A trip to Iceland demands a hotel that can serve two roles: a cozy, luxurious sanctuary to return to after a long day of battling the elements, and a perfect launchpad for every adventure. The Hilton Reykjavik Nordica, one of the capital’s premier hotels, manages to be both. During our recent stay, we found it to be the ideal home base, blending sophisticated Nordic design with warm Icelandic hospitality.
Location of Hilton Reykjavik Nordica
While the Hilton Reykjavik Nordica isn’t situated smack dab in the middle of the downtown hustle, its location is one of its biggest advantages for the adventure traveller. It sits in a quieter, less congested area just outside the city centre, offering tranquility and easy access to major national roads. This is crucial if you plan to rent a car and head out on the Golden Circle or the South Coast tours every morning—you skip the downtown traffic entirely.
Crucially, the hotel is located near the beautiful coastline and the large, open Laugardalur valley. Getting downtown is easy, either via a short 5-minute taxi ride or a pleasant 20-30 minute walk along the scenic coastal path. For those planning big days out, the accessibility of this location simply can’t be beaten.
Rooms at Hilton Reykjavik Nordica
The design philosophy within the rooms is classic Scandinavian chic: clean lines, natural wood tones, and plenty of light. We were immediately impressed by the spaciousness and the exceptional comfort of the beds—a vital feature when you’re battling jet lag or recovering from a glacier hike.
Our room offered panoramic views of either the ocean, the mountains, or the city, instantly reminding you that you’re surrounded by the raw, majestic Icelandic landscape. Essential amenities like fast, reliable Wi-Fi, modern bathrooms with quality amenities, and dedicated workspace make the rooms as functional as they are beautiful. For an extra touch of luxury, we highly recommend booking an Executive Room for access to the dedicated lounge (more on that later).
Food at Hilton Reykjavik Nordica
The dining experience here is centered around quality and local flavour, epitomised by VOX Restaurant. VOX has a long-standing reputation for being one of Reykjavik’s finest dining spots, specializing in modern Icelandic cuisine with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients. It’s an ideal place to experience Iceland’s world-class seafood and lamb in a refined setting.
However, the real star for any tourist is the legendary Breakfast Buffet. Starting your cold day with the sprawling Nordic selection—including fresh pastries, smoked salmon, Icelandic skyr (yogurt), and a variety of hot dishes—is an absolute must. The quality and variety ensure you have the fuel needed for a day of exploring waterfalls and geothermal springs. The lobby bar also serves excellent light bites and cocktails for a casual evening.
Facilities at Hilton Reykjavik Nordica
The hotel’s facilities are designed to enhance relaxation and recovery. The biggest highlight is the Nordica Spa. Iceland is famous for its geothermal heating, and the spa takes full advantage, featuring a cozy outdoor hot tub, steam rooms, and saunas—perfect for unwinding under the Northern Lights (if you’re lucky!). The spa area feels incredibly tranquil and is exactly what your muscles crave after a day of exploration.
Additionally, the hotel features large, well-equipped conference and meeting spaces, confirming its status as a major hub in the city. For those with Executive Lounge access, this facility is a major value-add, offering complimentary breakfast, all-day snacks, and evening drinks and canapés in an exclusive setting with fantastic views.
What is Around Hilton Reykjavik Nordica
While it’s not directly downtown, the area surrounding the hotel, known as Laugardalur, is an attraction in itself. It’s essentially Reykjavik’s green heart and recreational centre.
Immediately nearby, you can find the Laugardalslaug Geothermal Swimming Pool, the largest outdoor thermal pool in Iceland (and a favourite of locals). Also within easy walking distance are the Reykjavik Botanic Garden and the Family Park and Zoo. For music lovers, the large indoor Laugardalshöll arena is also close by. This makes the location perfect for families or those who want to mix nature and local activities without driving.
Our Personal Overall Experience of Hilton Reykjavik Nordica
Our overall experience at the Hilton Reykjavik Nordica was exceptional. From the moment we checked in, the staff were friendly, knowledgeable, and extremely helpful with advice on road conditions and tour bookings. The hotel served as a genuine haven; coming back to the warmth, comfort, and quiet luxury after long, cold days chasing the aurora was something we looked forward to every evening.
It hits the sweet spot for travelers who appreciate the reliability and standards of a global brand while feeling distinctly connected to the local culture through the design, the food, and the easy access to the surrounding recreational areas. For adventurers needing space, great food, and ultimate comfort, this is the ideal choice.
Promotions at Hilton Reykjavik Nordica
While exact promotions change seasonally, we always recommend checking the hotel’s website directly or looking into the benefits of the Hilton Honors program. Common promotions often include:
- Long-Stay Discounts: Deals for booking three or more nights, which is common for an Icelandic itinerary.
- Hilton Honors Points: Booking directly allows you to earn and redeem points, which can be invaluable for future travel.
- Seasonal Packages: Look out for packages that include extras, such as a complimentary Northern Lights wake-up call, free spa access, or a discount voucher for VOX Restaurant.
- Credit Card Offers: Check if any of your credit cards offer specific travel or Hilton-related cashback or bonus points for stays in Iceland.
