Parliament Hotel Steps
You can take the elevator or the stairs to the lower level where the fitness center and spa are located.

Fitness Center

The Iceland Parliament Hotel offers a stellar fitness center. Don’t take my word for it as I am not a fitness expert, just an occasional treadmill user. But I do know that a fitness room with large open spaces, numerous flat-screen TVs, and interactive equipment is probably desirable.

The fitness center was open 24/7 and available complimentary to all guests.

Iceland Parliament Hotel Fitness Room
All of the equipment in the fitness center is new.

The fitness room had plenty of open floor space and was stocked with a variety of new Technogym equipment.

Iceland Parliament Hotel Fitness
No matter where you worked out, there was a TV within sight.

In addition to a variety of machines, the free-weight area offered weight benches and a wide selection of dumbbells, balance and exercise balls, and kettle balls.

Iceland Parliament Hotel Fitness
The weight area offered a wide selection of weights and exercise balls.

Plenty of fresh towels and water were available in the room, plus a faucet for filling your water bottle.

Iceland Parliament Hotel Fitness
There was a nice freshening-up area available in the fitness room.
Hot Tip:

Carry your water bottle with you at all times in Iceland as water faucets are found everywhere. The tap water in Iceland is some of the best water in the world.

Parliament Spa

The hotel houses a beautiful spa with complimentary access for all guests. The Iceland Parliament Hotel spa was open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Additional treatments and services such as facials, hot stone, deep muscle, and couples massages can also be booked. Treatment availability times will vary.

Iceland Parliament Hotel Spa Entrance
The entrance to the spa told me the rest of the space was going to be special.

My first stop was to check out the pool and it was amazing. Robes and towels were available.

Iceland Parliament Hotel Pool
I made 3 trips down to the spa and never saw 1 person.

There were several lounging rooms, all with different styles. You could also order drinks to savor while you relax.

Iceland Parliament Hotel Spa Lounge
There were several lounging spaces, all with subdued lighting and peaceful environments.

With so many choices, the perfect relaxation space would be easy to find. Some walls were covered in beautiful wood, others with marble or granite.

Iceland Parliament Hotel Spa Lounge
If you have wondered what it would be like to sit in a marshmallow, this was close.

Fresh towels and plenty of water were available at the refreshment station.

Iceland Parliament Hotel Spa Freshen Station
Take a break and freshen up or grab some water to hydrate.

The spa had a dry sauna, a steam room, and a cool mist room to utilize in the order I would prefer.

Iceland Parliament Hotel Steam Room
The steam room, sauna, and cool mist room were all side by side for a quick transition.

With so many options, one could spend an entire day in this delightful spa. I did not, but I could have.

Iceland Parliament Hotel Cold Mist Room
The cool mist room could be very refreshing after the sauna.

Meeting Rooms

The Iceland Parliament Hotel is fully equipped to handle weddings, conferences, meetings, or social gatherings. The conference and meeting center is connected to the hotel and contains 8,500 square feet of available space.

Iceland Parliament Hotel Conference Center
Enthusiastic Anna showed me around the renovated historic building that is now the conference center.

The magnificent banquet room, the gem of the conference center, can hold up to 200 guests.

Iceland Parliament Hotel Banquet Room
If you have a special event that could be held in Reykjavik, this would be the space to host it.

In addition to meeting rooms and the banquet room, the conference center has several, so-called “function rooms,” each accommodating up to 100 people. The rooms are part of the renovated Lady’s School section of the building.

The conference center also has a full business support center for meeting services, including audio-visual equipment and support.

Iceland Parliament Hotel Function Room
The function rooms offer comfortable modern seating and the option for food and beverage services.

Pet Policy

Pets are not allowed at the hotel.

Parking

The hotel does not have onsite parking. There is, however, public parking nearby. Parking in Reykjavik is mostly free outside the hours of Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cost of parking in the zone where the hotel is located is approximately $2.60 per hour (kr. 370).

Hotel Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is complimentary for guests throughout the hotel. The speed of Wi-Fi in my room was adequate but was better in other parts of the building.

Iceland Parliament Hotel Wi Fi
Internet speeds varied depending on where I was in the building.

The Room

The approach to my room #413 was impressive with a nice bright hallway, granite threshold, and a fresh, clean fragrance throughout. I was anxious to view my junior suite.

Iceland Parliament Hotel Room Approach
It’s always nice when the hallways aren’t dark and dreary. These were well-lit, fresh, and clean.

The room was lovely and had the layout of a studio apartment. It was certainly spacious and had modern furnishings.

Iceland Parliament Hotel Room
As soon as I saw the room, I knew it was going to be a comfortable stay.

