Apotek Hotel

Apotek Hotel is in central Reykjavik, a short walk from attractions such as the Hallgrimskirkja church and Parliament House.

The rooms and suites are comfortable and tastefully designed, reflecting the traditional nature of the hotel, with muted browns and greys, wooden floors and staircases, and artwork which reflects the long history of the city and the hotel’s location in the iconic former Reykjavik Apothecary. The huge rainfall showers get rave reviews from guests, while the insulated windows ensure a good night’s sleep.

The vast Tower Suite, which has three floors and is exceptionally spacious, offers sweeping panoramic views of the beautiful old town.

The hotel's restaurant is one of the city’s most exciting and vibrant places to eat, serving up delicious fusion cuisine in a lively, smart-casual environment, including a delicious buffet breakfast in the morning. The dishes, which are designed to be enjoyed as sharing platters, bring together Icelandic and European cuisine in a fun and innovative way, with the added element of a smoking Argentinean grill. Seafood, beef and lamb feature prominently on the menu.

Meanwhile, the buzzing cocktail bar pays tribute to the hotel's history, with knowledgeable ‘pharmacists’ mixing up any cocktail necessary – whether you’re after a painkiller, a stimulant or a tranquilliser, or even a placebo if you’re trying to be good. This is the place to be for happy hour drinks in the evening.

The friendly, multilingual staff are on hand to provide expert first-hand recommendations of sightseeing in the area as well as the best local restaurants to try. Ask them about activities such as daily walking tours, which have a meeting point just across the street.

The hotel's central location makes it perfect for exploring Reykjavik’s historic sites and more, with attractions from Reykjavik City Hall to the shopping district of Laugavegur all within a five-minute walk, with numerous bars, restaurants and galleries close by too.

Also nearby and well worth a visit is the striking Lutheran church, Hallgrimskirkja, the largest church in Iceland and a masterpiece of Expressionist architecture. Built over half a century and consecrated in 1986, its size is such that it is also used as an observation tower, with stunning views of the capital and mountains beyond from its elevator-accessible viewing deck.