Thingholt by Center Hotels Reykjavík, Iceland: Where Reykjavík’s Coolest Street Meets Nordic Luxury

The first thing you notice is the location.

The hotel sits on a quiet side street just steps from:

  • Laugavegur shopping street

  • Rainbow Street

  • Hallgrímskirkja

  • Reykjavík Harbor

  • Countless restaurants, bars, and cafés

Guests repeatedly highlight how walkable everything feels—and they’re right. Many tour operators also pick up nearby at Bus Stops #3 and #6, making excursions like the Golden Circle or Northern Lights tours incredibly convenient.

You’re close enough to feel the city’s energy.

But just far enough removed to avoid being completely in the middle of the noise.

(Though some guests still mention occasional late-night street noise on weekends—worth noting if you’re a light sleeper.)

The Design: Moody Nordic Boutique Style

Thingholt doesn’t lean into bright Scandinavian minimalism.

Instead, it embraces something moodier and more intimate.

Expect:

  • Dark wood accents

  • Textured walls

  • Contemporary Icelandic design touches

  • Ambient lighting

  • Sleek lounge spaces

The interiors feel intentionally dramatic—almost cave-like in certain spaces—which somehow works beautifully in Iceland’s often dramatic landscape context.

That said, some guests mention rooms can feel a bit dimly lit.

The Rooms: Compact but Comfortable

The hotel features 52 rooms, which helps preserve its boutique feel.

Rooms include:

  • Standard doubles

  • Deluxe rooms

  • Junior suites

  • Larger suites for longer stays

Inside you’ll find:

  • Comfortable beds

  • Heated interiors (very appreciated during winter)

  • Minibars upon request

  • Walk-in showers in many rooms

  • Modern Scandinavian furnishings

A recurring design feature guests often mention?

The frosted-glass bathrooms.

Some travelers love the modern aesthetic.
Others find it less private.

It’s one of those design choices that depends entirely on your travel style.

Ísafold Spa: The Unexpected Bonus

After spending full days exploring waterfalls, lava fields, glaciers, or battling Icelandic winds, the hotel’s spa feels like a gift.

The property offers:

  • Hot tub

  • Sauna

  • Relaxation spaces

  • Massage treatments

  • Small fitness facilities

Several recent guests specifically praised spa treatments as a standout part of their stay.

One thing to note: spa access may come with an additional fee depending on your booking package.

Breakfast: Fuel for Iceland Adventures

Breakfast matters in Iceland.

Days often start early for tours.

And meals in Reykjavík can be expensive.

Guests consistently praise the breakfast buffet for offering:

  • Fresh breads

  • Skyr

  • Fruit

  • Pastries

  • Hot breakfast items

  • Coffee and juices

It’s not over-the-top luxury brunch.

But it’s exactly what you need before chasing waterfalls.

The Rheal Luxury: Convenience

This is where Thingholt truly wins.

From the hotel, you can easily walk to:

  • Hallgrímskirkja

  • Harpa Concert Hall

  • Sun Voyager

  • Old Harbour

  • Countless geothermal pools

  • Restaurants, nightlife, and shopping districts

And if you’re doing Iceland’s Ring Road or South Coast adventure, this makes an ideal first or final stop.

The Honest Reality

Thingholt isn’t Reykjavík’s newest luxury hotel.

Some travelers note:

  • Smaller rooms

  • Occasional street noise

  • Limited parking

  • Certain rooms feeling slightly dated

But most guests agree:

The location, service, boutique atmosphere, and convenience make it incredibly hard to beat.

Thingholt by Center Hotels feels like Reykjavík itself:

Stylish
Creative
Walkable
A little unconventional

Because somewhere between geothermal spa sessions, midnight summer sunsets, cozy breakfasts, and late-night walks through colorful city streets—

you realize Iceland isn’t only about dramatic landscapes.

Sometimes, its capital city deserves the spotlight too.

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