At the entrance was an ample closet with all the amenities one would expect at an upscale hotel. In addition to a shelf, a mirror, and drawers for storage, there was a luggage stand, an ironing board, and an iron.

The closet also held 2 bathrobes, 2 pairs of slippers, an umbrella, a laundry bag, a shoe-shine cloth, and a mending kit. A hairdryer and safe were also stored there.

Iceland Parliament Hotel Closet
The closet was large and held all the amenities I would need during my stay.

The desk area included a coffee station, ice bucket, and drinking glasses. There was plenty of space to set up my laptop, convenient electrical outlets, and a comfortable chair.

Iceland Parliament Hotel Desk Area
The desk area was multi-purpose and included the coffee station, minifridge, and a flat surface on which to work.

The coffee station included an electric kettle, a LOR-branded coffee machine, assorted coffee pods, instant coffee, teas, associated condiments, ceramic cups, and a bottle opener.

Iceland Parliament Hotel Coffee Station
The coffee station was complete with everything I needed to make a hot beverage.

The desk area also contained the minifridge which held complimentary still and sparkling waters.

Iceland Parliament Hotel Minifridge
While complimentary water was provided, the tap water in Iceland is pristine, cold, and refreshing.

The living area included 2 chairs, 2 side tables, a modern lamp, and a 55-inch flat-screen TV.

Iceland Parliament Hotel Living Area
It was a good thing I was alone as I would have fought for that comfortable chair.

The Bedroom

The bedroom area was regal with rich woods, a modern sitting bench, and a tasteful area rug. There was also plenty of lighting and a mirror with a handy shelf. I really liked this space.

Iceland Parliament Hotel Bedroom
The bedroom area was a very comfortable space.

The king bed was as comfortable as I would expect at a Hilton property. And, it’s always nice to have 4 pillows of varying softness.

Iceland Parliament Hotel Bed
Crisp fresh linens and a comfortable bed are appreciated but also an expectation at a fine hotel.

The left nightstand held the phone, master lighting controls, 2 USB ports, and an electrical outlet. There was also a personal lighting fixture located above the headboard.

Iceland Parliament Hotel Left Nightstand
The nightstands were made of the same granite used in the desk area.

The right nightstand, identical to the left, also had lighting controls, USB ports, an electrical outlet, and personal lighting above the headboard.

Iceland Parliament Hotel Right Nightstand
A nice granite bedside table with handy charging options.

There were 2 55-inch flat screen TVs in the room, 1 in the living area and 1 in the bedroom area. There were 35 stations of which 30 were TV channels and 5 were music channels. Many of the TV channels were English-language channels. Additionally, I could stream YouTube but no other personal media apps could be accessed.

Iceland Parliament Hotel TV
The TVs had plenty of entertainment choices, many of which were in English.

The Bathroom

The tiled bathroom was truly a nice space complete with a double vanity and shower. I especially liked that it had plenty of bright lighting.

Iceland Parliament Hotel Bathroom
The bathroom was spacious and well-lit.

The open double vanity had plenty of space for my personal items and electrical outlets convenient for drying and styling my hair in front of a mirror. I know that not all hotels can do this due to local regulations, so when it’s available, I appreciate it.

Iceland Parliament Hotel Vanity
The double sinks are convenient even for 1 person.

Zero% branded amenities are made with “elements that emphasize purification and hydration.” Their fragrance was nice, too — light and floral. There was a bottle each of hand wash and lotion mounted at both ends of the vanity.

Iceland Parliament Hotel Vanity Amenities
The 2 sets of liquid amenities were very convenient.

Additional vanity amenities included a loofah sponge, cotton buds, a shower cap, and a small vanity kit that included cotton makeup wipes, more cotton buds, and an emery board.

Iceland Parliament Hotel Vanity Amenities
Ancillary amenity items I might use were also provided.

In addition to the smoked glass entrance pictured above, the shower featured a rainfall shower head, a nice hand wand, and a grab bar. The shower was delightful.

Iceland Parliament Hotel Shower
The shower had great water pressure and functioned well.

Full-size containers of Zero% branded shower gel, shampoo, and conditioner were mounted on the shower wall.

Iceland Parliament Hotel Shower Amenities
Once again, Zero% branded amenities were provided in the shower.

View

There was really no view from my room but it was fine as there was plenty of light coming into the room. If there had been a view, it would have been of other city buildings including the bars. One positive of an inside-facing room is that it was extremely quiet.

Iceland Parliament Hotel Room View
The room did not really have a view but there was plenty of light coming in the 2 large windows.

From the hallway outside my room, there was a courtyard view. My room windows are the upper left ones, therefore the building-wall view.

Iceland Parliament Hotel Courtyard
The hallway had courtyard and city views.

