Hotel Budir

Hotel Budir: A Gem on Iceland's Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Hotel Budir, a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently garners high praise for its breathtaking location, exceptional service, and unique charm, making it a standout destination on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Guests frequently describe it as a "gem" and "perfect in every way," highlighting an overwhelmingly positive sentiment.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Hotel Budir enjoys an excellent reputation, with an average rating of 8.9 out of 10 on Booking.com from over 684 reviews, and a "Wonderful" 9.2 out of 10 on Expedia from 306 reviews. Kimkim travelers rated it 4.7 out of 5, with high scores for Authenticity & Character, Location, Staff, and Cleanliness & Comfort (all 4.6). The sentiment is exceptionally positive, with many guests considering it one of their absolute favorite hotels.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several key aspects of Hotel Budir:

• Location: The hotel's dramatic setting amidst lava fields, with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, Snæfellsjökull glacier, and mountains, is a major draw. Its proximity to the iconic "Black Church" (Búðakirkja) and various hiking trails adds to its appeal. It's also an exceptional spot for viewing the Northern Lights due to minimal light pollution.
• Design & Ambiance: Hotel Budir exudes a unique, warm, and welcoming charm, often likened to a high-end inn. The interior features vintage-style furnishings, a cozy fireplace lounge, and walls adorned with captivating antique prints and sepia photos, reflecting its history as a 17th-century trading post.
• Service & Staff: The staff receives consistent accolades for being "excellent," "friendly," "helpful," "attentive," and "welcoming." Many staff members, often from other countries, contribute to a hospitable atmosphere by sharing their enthusiasm for Iceland.
• Dining: The on-site gourmet restaurant is frequently cited as one of the best in the country, offering inventive Icelandic cuisine crafted from fresh, local ingredients like seafood and lamb.

3. Room Quality

The 28 individually designed rooms at Hotel Budir are described as light, airy, and well-appointed, featuring hardwood floors and minimalist decor. Guests appreciate the comfortable beds and the stunning views from large windows, which overlook either the sea, mountains, Snæfellsjökull glacier, the black church, or the surrounding lava fields. Room amenities typically include a TV, DVD player, hairdryer, bathrobes, and free toiletries. While most rooms have showers, some also offer an in-room bathtub. It's worth noting that rooms are split between older and newer wings, offering different styles. The hotel provides various room options, including Economy, Standard, Deluxe, Superior Double Rooms, as well as Suites and Family Rooms.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Hotel Budir is a significant highlight. The gourmet restaurant is highly praised for its "top-notch" food, serving exquisite Icelandic dishes, with a particular focus on fresh, local seafood and lamb. An in-house wine expert also curates selections to complement the traditional Icelandic fare. Breakfast, available as a continental or buffet option, receives a high guest review score of 9.3 and is often described as excellent, featuring a generous spread of fresh salmon, fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and breads. However, it's important to note that dinner is typically not included in the room rate and can be quite expensive.

5. Service & Staff

The staff at Hotel Budir consistently receives glowing reviews for their exceptional hospitality. Guests frequently mention their attentiveness, friendliness, and willingness to go above and beyond, such as offering to dry wet hiking gear. The hotel also offers services like arranging activities such as helicopter sightseeing, glacier hikes, whale watching, and even Northern Lights wake-up calls.

6. Location & Accessibility

Hotel Budir boasts a truly remote and picturesque location on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, approximately a two-hour drive (110 miles or 178 kilometers) from Reykjavik. It sits dramatically on a lava field, offering unparalleled views and immediate access to natural wonders like the Snæfellsjökull glacier and the Budir estuary, where seals can often be spotted. The famous black church, Búðakirkja, is just 180 meters away and a popular spot for visitors. While its remote nature provides an ideal setting for tranquility, photography, and Northern Lights viewing, it also means limited services nearby, with the closest town, Ólafsvík, being a 20-30 minute drive. A car is highly recommended for guests wishing to explore the peninsula's attractions, which include hiking trails, coastal walks, and areas for wildlife spotting. The hotel offers beachfront access and is considered family-friendly, with options for extra beds and accessible ground-floor units. However, upper floors are only accessible by stairs.

7. Value & Pricing

Many guests affirm that the unique experience and stunning location of Hotel Budir make it "worth the cost." Booking.com rates its value for money at 8.0 out of 10. While prices vary based on dates and policies, some reviews indicate that meals, especially breakfast, can be quite expensive when not included in the room rate. This is partly attributed to the hotel's remote location, which gives it a near-monopoly on dining options in the immediate vicinity. Room rates can start from around US$306.

8. Common Complaints

While generally highly rated, some guests have noted minor issues:

• Weather Conditions: Due to its coastal location, the weather can be harsh and unpredictable, with strong winds sometimes leading to noise, prompting recommendations for earplugs for light sleepers.
• Limited Nearby Amenities: The remote setting, while a highlight for scenery, means there are limited shops or other restaurants nearby, requiring a drive to the nearest town for additional services.
• Breakfast Organization: Some guests have reported that during busy periods, the breakfast buffet can be unorganized and slow to be replenished.
• Dining Flexibility: A few guests mentioned that the dinner menu could be limited, and the chef rigid in accommodating requests.
• Accessibility: Upper floors are only accessible by stairs.

Sources

1. kimkim.com
2. booking.com
3. booking.com
4. hotels.com
5. guidetoiceland.is
6. audleytravel.com
7. scottdunn.com
8. west.is
9. expedia.com
10. icelandwithaview.com
11. i-escape.com
12. tablethotels.com
13. is-hotels.com