Hotel Búdir
MID-RANGE
Iceland's history and nature meet in this charming family-run hotel just 30 minutes from the Snæfellsjökull glacier, the site of the entrance to the center of the earth in Jules Verne's 1871 classic novel. If you don't have time to travel down to the earth's core, don't worry; the hotel has clear views of the glacier and volcano from various points. Sites like Arnarstapi, with its gravity-defying rock formations, are 20 minutes away, making this remote hotel a perfect place to get off the grid and connect with the landmarks of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
While Hotel Búdir first opened in 1948, it was previously a 17th-century trading post, and you can see traces of the area's history by visiting the closest building: a 19th-century black wooden chapel whose origins date to 1703. Although the original hotel burned down a few years ago, its feeling of historic and rustic charm has been retained in the renovated rooms that employ a mix of vintage pieces, hardwood floors, and soft textiles to create cozy spaces. The best part of the rooms is the view, as all have large windows overlooking the lava field, glacier, sea, church, or a combination.
Common areas add to the feeling of warmth and intimacy throughout the hotel. Grab a seat in the lounge and try bird-watching with the telescope, or head to the gourmet restaurant, which has been a renowned institution in Iceland for many years.
Read kimkim's review of Hotel Búdir
Miðhraun Lava Resort
MID-RANGE
Miðhraun Lava Resort is situated on the eastern part of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, two hours from Reykjavík and within an hour of some of the area's most significant sites like Arnastapi and the arched rock Gatklettur and the Snæfellsjökull glacier. This family-run farm and hotel offers modern accommodations with the area's remote location in mind to ensure you can get what you need without having to get into the car.
Choose between a room, apartment, or house which can accommodate up to 15 people. The style is modern and minimalist, with neutral tones of white, black, and shades of gray mixed with wooden furnishings. Rooms have shared bathrooms and access to a common kitchen area, while apartments and houses are fully equipped with private bathrooms, kitchens, and washing machines. Whatever option you pick, you can always head to the on-site restaurant for a tasty meal and indulge in other facilities like the paid geothermal bath on the property.
Read kimkim's review of Miðhraun Lava Resort
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Fosshótel Reykholt
STANDARD
History and modern comforts meet in Fosshótel Reykholt, almost directly between Reykjavík and the sites of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, both 1.5 hours away by car. Reykholt—not to be confused with Reykholt on the Golden Circle—is the birthplace of Snorri Sturluson, a medieval storyteller and politician who is one of the most important figures in Iceland. His museum is just a five-minute walk, so visit that and nearby sites like Deildartunguhver, Europe's most powerful hot spring, in between trips to attractions like the black sand beach of Djúpalónssandur or the Snæfellsjökull glacier, both two hours away.
After a day of exploring the peninsula, relax in one of the bright rooms. The style is contemporary and Scandinavian, allowing you to focus on the views and natural beauty outside. Suites and Superiors are the best options, as they have substantially more space than standards and include amenities like outdoor hot tubs or separate bathtubs. The on-site spa, where you can decompress in the sauna or hot tubs with landscape views, is open to all guests for a fee.
Read kimkim's review of Fosshótel Reykholt
Hótel Snæfellsnes
MID-RANGE
Located on the eastern part of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Hótel Snæfellsnes is a small family-run hotel in a remote location with convenient access to the sites of the peninsula. The fishing village of Arnarstapi and the glacier-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano are within an hour's drive. The geometric basalt cliffs of Gerðuberg are a quick 15-minute drive, as is Ytri Tunga beach, known for its golden sand and seal colony.
There are two room types here, Double and Triple, and accessible options are available for those with limited mobility. All include panoramic views of Elliðatindar Mountain, and their contemporary style of earthy tones and local Icelandic linens creates an inviting space that integrates with the surrounding landscape. For many, the highlight of the hotel is its on-site restaurant with Icelandic cuisine and the café, beloved by locals and hotel guests alike. Manager Þór has lived on the peninsula for 15 years, and his love of the area and hotel shows, as he bakes fresh bread and cakes daily.
Read kimkim's review of Hótel Snæfellsnes
Dís Cottages
STANDARD
Experience the beauty and folklore of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in these remote self-service cabins 15 minutes away from Kirkjufell or Church Mountain, one of the most photographed sites in Iceland. Dís Cottages are in a region called Þórdísarstaðir, the mythical home of Þórdísi Súrsdóttur, whose brother was one of the main heroes of the Icelandic Sagas. These cabins are a perfect base to explore the peninsula and discover the legends and stories tied to sites like Snæfellsjökull National Park, Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge, and Sönghellir Cave, all about an hour away.
Indulge in panoramic views and peace from one of these 10 or so cottages. While they're built in pairs, each has its own deck overlooking the sea and Mount Kirkjufell, offering a sense of privacy. The modern and minimalist style allows you to cozy up and enjoy the views. There are two cottage types here: the One-Bedroom Apartment and the Superior Apartment, which sleeps up to four. These self-service cabins all have fully equipped kitchenettes, although if you don't feel like cooking, you can always head to the nearest town of Grundarfjörður, 10 minutes away.
Read kimkim's review of Dís Cottages
Hótel Egilsen
STANDARD
Hótel Egilsen is a historic family-run property on the northern side of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula that channels the region's fishing culture in its nautical-themed rooms. This building dates back to 1867, and the hotel owners have retained its original features, like wooden floors and the bright red facade. Rooms follow the original building layout, so there's no elevator here, and they offer modern comforts like COCO-MAT mattresses and in-room iPads. The hotel's location in the fishing village Stykkisholmur serves as inspiration, as seen in the blue accents and antique pieces throughout.
There's no on-site restaurant, but the food options of Stykkisholmur are just a quick 10-minute walk away. The village harbor is the jumping-off point for boats to the islands of Breiðafjörður Bay, where you can get a different view of the peninsula. Kirkjufell is over a 30-minute drive, and sites like Snæfellsjökull National Park are an hour away. After a day of exploring, head to the hotel's lounge area, where you'll find board games and a small library with international titles.