Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon
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Hotel Details
Location
Hnappavellir
Iceland, Europe
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Expert Review: Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon
Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon, a Michelin Key Selected property in Hnappavellir, Iceland, generally garners positive feedback as a modern and stylish retreat amidst spectacular natural scenery. It serves as an excellent base for exploring the region's iconic landscapes.
1. Overall Rating & Sentiment
The general consensus for Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon is overwhelmingly positive, with an average rating of "Superb" or "Exceptional" across many review platforms, often scoring around 9.0 or 9.1 out of 10. Guests frequently describe it as a beautiful, modern, and clean hotel with a striking design.
2. Key Highlights
Guests consistently highlight several aspects of Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon:
- Location: Its prime location between Skaftafell National Park and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon (Diamond Beach) is a major draw for nature lovers and adventure seekers. It's also considered an excellent spot for viewing the Northern Lights.
- Design & Facilities: The hotel is praised for its super modern aesthetic, clean lines, and lovely interiors with plenty of comfortable places to sit and relax. Amenities like the outdoor spa (including a sauna and hot tub, often complimentary), free WiFi, and free parking are frequently appreciated. An on-site waterfall is also a unique feature.
- Service & Staff: The staff are consistently described as very friendly, helpful, attentive, and kind, contributing to a welcoming and safe atmosphere.
- Dining: The on-site restaurant and its delicious breakfast buffet are often cited as highlights.
3. Room Quality
The rooms at Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon are generally found to be clean, comfortable, spacious, and modern in design. Guests often commend the comfortable beds. Many rooms offer splendid mountain or ocean views, with some even having patios. Deluxe Rooms and Suites include a seating area, while Suites boast large panoramic windows. Executive Suites offer an added luxury of a balcony with a private hot tub. All rooms come with a private bathroom and a walk-in shower. However, some older reviews mention that standard rooms might lack certain creature comforts like bedside outlets, ample bathroom counter space, or shower shelves, and toiletries might be basic. Economy rooms are noted to be smaller with tiny windows.
4. Dining Experience
The dining experience at Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon receives high praise. The on-site restaurant offers a delectable menu with a fusion of Icelandic and international cuisine, often inspired by the surrounding nature and featuring local ingredients. Guests frequently recommend the restaurant as one of the best they've tried in Iceland, especially given the remote location where dining options are limited. Must-try dishes include perfectly cooked lamb and fresh fish, often highlighted for their delightful taste and generous portions.
The breakfast buffet is consistently popular and described as excellent, delicious, and extensive, offering a wide variety of hot and cold dishes, including freshly baked pastries, fruits, cereals, eggs, sausages, bacon, and house-made bread. Coffee, espresso, and tea are also available. While generally well-received, some reviews from 2022 indicated that the dinner service could be slow and the restaurant might be overcrowded, potentially leading to a less "fine dining" experience than portrayed. The dinner menu, while quality, might feel limited for longer stays, and some found the Icelandic carrot cake underwhelming.
5. Service & Staff
The service and staff at Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon are consistently rated very highly, with a staff performance rating often around 9.2 or 9.3. Guests frequently mention the staff as being very friendly, kind, attentive, and helpful, making them feel welcome and safe. Specific mentions include helpful receptionists and a responsive team, such as quickly changing rooms due to a whistling window. The Northern Lights wake-up call service is also appreciated. However, some older feedback suggests that staff can occasionally appear overwhelmed, particularly in the restaurant during busy periods.
6. Location & Accessibility
Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon is strategically located in Hnappavellir, offering a quiet location with stunning views and easy access to major attractions on Iceland's South Coast. It lies almost equidistant between Skaftafell National Park and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach, which are approximately 18-30 kilometers (12-18 miles) away. The hotel is also a short drive from the Ring Road, providing good accessibility for travelers. Fjallsárlón lagoon is even closer, about 20 kilometers (12 miles) away. Its remote setting makes it ideal for observing the Northern Lights. A self-service gas station and cafe are located about 3 kilometers (2 miles) from the hotel. The hotel itself has a walkable waterfall next to its carpark.
7. Value & Pricing
The value for money at Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon receives mixed reviews, with some guests finding it a bit high despite the quality offerings. The "Value for money" score is typically around 7.8. While many acknowledge Iceland is generally expensive, some feel improvements are needed in comfort and value for the price. The hotel is considered by some to be "swanky" and among the more expensive options, though many also state that if amenities like the sauna and hot tubs are fully utilized, the price feels more justified. Economy rooms are seen as good value for those not spending much time in the room.
8. Common Complaints
While generally positive, some recurring criticisms include:
- Room Temperature & Ventilation: Some guests have expressed dissatisfaction with room temperature and ventilation issues.
- Restaurant Service & Crowds: Older reviews specifically mentioned slow service, particularly for drinks, and the restaurant being "overrun with people" during peak dinner times, which could impact the dining experience. The breakfast room can also be overcrowded.
- Minor Room Amenities: Some find standard rooms lacking in small conveniences like bedside electrical outlets, sufficient bathroom counter space, or shower shelves, and basic toiletries. Poor lighting in rooms has also been mentioned.
- Lack of Gym: The absence of a gym is a noticeable complaint for some, especially given potential bad weather preventing outdoor activities.
- Perceived as a "Big Chain" Hotel: Despite its amenities, some felt it lacked a boutique feel due to the presence of many tour groups and coaches.
- Bedding: A preference for king-sized beds over two pushed-together twins and options for lighter bedding has been noted.
Sources
Points to Consider
- •While generally positive, some recurring criticisms include:
- •Room Temperature & Ventilation:** Some guests have expressed dissatisfaction with room temperature and ventilation issues.
- •Lack of Gym:** The absence of a gym is a noticeable complaint for some, especially given potential bad weather preventing outdoor activities.
