Stracta Hotel, Golden Circle

• You'll be conveniently situated along the Golden Circle between Reykjavík and Vík, an excellent base for attractions like Geysir, Gullfoss, and Þingvellir National Park (though all an hour drive away).
• Rooms are bright and spacious, with some offering private hot tubs.
• Past guests have observed the northern lights from Stracta Hotel's unique glassed wall and roof tunnel.
• Perks of the property include two large public hot tubs and saunas, so if you don't have a room with a personal hot tub, you can still partake in a soak.
• The hotel has two on-site dining options: Garður, a breakfast and dinner buffet restaurant with panoramic views from the second floor, and Bistro, which serves lunch and dinner.
• The location provides easy access to a range of activities, including horseback riding, hiking, and kayaking (the coast is a 20-minute drive south).

• Typical of many Icelandic properties, Stracta Hotel's exterior isn't much to look at; it's made of corrugated metal, and some previous guests have found the property to be a bit sterile in appearance.
• Given its size and location, you'll share common spaces with large bus tour groups.
• Private hot tubs cannot be accessed through your room; you have to make your way outside through the hotel.

Authenticity

Stracta Hotel is a family-owned property that doesn't have much in the way of a historical background yet embraces Iceland's natural beauty, ensuring visitors can enjoy views of the surrounding nature, like Eyjafjallajökull and Hekla, for example, from common spaces that include the Garður restaurant, or the northern lights, as seen from the unique glassed wall and roofed tunnel. And while menu items are mostly international (burgers, fish and chips, beef Wellington, etc.), ingredients are primarily locally sourced, some even grown from the property's greenhouse. You will find dessert more traditional, though (Skyr cake). Rooms are simple, with plenty of blonde wood featured, channeling that Scandinavian vibe you'd expect, not to mention the property's shared hot tubs and saunas.

Location

Situated on the outskirts of Hella, Stracta Hotel is perfectly positioned for exploring Iceland's south coast attractions. It's just under a 1.5-hour drive from Reykjavík, placing you within reach of iconic sites like Geysir, Gullfoss, and Þingvellir National Park, or the black sand beach of Reynisfjara and Vík in the other direction. The hotel's setting is quiet, offering views of the Eyjafjallajökull and Hekla volcanoes and a great jumping-off point for activities like horseback riding, hiking, and kayaking. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

Rooms offer a mix of comfort and functionality, with options ranging from Standard Rooms to Deluxe Suites with private hot tubs (though not all entirely secluded). While some rooms (Standard) may feel a bit tight, others are spacious and bright, featuring modern, though sparse, decor that gives those Scandi vibes. Studios and Two Bedroom Apartments provide kitchenettes for self-catering, making them ideal for longer stays or families—the latter accommodates up to six guests and includes a personal hot tub. Bathrooms are clean and outfitted with basic toiletries, although some guests have noted they're on the smaller side.

Amenities

Family-Friendliness

The hotel accommodates families with spacious room options, including Studios (sleeping 1-4 guests) and Two Bedroom Apartments (sleeping 1-6 guests) that also have cooking facilities. Complimentary cribs and infant beds are available upon request, and Bistro's menu has kid-friendly offerings, and the majority of the property is stroller-friendly.