101 Hôtel Reykjavik Iceland; Design Hotels Collection

I had dreamt of Iceland for what felt like forever. The kind of dream that lives in the background while you’re busy doing life, until suddenly, it comes knocking dressed as a wedding invitation.

This year, two friends decided to get married in Reykjavik. Naturally, I said yes to love and yes to Iceland. G and I were over the moon. Well, I was over the moon. G was happy too, just a little more apprehensive. Cold weather and lava fields are not exactly his scene, but he’s always up for an adventure.

The wedding organizer had secured hotel rooms at The Parliament Hotel, but we were late to the game. By the time we tried to book, it was full. After a few clicks on Agoda, we came across 101 Hotel Reykjavik. Part of the Design Hotels collection, it looked like the kind of place that doesn’t just give you a room, it gives you a vibe.

And I’m all about the vibe.

I’m a sucker for boutique hotels, the ones that mix cool design with warm service and have just the right amount of art hanging around. G leans more toward the big hotels. Big lobbies, big breakfast buffets, big everything. But this time, it was my turn to choose.

We landed in Reykjavik early in the morning and checked into 101 Hotel by 1 p.m., which already felt like a win. The lobby had that quiet kind of cool. Art books stacked just right. Fire crackling. Sculptures. Low lighting. It felt like someone had thought about every detail without trying too hard.

Now let’s talk about getting into Reykjavik. Taxis from the airport are wildly expensive. We paid 170 euros, which was about 20 more than we should have. A taxi should cost you around 150. If you’re not in a rush, the airport bus will drop you in the city center for around 35 to 40. And if you’re staying a few days, consider renting a car. Iceland is meant to be explored.

Rooms

Let’s get to the room. It’s cool. Very cool. Clean lines, beautiful lighting, a soft color palette that makes you want to whisper. The bed was heaven, and the pillows passed my extremely high standards. But there are a few quirks. The bathroom and toilet are open-plan. I don’t mean “a little open” I mean zero privacy. So just be prepared. Also, there’s not much storage for clothes, especially if you’re two people with a tendency to overpack. And for reasons I still don’t understand, there’s no kettle. If you’re a morning tea or coffee person like me, it’s a bit of a letdown.

Restaurant

Back at the hotel, breakfast was our only real meal there since the rest of the trip was filled with wedding celebrations. Still, the food at the hotel’s restaurant looks lovely a twist on Icelandic cuisine, simple and elegant. The kind of breakfast where everything feels thoughtful, from the rye bread to the tiny pots of jam. I’ll write more about where to eat in Reykjavik in a separate post because that deserves a love letter of its own.

The spa & gym

is small, as in blink and you’ll miss it, but it does have a steam room. The gym is minimal too, but I had it all to myself every time I popped in, which made me feel like a VIP with private access. So, no complaints.

Still, we stayed five nights and loved every minute of it. We checked out The Edition and The Parliament just to see what we missed, and yes, they’re more luxurious in a traditional sense. But I’d still pick 101 Hotel again. There’s something intimate and easy about it. It doesn’t try too hard. It just works.

Also, location. You are right in the heart of Reykjavik. Walk out the door and you’re in the middle of it all. Cafés, design stores, bars, museums. Everything is just there. I’d go as far as saying this is the best hotel location in Reykjavik if you want to explore the city on foot.

So, if you're wondering where to stay in Reykjavik, and you want something a little artsy, a little moody, but still incredibly comfortable ,101 Hotel is your best pick.