Driving the Ring Road in winter was a wild and wonderful adventure, and my KimKim local travel specialist (Gummi) was great, from planning my itinerary to helping me throughout my journey. Gummi was always available to answer questions and to address any issues that came up. I highly recommend working with Gummi if you’re planning an Icelandic adventure in any season.
Hotel Reviews
Buubble Hotel Hrosshagi
Bláskógabyggd
Had the skies been clear and the aurora visible this would’ve been a great stay. 😉 The bubble is comfortable but bare bones. The bed is comfortable and the heated blanket was nice (until it stopped working during the night). Bathroom facilities require a walk and sometimes a wait. So just be aware if this is a potential concern.
Authenticity & Character
It’s a unique concept to sleep inside an air inflated bubble!
Location
Even though the setting is in a small forest there is light pollution to the north, I take it, from the town?
Staff
No on-site staff. Not really a big issue but something to be aware of.
Cleanliness & Comfort
It’s hard to heat a bubble in winter. 😉
Black Beach Suites
Vik I Myrdal
Beautiful setting and very nice room with a view.
Authenticity & Character
Modern facilities. So not a lot of character but very nicely appointed room.
Location
The hotel is located on the west side of the mountains that sit above Vik but is close enough that driving into Vik for dinner was easy.
Staff
Staff was polite and helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Comfortable bed and nice shower. Quite a bit of room, too. With a nice deck.
Hrafnavellir Guest House
Hornafjörður (Hofn)
The individual cabins are very nice and comfortable. Great views! They have staff onsite and the small lounge area is open and serves drinks until 10 PM or so.
Authenticity & Character
The cabins are newer and very comfortable. Great views back toward the Batman Mountain, too.
Location
About 20 kilometers beyond Hofn. So either eat dinner before you arrive or be mindful that it’s about a 40 minute drive back to town. During the summer they do serve dinner at the guest house. So that would be a convenient option.
Staff
Such a wonderful hostess greeted me and prepared a delicious breakfast for me the following morning.
Hotel Holt—The Art Hotel
Reykjavík
The hotel’s bountiful leather seating in their common areas is the highlight. The art is eclectic and bountiful, too. The hotel is a bit dated but overall comfortable for a short stay. And they have free parking for guests, which was a nice benefit.
Authenticity & Character
The artwork is indeed everywhere and the wood paneled common areas and their plentiful leather seating are great.
Location
It’s set in a residential area just outside of the downtown area. Convenient to get to all the sites with a short walk.
Staff
Gabriella who checked me in also helped me find a place for dinner the first night, which was much appreciated.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The walls are thin apparently and so sound from one’s neighbors is an issue. A white noise app on your phone should mask it though. Some of the carpeting on stairwells is worn through. Nit picking perhaps but the hotel does show its age.
Dís Cottages
Grundarfjordur
Make sure you specify that you want to stay in one of the cottages. They apparently have a studio apartment above a garage that isn’t clearly noted when you make a reservation.
Authenticity & Character
The views are what makes this worth considering for a stay.
Location
Beautiful view across the fjord and out toward the open ocean. Nothing nearby though. So be sure to bring food and water.
Activity Reviews
ATV to Black Sand Beach and Plane Wreck
Iceland
Getting to see the black sand beach and the waves up close via an ATV is a wild and fun experience!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Sindri was a wonderful and entertaining guide! He made sure everyone was safe and had a good time.
Snowshoe Trek
Lake Mývatn
I ended up being the only participant. So i appreciated that we went ahead with the trek! My guide was fantastic.
Quality of Experience
Hiking up the mountain to find steaming pools amidst all the snow was very cool.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
My guide was born in Zimbabwe and married an Icelandic woman. So we had a great conversation on geopolitics, history, and the geologic wonders of Iceland.
Transport
Pick up and drop off from the hotel was great.
Breiðamerkurjökull Ice Cave Small Group Adventure
Iceland
How many groups can you fit on a glacier at one time? A lot! There were at least two dozen vehicles and a hundred plus tourists tromping around the ice.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide was friendly and informative
Local specialist: Guðmundur Óli Pálmason
