Reykjavik Residence Apartment Hotel

Reykjavik Residence Apartment Hotel, a Michelin Key Selected property in Reykjavik, Iceland, consistently receives high praise for its comfortable and stylish apartment-style accommodations, excellent central location, and exceptional service.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Reykjavik Residence Apartment Hotel is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing their stays as "exceptional," "wonderful," and "superb". It holds an impressive overall score of 9.2 on Booking.com from over 3,174 reviews, with specific high ratings for location (9.7), cleanliness (9.6), comfort (9.6), and staff (9.4). The Michelin Guide also gives it a strong guest score of 19.0 out of 20.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently love the hotel's prime location, its friendly and helpful staff, and the overall comfort and amenities provided. Specific highlights include the convenience of free laundry facilities in some buildings, complimentary milk and juice replenished daily in the mini-fridge, and the option for early check-in. The spaciousness of the apartments, often described as a "home away from home," is also a significant draw.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at Reykjavik Residence Apartment Hotel are celebrated for their quality, comfort, and design. They offer apartment-style living, ranging from cozy studios to expansive one, two, and three-bedroom apartments. The decor features a stylish Icelandic aesthetic with blue, white, and gray hues, complemented by soft furnishings using local fabrics. Each unit is soundproofed and well-appointed with modern amenities, including flat-screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, and kitchenettes or fully equipped kitchens. Guests appreciate the "comfy beds" and the inclusion of essentials like tea/coffee makers and microwaves. Larger apartments often include a washing machine. Some units are located in historically significant buildings, adding to their charm.

4. Dining Experience

While there isn't a traditional on-site restaurant for all meals, the breakfast experience at Reykjavik Residence is highly acclaimed. Many guests rave about the "phenomenal" or "fantastic" breakfast, often delivered directly to the room as a generous basket of food. This typically includes fresh sourdough bread, milk, and juice, which guests find absolutely "worth it". Some sources mention a café for à la carte breakfasts and a bar for drinks and snacks, though one review notes a lack of an on-site restaurant or bar. The in-room kitchenettes allow guests to prepare their own meals, which can be a cost-saving benefit.

5. Service & Staff

The hotel's staff receives consistent accolades for their exceptional hospitality. Guests describe them as "extremely friendly," "helpful," and "excellent personal". The 24-hour reception is readily available to assist with various needs, including calling cabs, offering restaurant recommendations, and arranging airport transfers and sightseeing tours. Guests appreciate the "excellent communication" and the little "extra touches" provided.

6. Location & Accessibility

The location of Reykjavik Residence Apartment Hotel is a major highlight, frequently rated as "perfect" and "exceptional" by guests. Situated in the heart of downtown Reykjavik, it's just around the corner from Laugavegur, the city's main shopping street, and within easy walking distance of a vast majority of the city's sights. Popular attractions like Hallgrímskirkja church, Harpa Concert Hall, and the Sun Voyager sculpture are all nearby. While tour companies cannot offer direct hotel pick-ups due to a commercial traffic zone, a designated bus stop (Bus Stop 14) is only a 5-minute walk away, providing convenient access to tours. The apartments are distributed across several historic buildings, all within a few minutes' walking distance of each other and the main reception.

7. Value & Pricing

Reykjavik Residence Apartment Hotel generally offers good value for its cost, with a Booking.com rating of 8.9 for value for money. It's considered an upscale, apartment-style accommodation that provides a "low-maintenance, high-style lodging" experience. While specific pricing varies by season and room type, it provides a balance of comfort, amenities, and a prime location, making it a worthwhile choice for travelers seeking independence and a homey feel in the city center.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some minor criticisms have been noted. The most recurring complaint is the lack of an elevator in some of the historic buildings, which can be challenging for guests with heavy luggage or those with mobility issues. Additionally, ground-floor units might experience some noise due to foot traffic in the lively downtown area. Some guests mentioned that the kitchen pots could be larger for a three-bedroom apartment, and one instance of a low ceiling in a bedroom causing accidental bumps was reported. Breakfast is not always included in the standard rates.

Sources

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