Exeter Hotel: The Heartbeat of Reykjavík's Reviving Waterfront
- Emily Fata
- Feb 28
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 2
Welcome to Exeter Hotel, the heartbeat of Reykjavík's reviving waterfront. While here, get ready for a vibrant Icelandic retreat in the city's soul.
If Reykjavík had a pulse, it would be beating strong and steady from its heart at Exeter Hotel. Nestled in the centre of the Old Harbour, this industrial-chic haven is more than just a place to lay your head—it's a gateway to the city's soul.
My stay at this gem during a recent press trip was nothing short of transformative, and I'm here to tell you exactly why you need to make Exeter Hotel your next Icelandic retreat.
Exeter Hotel: The Perfect Location for Adventure
Exeter Hotel is ideally situated at Reykjavík's Old Harbour, a vibrant neighbourhood bustling with life. This location is a dream for travellers, offering immediate access to both the waterfront and city centre, two key locations that any visitor to this city would be keen to explore. We loved wandering the charming streets, with the hotel serving as our perfect base with our Reykjavík City Card in hand.
Walking through the Old Harbour district feels like stepping into Reykjavík's beating heart. The area is buzzing with energy, from the bustling seafood restaurants to the quaint coffee shops where locals swap stories over steaming cups of kaffi. The hotel's surroundings invite exploration, whether you're in the mood for a leisurely stroll or ready to embark on a glacier-scaling adventure.
Whether you're planning to explore the Golden Circle or dive into the city's cultural spots, you might opt to rent a vehicle; if you do, the hotel's underground parking is a convenient perk! However, due to the proximity to Keflavík International Airport (just a 45-minute drive away), we decided on a FlyBus airport transfer through Icelandia, which made our arrival and departure hassle-free.
Effortless Transportation: Centrality and Convenient Services
One of the standout features of Exeter Hotel is its central location, making it incredibly easy to navigate Reykjavík. Whether you're exploring the city on foot or using public transportation (which is conveniently included with a Reykjavík City Card), getting around is a breeze. The hotel is perfectly positioned for easy access to major attractions, dining spots, and shopping areas. We found it effortless to move from one part of the city to another, thanks to the hotel's strategic location.
Transportation to and from the airport was seamless. Exeter Hotel offers assistance with arranging taxis, private transfers, and shuttle services, ensuring a stress-free arrival and departure. We also appreciated the ease of being picked up for tours right at the hotel entrance. This level of convenience made our trip even more enjoyable, allowing us to focus on soaking up the Reykjavík experience without worrying about logistics.
Stylish Comfort: Industrial-Chic Meets Icelandic Warmth
The hotel's design is a masterclass in blending industrial cool with Icelandic warmth. Concrete walls, dark metal railings, and exposed wood create an edgy yet inviting atmosphere. The clean lines and neutral colours running through the compact-yet-cleverly-designed rooms make you feel instantly at home. Our room was a testament to this, with its space-saving measures and minimalist decor that didn't compromise on comfort.
Drawing back the curtains in our Harbour Suite revealed a stunning view of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and Mount Esja, which also led to us easily viewing the Aurora on our first two nights. It was tempting to spend hours just gazing out at the lava-encrusted and snow-capped beauty before us (quite the dichotomy, huh?). The suite's spacious layout and remarkably comfy mattress made it a perfect retreat after a day of exploring. The attention to detail, from the Sóley Organics bath products to the Nespresso coffee machine, also added a touch of luxury to our stay.
Culinary Delights: From Deig’s Fresh Bread to LeKock’s Street Food
One of the highlights of our stay was the culinary experience. The hotel's in-house bakery, Deig, is a local favourite, and it's easy to see why. The smell of freshly baked bread wafts down Tryggvagata, luring hungry visitors into the cozy space. We couldn't resist the fresh loaves, which were a perfect start to our mornings. The continental breakfast spread was the best way to start the day and fill us up for the excursions we had planned throughout the day.
LeKock, the hotel's restaurant, quickly became our go-to spot for meals. The street food-inspired menu, filled with smashburgers and sesame-sprinkled chicken wings, was a hit with Vittoria. There was even a veggie option for me, plus several potato side dishes! The chef's dedication to recreating childhood memories on a plate was evident in every bite. Evenings at Tail Bar, the hotel's casual bar, were a treat as well. The craft beer selection and playful kocktail list added a fun twist to our nights and paired well after an early evening in to spend time in the hotel sauna.
