Not one thing went wrong. Nothing.
Iceland | Jun 4 - Jun 15, 2022

T
t jay f.
San Leandro, CA | Reviewed on Jun 22, 2022

Not one thing went wrong. Nothing.

We spent 10+ days in Iceland, staying in 8 hotels, rented a car, visited dozens and dozens of destinations, participated in some for-pay activities (whale watching, glacier lagoon boat, hot springs, etc.) and it was flawless. That rarely happens when I book my own trip.

On top of this we had detailed maps for every day (that were based Google maps, with each destination laid out), optional activities, local insights, restaurant suggestions. The hotels were all very good, the driving rimes reasonable, and the trip was AMAZING.

During the planning process Preeti communicated at each step, really worked to understand what we wanted (small groups, boutique hotels, off the beaten path destinations) and she tailored the trip for us, asking for feedback, adjusting and delivered a great adventure for the four of us.

I feel like I need to mention one more thing: we had originally planned on taking this trip in 2021 and Preeti had helped us put a trip together (to the point of us only having to put down a deposit) and then we had a medical emergency and, by necessity, stopped responding. Preeti was so very understanding when we finally did connect a few weeks later and was hugely enthusiastic when we reached out to plan our 2022 trip.

Hotel Reviews
Fosshotel Hellnar
Hellnar

This is a very basic hotel. Nice location, isolated, good restaurant.

Tips for future travelers

There is an on-site restaurant (that was very good) with limited offerings. There is another town a few KM away that has broader and less expensive offerings.

Authenticity & Character
Very simple hotel, nothing fancy.
Location
Great views, access to nature.
Staff
Excellent, prompt help.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean.
Hotel Laugarbakki
Hvammstangi

This hotel was really remote. The restaurant was fine. The rooms are modern and updated.

Authenticity & Character
Location
The hotel is really not located near anything, but stopped a long day of driving from being longer.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Fosshótel Mývatn
Myvatn

Stunning hotel, amazing views, amazing location. Great rooms.

Authenticity & Character
Beautiful design, beautiful location.
Location
Location & views.
Staff
Very friendly and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Hallormsstadur
Egilsstadir

This was our least favorite hotel. The hotel is dated, the rooms are VERY hot, it seems to be very popular with bus rides and the restaurants were not great (and the hotel was so remote that the nearest options were about a 20 minute drive). The hotel was fine, just not at the same caliber of the other 9 hotels we visited.

Authenticity & Character
The hotel is dated.
Location
It's remote, but in a beautiful woodland.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The rooms were extremely hot and one small window.
Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon
Hnappavellir

Another beautifully designed hotel, modern, clean and stunning location.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hótel Kría
Vík

Beautiful, modern hotel with nice rooms, solid restaurant and located in a town with breweries, pizzerias and great views and access to nature.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
ION Adventure Hotel
Nesjavellir

This place is incredible. The location is remote, but the hotel is so unique and the pool is an incredible treat. Food is solid, bars are fun.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Exeter Hotel by Keahotels
Reykjavík

This is a fine hotel in a very touristy area. Parking is hard (garage is near impossible for a SUV). Close to other sites (we walked everywhere aside from our visit to Sky Lagoon). In house restaurants for street food, lots of options around.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Fairly busy tourist area.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
The Geothermal Vok Baths
The Geothermal Vok Baths
Iceland

This is an amazing facility. Truly one of the best we've visited. Do not miss.

Quality of Experience
Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon Zodiac boat tour
Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon Zodiac boat tour
Iceland

A truly remarkable, small group tour. Boat pilot was knowledgable, funny and engaging.

Quality of Experience
Katla Ice Cave
Katla Ice Cave
Iceland

Don't set your expectations on seeing a cave -- we did and it was fine. The best part is being in an incredibly remote part of the tackier, no crowds and incredible beauty. Our driver was sarcastic and funny and gave us a great overview.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
It was a bumpy ride, but was great!
Iceland Thermal Bath Experience
Iceland Thermal Bath Experience
Iceland

This is such a great alternative to the blue lagoon. The seven step ritual is worth the extra money. Modern, clean, great experience.

Quality of Experience
Myvatn Nature Baths
Myvatn Nature Baths
Lake Mývatn

Stunning pools, modern facility (and they are remodeling).

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Husavik Whale Watching
Husavik Whale Watching
Iceland

An old oak boat, dolphins, whales and incredible views. We learned a ton as well.

Quality of Experience
Local specialist: Preeti Bhide