Food and Beverage

The hotel has 1 restaurant and a bar, both of which are located on the main level of the hotel. Room service was also available as well as packed lunches to go.

Hjá Jóni Restaurant

The hotel restaurant was open for breakfast each day from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. It’s also available for lunch/dinner with dining from an à la carte menu from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Iceland Parliament Hotel Restaurant
The restaurant entrance from the lobby space.

The dining room was at street level and overlooked Austurvöllur Square. It’s a lovely view, especially in late spring.

Iceland Parliament Hotel Dining Room
The dining room was bright and cheerful yet with plenty of ambiance for an evening meal.

Breakfast

The daily breakfast buffet costs ~$30 but is complimentary with most room rates. On select days, you can also order à la carte off a menu. This option was not available for the days I stayed.

The first stop on the buffet was the coffee station. In addition to fresh coffee made from the machine, assorted teas were provided.

Iceland Parliament Hotel Coffee Machine
Coffee, tea, and condiments were available at the coffee station.

I also had the choice to forego the machine and pour the ready-made brew. Occasionally, not having to wait for that first sip of coffee is important. Regular and decaf were available. There were 2 juice choices: orange and apple.

Iceland Parliament Hotel Coffee Juice
Warm whole milk and soy milk were available.

No proper Scandinavian breakfast starts without a shot of cod liver oil.

Iceland Parliament Hotel Cod Liver Oil
There’s a good reason to use the lemon to flavor the cod liver oil.

Next up, I grabbed a glass of Champagne as every day is Champagne brunch day at the Iceland Parliament Hotel. I was lucky to have all the Delta flight attendants who worked on my flight from DTW to KEF invite me to join them for breakfast when we arrived and again each day of my stay.

They all agreed this hotel was the nicest crew hotel Delta has ever provided.

There is nothing better than a Champagne brunch and travel talk to start the morning.

Iceland Parliament Hotel Champagne
At the Iceland Parliament Hotel, every day can start with Champagne.

Once beverages were secured, I could move on to the assortment of cereals, yogurts, Icelandic skyr (a smoother, thicker yogurt), and toppings.

Iceland Parliament Hotel Cereal Yogurt
Toppings included fresh fruits and nuts.

There was a nice selection of sweet pastries available. I like to try the local sweets but don’t always want a whole serving. How thoughtful it was to cut smaller pieces making it easier to try just a taste.

Iceland Parliament Hotel Sweets
I had to try just a taste of the local pastries. It was yummy.

Local breads are also a treat and these were especially fresh. I particularly liked the dark bread — I assumed it was pumpernickel. It paired nicely with some smoked salmon.

Iceland Parliament Hotel Bread
There were several fresh bread choices from which to select.

There was a typical spread of sliced meats and cheeses but the dill smoked salmon stole the show.

Iceland Parliament Hotel Meats Cheese
Sliced deli-style cheeses, not processed, and sliced meats (including chicken) were offered.

Freshly-sliced cucumbers and tomatoes along with artisan cheeses also accompanied the deli choices. In addition, there were sliced fresh fruits, bananas, and hard-boiled eggs.

Iceland Parliament Hotel Cheese and Fruit
I added cucumbers and tomatoes to my salmon and pumpernickel and it was yummy.

The standard buffet hot items included beans, sausage, bacon, and fried eggs. Omelets and made-to-order eggs were easily available. I had an omelet each day.

Iceland Parliament Hotel Hot Food
Hot items on the buffet included local sausages.

Lunch and Dinner

There is 1 menu available for lunch and dinner with items available throughout the afternoon and evening. Starter selections range from a beetroot salad for ~$22 to a Canadian lobster appetizer for ~$35. Main course choices included a hamburger for ~$30 and beef with Bordelaise sauce for ~$50.

There were 3 dessert choices from which to select. The skyr with berries, the glazed pineapple, or a white chocolate brownie with praline, fudge, and vanilla ice cream were each ~$21.

Telebar

The modernistic Telebar is named for its place in the former Iceland Telecom Building. As a Hilton Honors Diamond elite, I was able to enjoy a complimentary beer or glass of wine between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. each day.

There was a happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily when house wines and beer (excluding IPA) cost ~$7 and premium wines cost ~$10. From 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., select cocktails were discounted.

A modest selection of food was also available. Here is the cocktail menu and the bar food menu. The bar was open Sunday through Thursday from 3 p.m. to 12 a.m. and Friday and Saturday until 11 p.m.

Iceland Parliament Hotel Telebar
The Telebar is the hotel’s lively meeting place for happy hour each day.

Resident’s Lounge

On the fifth floor of the hotel, there is space reserved for a future lounge. It has not yet been determined exactly how the lounge will be set up, whether by paid access or otherwise.

