Apótek Hotel Reykjavík

Apótek Hotel Reykjavík, a distinguished Michelin Key Selected property, consistently earns high praise for its unique blend of history, modern design, and prime location in the heart of Iceland's vibrant capital.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Apótek Hotel Reykjavík generally receives exceptional feedback, with guests frequently awarding high ratings. It boasts an "Excellent" score of 8.8 based on 250 reviews on Booking.com, and an impressive "Exceptional" 9.4 rating from over 1,000 reviews on Expedia. The Michelin Guide also acknowledges its quality with a guest score of 18.3. The overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with particular appreciation for its central location, helpful staff, and cleanliness.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud Apótek Hotel for several standout features:

• Location: The hotel's "fantastic" and "perfect" central location is a recurring highlight, placing guests within easy walking distance of major attractions, shopping, dining, and nightlife.
• Design: Housed in a charming 1917 Art Nouveau building that was once Reykjavík's first pharmacy, the hotel beautifully blends its historic architecture with contemporary design elements. Original features like curved walls, a marble staircase, and hardwood floors are often noted.
• Service: The staff are consistently described as "helpful," "accommodating," "professional," and "friendly," contributing significantly to a welcoming guest experience.
• Amenities: Guests appreciate the on-site Apótek Kitchen + Bar, complimentary WiFi, Nespresso coffee machines, and luxurious Molton Brown or Keahotel toiletries. Access to a spa and fitness center at a sister property is also a noted benefit.

3. Room Quality

The 45 rooms at Apótek Hotel are frequently described as "charming," "very well equipped," and "beautifully appointed."

• Comfort & Design: Rooms feature high ceilings, casement windows, and parquet floors, with some offering views of Austurvöllur Square. The design is modern and understated, utilizing soft gray and white tones with minimalist furniture. Guests enjoy comfortable beds with premium bedding and pillowtop mattresses, often complemented by blackout drapes for restful sleep.
• In-Room Amenities: Standard amenities include a flat-screen TV, safe, minibar, work desk, and free WiFi. Many rooms also come with Nespresso coffee machines, electric kettles, and ironing equipment. Bathrooms are tastefully designed with white subway tiles, rainfall showerheads, illuminated mirrors, and feature high-quality toiletries and often towel warming racks. While some rooms are spacious, certain single rooms can be intimate in size.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel's Apótek Kitchen + Bar is a significant draw, renowned for its "fantastic" and "stylish" atmosphere.

• Cuisine: The restaurant offers a creative blend of Icelandic and European cuisine, with a "smoking hot Argentinean grill". It specializes in fresh seafood, lamb, and local ingredients, often prepared with a modern twist. Diners can choose from multi-course menus, delicious starters, and an in-house patisserie offering artisan desserts.
• Breakfast: A "delicious" and "hearty breakfast buffet" is served, featuring a wide variety of options including local specialties. However, some guests have found the breakfast to be expensive or the service somewhat functional.
• Bar: The cocktail bar is a lively spot where "award-winning pharmacists" craft exciting, pharmacy-themed cocktails with playful names like "Painkillers" and "Stimulants." Lunch, afternoon tea, and weekend brunch menus are also available.

5. Service & Staff

The staff at Apótek Hotel consistently receive high marks for their hospitality. Guests describe them as "wonderfully accommodating," "professional," "friendly," and "super helpful." The concierge service is particularly praised for assisting with directions, taxi bookings, and even finding appropriate packaging for guest purchases. Many reviews highlight the staff's genuine interest in ensuring a pleasant stay.

6. Location & Accessibility

Apótek Hotel's location is one of its strongest assets.

• Neighborhood: Situated directly in the heart of downtown Reykjavík, at Austurvöllur Square, the hotel is surrounded by a vibrant selection of shops, restaurants, and cafes.
• Attractions: Guests enjoy excellent accessibility to major landmarks, including Laugavegur shopping street (2 minutes walk), Reykjavik Harbour, Reykjavik Art Museum Hafnarhus, Alþingi (Parliament House), and Reykjavík City Hall (all within 5-10 minutes). The iconic Hallgrímskirkja Church is also just a 15-minute walk away.
• Transport: The hotel's central position also makes it convenient for Grayline bus tours and airport transfers.
• Parking: While the location is superb, parking can be a challenge as there is no dedicated parking garage or lot, and street parking can be tough. Staff, however, are willing to assist guests with local parking apps.

7. Value & Pricing

Pricing for Apótek Hotel varies significantly by season, with an average weeknight costing around $264 and weekend nights averaging $411. February typically sees the lowest prices, while December is the most expensive month to stay. While many guests consider their stay luxurious and comfortable, some feel that the value for money can be lacking, especially given the high prices and certain aspects of the breakfast. A city tax of EUR 5.43 per accommodation, per night, also applies.

8. Common Complaints

Despite the overwhelmingly positive reviews, a few recurring criticisms have been noted:

• Noise Levels: A common complaint, particularly during weekends, is the noise from nearby music venues and bars, which can continue until the early hours (e.g., 3-4 AM). Guests are often advised to request rooms on higher floors if they are light sleepers.
• Breakfast Cost/Value: While generally enjoyed, some guests found the breakfast buffet to be expensive, and a few felt the options were disappointing for the price.
• Room Size & Storage: Standard rooms can be relatively small, and some guests noted a lack of adequate storage space for suitcases and belongings, especially in smaller room categories.
• Parking: The absence of dedicated parking and the difficulty of finding street parking are occasional frustrations for guests traveling by car.

Sources

1. booking.com
2. expedia.com
3. michelin.com
4. kayak.com
5. booking.com
6. michelin.com
7. hotels-reykjavik-is.com
8. kimkim.com
9. keahotels.is
10. michelin.com
11. apotekrestaurant.is
12. hotels.com
13. oyster.com
14. guidetoiceland.is
15. travelreykjavik.com