Wellness and Relaxation: Embrace the Icelandic Sauna Tradition
No trip to Iceland is complete without experiencing a traditional sauna, and Exeter Hotel—naturally—didn't disappoint. The wood-panelled wellness area provided a perfect escape from February’s winter chill. We embraced the Icelandic rite of passage, sweating out the cold and emerging refreshed and rejuvenated. The small yet sleek fitness room offered another way to stay active, but let's be honest, the real workout was exploring the breathtaking Icelandic landscapes and walking around for the vast majority of the day.
Inside Exeter Hotel's sauna room.
The hotel's wellness amenities go beyond just the sauna and gym, though. The availability of Sóley Organics bath products, sustainably sourced and eco-friendly, added a touch of local authenticity to our relaxation routine. After a long day of adventure, sinking into the warmth of the sauna or indulging in a soothing shower felt like pure bliss.
Thoughtful Amenities: A Stay Designed for Comfort and Convenience
Exeter Hotel excels in providing thoughtful amenities that cater to every traveler's needs. From the Bluetooth speakers and TV in our room to the mini-fridge and tea-making kit, every detail was carefully considered. The bathrobe and slippers added a touch of luxury, making us feel pampered throughout our stay. The hotel's sustainability efforts, including compostable coffee capsules from Sjöstrand and the Sóley Organics products I mentioned, were a welcome nod to eco-conscious travellers.
The hotel's common areas were equally impressive. The lounge and courtyard offered cozy spots to unwind, and the in-house bakery and restaurant ensured we were never far from a delicious meal or snack. The seamless blend of functionality and style in the hotel's design made it a comfortable and convenient home base for our Icelandic adventure.
All in All
Reykjavík is a city that effortlessly blends modernity with rich history, and Exeter Hotel is the perfect place to experience it all. From its prime location in the Old Harbour to its stylish comfort and thoughtful amenities, the hotel offers everything you need for an unforgettable stay. Whether you're drawn by the range of culinary options they offer, the availability of wellness amenities, or the vibrant local culture, Exeter Hotel has something for everyone.
Come on! Pack your bags, check out the special offers, and get ready to explore the wonders of Reykjavík. Let Exeter Hotel be your home away from home as you embark on your Icelandic adventure. Trust me, once you've experienced the charm of this incredible city and the ambiance of Exeter Hotel, you'll be planning your return visit before you even leave.
You have beautifully captured the essence of Exeter Hotel and its place in Reykjavík’s vibrant Old Harbour. The way you’ve blended personal experiences with vivid descriptions makes me want to book a stay immediately! From the Aurora views to the cozy sauna and Deig’s fresh bread, everything sounds magical. It’s a perfect guide for anyone seeking style, comfort, and Icelandic warmth in one unforgettable stay.
The hotel looks lovely, I like its modern design that blends in so nicely with the Iceland vibe. It's great that it has a wellness centre, where you can relax after a full day exploring in the cold. A restaurant on site is even better as well, for when you don't want to go out in the evening and just stay in your cosy hotel for the night.
We were on a cruise ship when we spent a few days in Reykjavik so did not have to check out hotel options. But we plan to return one day so it was good to learn more about your experience at the Exeter Hotel in Reykjavik. We would definitely want a central location but would never have imagined getting a view of the Northern Lights from the hotel window! We have come to love Nordic spas and would be very happy to enjoy the one at this hotel. This looks like a great choice for our return visit.
Bookmarking this post for future reference! Happy to know that they have a comfy mattress and a Nepresso coffee machine available. We will surely consider this during our upcoming trip. Will take your word too to try their sauna.
Exeter Hotel looks like a perfect retreat for Reykjavik visitors due to its convenient location at the heart of Old Harbor, stylish and cozy interiors with all the amenities needed in place. Also the stunning views of Mount Esja and the Aurora Borealis and the culinary choices of freshly baked bread, smash burgers and sesame chicken with the relaxing sauna make hotel Exeter a great place to stay.