Fosshotel Stykkishólmur, Stykkishólmur

Pros

• If you have a rental car, you're well placed to explore the lava fields, glaciers, and basalt cliffs of the Snæfellsnes peninsula, including Kirkjufell, likely Iceland's most photographed mountain.
• You'll only have to walk about 10 minutes to reach the restaurants, bars, and attractions of the town's center, including Norwegian House (a maritime museum) and the Library of Water art museum, as well as Baldur Ferry Terminal for access to Flatey Island and Westfjords.
• If you're a golfer, you'll enjoy free entry to Víkurvöllur, the Mostri Golf Club's nine-hole golf course.
• You can sup on daily fresh-caught seafood, like monkfish, cod, and halibut, at Fosshotel Stykkishólmur's in-house restaurant (there's also a kids menu for fussier eaters and an extensive drinks menu).

Cons

• Although some rooms may be smaller and offer less dramatic views than those at other Fosshotels, they still have everything you need for a comfortable stay.
• Breakfast, while highly praised for its selection and quality, is an extra charge.

Authenticity

While Fosshotel Stykkishólmur is part of the Íslands Hótel chain, what it lacks in historical character, it makes up for in providing its guests a literal taste of Iceland, thanks to its restaurant's offerings. You can expect to find a selection of seafood caught from Breiðafjörður Bay, including blue mussels, scallops, and various fresh fish, prepared with minimal intervention to highlight the dish's natural flavors. The property, too, is perched on a hill, elevating it just right, so that you can take in those views of the surrounding land (and sea) scape Iceland is known for. 

Location

Residing in the Snæfellsnes peninsula's largest town, Fosshotel Stykkishólmur makes for an excellent base to check out some of West Iceland's attractions, from a 10-minute walk to sites like Norwegian House and the Library of Water to the 20-30-minute drive to places like the Bjarnarhöfn shark museum and the highly photographed Kirkjufell mountain. The hotel is just steps from Stykkishólmskirkja and an 8-minute walk to the Baldur Ferry Terminal, providing ferry access to Flatey Island and the Westfjords. The property is 2 hours outside of Reykjavík and about an hour to the Snæfellsjökull National Park.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The 1960s property, though renovated in the 2000s, offers bright (if you're visiting in the summer months), modern rooms with simple decor and a color scheme of gold, blue-green, and gray. There are five room categories, from the smallest Standard Double or Twin Room to the most spacious Suite that offers a separate living area and dining table, though for families or larger parties, you'll want the Family Room that accommodates up to four people. Many rooms boast impressive views of the bay and city.

Amenities

As a 3-star hotel, there isn't much in the way of amenities, save for it's highly-praised restaurant that serves dinner from 6 pm to 9 pm daily with happy hour from 4 pm to 6 pm and bar service from 3 pm to midnight. The menu features local seafood and game, a couple of vegetarian and gluten-free options, and a kids' menu. Free parking is available, as is EV charging stations, and the property is wheelchair accessible. Guests have complimentary access to the Víkurvöllur golf course next door, and if you want to go for a swim or hot tub soak, there's the Stykkishólmur Swimming Pool complex a 4-minute walk away featuring an outdoor and indoor (heated) pool, with mineral baths and a cold plunge pool. 

Family-Friendliness

The hotel welcomes families and is stroller-friendly, though it doesn't offer specific family-oriented amenities save for the restaurant's kid-friendly menu. The spacious rooms, like the aptly named Family Room, can comfortably accommodate families of four. Complimentary cots are available upon request and availability, and children six and older are charged as adults.