Service

Everyone in the hotel was friendly and helpful. Anna, in particular, went above and beyond. She was conversing with guests in the dining room when I asked about the hotel’s meeting rooms. She immediately offered to give me a tour of the conference center as breakfast service was ending.

One small issue was that I was unable to obtain a late checkout due to the hotel being fully booked. Checkout time is 11 a.m. and I asked for noon, but even as a Hilton Honors Diamond member, my request was not able to be granted.

I had no other issues during my stay and the service I received from everyone in the hotel was excellent.

Surrounding Area

Reykjavik Harbor

Reykjavik Harbor is just a few blocks from the hotel. You can book all types of water-based tours that depart from there such as whale-watching, puffin tours, and ferries to the surrounding islands. The harbor is also a good place to grab a fish lunch or dinner.

Iceland Parliament Hotel Reykjavik Harbor
On my way to see the puffins.

Things To Do

The free City Walking Tour begins directly outside the entrance of the hotel. This particular walking tour is conducted by volunteers, lasts about 2 hours, and is a comfortable total distance of 1.3 miles. Make a donation at the end of the tour based on what you feel the tour was worth. Departures are scheduled twice daily and you can book up to 5 days in advance.

The hotel is an excellent base for tours across Iceland as Bus Stop #1 is just a block away and that’s where tour operators pick up! Book via Viator, Reykjavik Excursions, or Bus Travel Iceland, just to mention a few I’ve used with tours that pick up in the city.

The Harpa events hall is within walking distance as well as several museums and a weekend flea market. Here are some additional ideas for things to do in Reykjavik.

Supermarkets

There is a Corner Market (that’s the name) across the street with all the basics needed. I walk about 5 minutes more to reach my favorite neighborhood market Pétursbúð. The market is a treasure with gourmet and everyday staples. There are also 2 full-service Bonus supermarkets, each located within a 14-minute walk (in opposite directions) from the hotel.

Iceland Parliament Hotel Supermarket
It’s just a neighborhood market but it’s packed with goodies.

For alcohol, Vínbúðin is the place to go and it’s just a block or so away. For the past few years, you had to leave the city center to buy alcohol as supermarkets do not sell it. Fortunately, Vínbúðin is open again.

Dining Out

There are dozens of restaurants, light food options, and bars within a block of the hotel, and an endless selection in the surrounding area. I have not tried many so I have no personal recommendations.

Hot Tip:

While not fine dining, don’t miss the world’s most famous hot dog stand about 2 blocks away. You won’t forgive yourself if you don’t have a dog at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur. It’s open from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Iceland Parliament Hotel Hot Dog Stand
This hot dog stand serves some of the best hot dogs in the world — made with lamb.

Final Thoughts

A better location in the city of Reykjavik would be difficult to find — I was right in the middle of everything. Staying at a newly renovated/rebuilt hotel is also a special experience as everything was sparkling clean, appointed with the newest technology, and well-decorated.

I’ve stayed at several hotels in Reykjavik and the Iceland Parliament Hotel is at the top of the list as one of the best.

Here are some additional reviews I’ve written for hotels in Reykjavik and near Keflavik Airport:

The information regarding the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Iceland Parliament Hotel a nice hotel?

Yes, the Iceland Parliament Hotel is a very nice hotel. It is also one of the newest hotels in the city of Reykjavik.

The location is perfect, the service is excellent, and the decor is posh. The hotel also has an incredible spa and fitness center.

Does the Iceland Parliament Hotel allow pets?

No, like most hotels in Reykjavik, the Iceland Parliament Hotel does not allow pets.

Does the Iceland Parliament Hotel have shuttle service from the airport?

No, the Iceland Parliament Hotel does not have a shuttle service from Keflavik Airport. There are several convenient options for reaching the hotel including the Flybus, Airport Direct, the public bus system, or a taxi.

The hotel can also help you arrange transportation and assistance with parking if you have a rental car.

Does the Iceland Parliament Hotel have complimentary breakfast?

Many of the room rates include complimentary breakfast. It was also included as a Hilton Honors Diamond elite booking a standard room with Hilton Honors points.

Does the Iceland Parliament Hotel have free parking?

There is no onsite parking at the Iceland Parliament Hotel but there is public parking available nearby. Parking in Reykjavik, in general, is very limited, especially in the Old Town area where the hotel is located.

What is the best part of Reykjavik to stay in?

The city center of Reykjavik is compact and very walkable. Any hotel in the city center will give you access to all of the key sights and things to do in Reykjavik.

The Old Town area of the city is more historic and upscale while the upper town has a funkier vibe with more nightlife.

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About Christine Krzyszton

Christine ran her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services offices. This stoked a passion for points and miles and she now has over 2 dozen credit cards and creates in-depth, detailed content for UP.

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