Design hotel in middle of everything
by nomadig about CenterHotel Thingholt
CenterHotel is a small chain of small Icelanding boutique hotels, all located in Reykjavik. We got an excellent price for CenterHotel Thingholt for our one night stay in Reykjavik.
The hotel is very centrally located -- albeit being in outskirts of the city means only one or two kilometer walk -- and all major attractions and shopping possibilities are in a walking distance.
The focus in the hotel is in modern design, and for me it worked pretty well. Dark floors, white and bright rooms, and good furniture made a good match. The bed was large enough and had excellent linens, and the bathroom was just right with a good shower. The only minus comes from the bathroom tap that was a bit loose, and could be swung around.
The price included also an excellent breakfast with very, very delicious Icelandic dark break -- reminded me of Finnish archipelago bread. Dark, tasty, and not for everyone. There were a lot of other things, too, so do not worry about the dark break.
The service was straightforward, and well in line with other Icelandic service we encountered. Not pushy, but not very "delighted to be helping you" either. For us Finns, it is easy to accept that kind of service, but for Americans it might feel a bit rude.
Reykjavik
by mad4travel
Reykjavík is the capital of Iceland, its largest city and the world's most northern national capital.
It is located in southwestern Iceland, on the southern shore of Faxaflói Bay,with a population of more than 117,000.
Reykjavík is believed to be the location of the first permanent settlement in Iceland, which Ingólfur Arnarson is said to have established around the year 870. Until the 18th century, there was no urban development in the city location. The city was founded in 1786 as an official trading town and grew steadily over the next decades, as it transformed into a regional and later national center of commerce, population and governmental activities.
Despite its extreme northerly location, Reykjavík is not as cold as might be expected. The average mid-winter temperatures are no lower than those in Toronto or New York City. This is because the Icelandic coastal weather is moderated by the warm waters of the Gulf Stream. The city's coastal location does make it prone to wind, and gales are common in winter. Reykjavík is also a very wet city, having an average of 213 rainy days every year, with spring having slightly more sunny days.
The best way to get to know Reykjavik is to take to the streets. The city center is remarkably compact and the efficient public bus system can quickly shuttle you around for sites a little farther away. Feed the swans and ducks on Tjörnin Pond next to the City Hall. Take the elevator to the top of the imposing Hallgrimskirkja Church for an incredible view of the city, or explore the colorful neighborhoods of Thingholt and Vesturbaer. There are lots of shops and cafes to explore if the weather takes a turn for the worse.
Photos
CenterHotel Thingholt entrance in Reykjavik
Sign in with Facebook
