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Hotel Borg

Hotel Borg

Originally built by Icelandic wrestler and adventurer Jóhannes Jósefsson, Hotel Borg opened in 1930 as the country’s first luxury hotel. Nowadays the atmosphere here is still one of glamour, not least for its location overlooking Reykjavík’s landscaped Austurvöllur Square and within easy walking distance from many of the city’s landmarks. Beneath the white façade, you’ll find a wealth of Art Deco interiors that pay homage to the building’s history, especially in the foyer that sets the tone for the design scheme that follows. The 99 rooms and suites mix vintage touches with contemporary decor, with all featuring black, white and taupe hues, Philippe Starck fittings, parquet veneered flooring, beds with geometric headboards, and large windows to allow for plenty of natural light. There’s also a wealth of modern amenities including TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, Nespresso coffee machines, and monochrome en suite bathrooms with underfloor heating.

Elsewhere, the hotel offers a spa with a hot tub, steam room, and private rooms for treatments, a gym for daily workouts, and a helpful concierge team. There’s also Iceland’s first outpost of Jamie’s Italian, which is located in the former ballroom and styled in way that is in keeping with the building’s aesthetic.

Our rating: First Class

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Rooms

An elegant Art Deco design theme prevails in the 99 sophisticated rooms and suites, all of which have black, white and taupe hues, Philippe Starck fittings, parquet veneered flooring, and large windows to allow for natural light. Modern amenities include flat screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, minibars, Nespresso coffee machines, beds with geometric headboards, and en suite monochrome bathrooms with heated marble floors and toiletries. 

The Superior and Deluxe rooms offer more living space than the Standard rooms while the more spacious Suites feature a separate bedroom and living room. All have views across Austurvöllur Square or the streets of Reykjavík.

Location

You’ll be staying in the heart of Reykjavík, overlooking Austurvöllur Square and next to the Icelandic parliament building and Reykjavík Cathedral. Further landmarks within walking distance include Reykjavík City Hall, the National Gallery of Iceland, and Hallgrímskirkja church. There’s also plenty of bars, cafes, and restaurants on Laugavegur Street, the main shopping street located a short walk from the hotel. 

Food and Drink

The hotel’s former ballroom is the setting for Jamie's Italian, English chef Jamie Oliver's first restaurant in Iceland. Located on the ground floor, it offers a varied menu that draws focus on Italian cuisine created with fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients. Breakfast can be enjoyed buffet style and include traditional Icelandic fare as well as continental options.

Facilities and Activities

Located in the lower level of the hotel, the Borg Spa features a steam room, hot tub, relaxation area, and treatment rooms for massages and facials using natural products by Icelandic brand, Dr BRAGI. There’s also a fitness room that opens daily from 6am to 8pm. 

Accessibility

Hotel Borg offers fully accessible rooms and all floors are reached by an elevator.

Our opinion

For a luxurious stay in the heart of Reykjavík, this history hotel offers a mix of Art Deco glamour and modern amenities. We love the original ceiling mural in the ballroom turned contemporary Italian restaurant.

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    Experiences while staying here

    The following activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences of the area where you’re staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident’s eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can also suggest outdoor pursuits and activities, such as cooking classes, that will introduce you to the traditions of the area’s inhabitants.

    • Reykjavík

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      Explore Reykjavík’s landmark sights with a local guide. Visit the Hallgrímskirkja and Harpa concert hall, hear about elves and peace treaties, or see lava fields and historical houses as you learn about the city’s history, architecture and culture.

    • Icelandic cooking class

      Icelandic cooking class

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      Enjoy a morning in the company of an Icelandic chef and folklorist, sampling traditional ingredients, hearing about local food culture past and present, and learning to cook a traditional three-course meal, which you can then enjoy with a glass of wine.

    • Northern lights

      Privately guided northern lights tour

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      Take an evening trip outside Reykjavík with a private guide to observe the northern lights beyond the city glow. Get tips on taking photographs, find out more about how the phenomenon is caused and watch as the night sky is lit up.