Thingholt by Center Hotels

Thingholt by Center Hotels, a Michelin Key Selected property in Reykjavik, Iceland, consistently earns high praise for its prime location, stylish design, and exceptional staff. Housed in a renovated 1940s industrial building, the hotel offers a modern and boutique experience with a distinct Icelandic touch.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The overall sentiment for Thingholt by Center Hotels is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently rating it as "very good" or "exceptional." Review scores on various platforms highlight its strong performance, particularly in location (averaging 9.7) and staff performance (averaging 9.2). The hotel is often described as trendy, hip, and comfortable, appealing to couples and adult travelers seeking a central and stylish stay.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of Thingholt by Center Hotels:

• Location: Its central position, just off Laugavegur, Reykjavik's main shopping street, is a major draw. Guests appreciate being within easy walking distance of numerous attractions, restaurants, and shops.
• Design & Ambiance: The hotel boasts a modern, minimalist, and largely monochrome design, conceived by Icelandic-born architect Gulla Jónsdóttir. The interiors are described as stylish, clean, and comfortable, offering a cosmopolitan feel.
• Service & Staff: The staff receives outstanding feedback for being friendly, helpful, accommodating, and personable. Many guests highlight the staff's attentiveness and willingness to assist with various needs, including printing boarding passes and finding parking.
• Amenities: The full-service Ísafold Spa, featuring a large hot tub, sauna, fitness center, and massage therapies, is a popular amenity for relaxation after a day of exploring. The breakfast also receives consistent commendation.

3. Room Quality

Thingholt by Center Hotels offers 52 individually designed rooms and suites that are described as modern, comfortable, and stylish. Rooms typically include a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, a mini-bar, and tea/coffee making facilities. Modern bathrooms are standard, with some deluxe rooms and suites offering bathtubs. While some rooms are noted as cozy or small, particularly for those with extensive luggage, they are generally considered functionally designed and of high quality. Suites, such as the Junior and Loft suites, offer more space and luxurious touches like Nespresso machines, bathrobes, and slippers, often with complimentary spa access.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel's dining offerings are well-received, particularly the breakfast. Guests frequently describe the breakfast as "good," "great," and offering "various choices" or a "plentiful and delicious" spread. While older reviews mention a European continental style with cheeses, bread, fruit, salads, and standard hot items, it is consistently praised for its quality and variety. The Ísafold Restaurant (though some sources suggest it's more of an Ísafold Lounge & Bar, with food available) serves a combination of Icelandic and internationally inspired dishes, catering to different tastes, including vegan and vegetarian options. The bar provides a stylish and hip atmosphere for cocktails and company.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Thingholt by Center Hotels are a significant highlight, consistently receiving exceptional reviews. Guests describe them as outstanding, very friendly, incredibly helpful, and accommodating. They are praised for their welcoming demeanor, efficiency, and willingness to go the extra mile, such as assisting with luggage, printing documents, and offering late check-out when possible.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel's location is arguably its strongest asset, earning a stellar 9.7 rating. Situated in the heart of Reykjavik, just a 2-minute walk from the main shopping street, Laugavegur, it provides excellent accessibility to major attractions. Reykjavik Harbour is within a 10-minute walk, and iconic landmarks like Hallgrímskirkja church and Harpa Concert Hall are also easily reachable on foot. The airport bus also serves the neighborhood, making transport convenient.

7. Value & Pricing

Thingholt by Center Hotels generally offers good value for money, with an average rating of 8.0. Prices for a 1-night stay can range from approximately $108 to $1016, with some deals starting around $207.9 for a standard room. Given its central location, modern amenities, and high service standards, many guests feel it is worth the cost, particularly for those seeking comfort and a prime city center experience.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some minor criticisms have been noted by guests:

• Noise: As with any city center location, some guests have mentioned potential late-night noise from people walking around or bar/club spillover on weekends.
• Entrance Layout: An older review pointed out an unusual layout where the front desk is below ground level, requiring a short flight of stairs, which could be less functional for guests with heavy luggage, although assistance is usually offered.
• Room Size: While described as functionally designed, some guests have found standard rooms to be on the smaller side, especially for those with a lot of luggage.
• Breakfast Variety (minor): An older review mentioned less variety in cereals compared to hotels catering to families.

Sources

1. michelin.com
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9. reddit.com
10. centerhotels.com
11. expedia.co.uk
12. hotels-reykjavik-is.com
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15. kayak.com