The following hostels are all in or near the city centre, making them prime locations from which to shop and see the sights. Hostels mean that guests, generally speaking, should expect to share close quarters with fellow travellers, and that includes communal showers and toilets. However, it can make for a great way to get to know people from around the world.
Reykjavik Downtown Hostel
Reykjavik Downtown Hostel’s name says it all in terms of its location at Vesturgata 17, 101. The hostel is in one of the city’s most historically rich neighbourhoods, the “old village,” and within a short walk from the old harbour, pubs, clubs, restaurants, shopping, museums, galleries and other visitor attractions.
Reykjavik Downtown Hostel is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year, and includes 24-hour reception and 24-hour security. It offers guests parking, a kitchen, a common room, a tours desk, security lockers, luggage storage, WiFi/Internet access, and breakfast included in the price. Bookings can be made online.
Reykjavik City Hostel
Reykjavik City Hostel, at Sundlaugavegur 34, IS-105, is in Laugardalur Park, the city’s main recreation area, next to a stadium and the biggest geothermal swimming pool in Reykjavík. The hostel, open 24 hours a day with 24-hour security, is also a mere 10-minute bus ride from the heart of the city, and within easy access of the city sights. The reception desk also offers bikes, car rentals, bus passes and day trips.
Guests can expect Internet access and free WiFi in the common areas, as well as TV, lockers, a laundry, free parking, wheelchair access, luggage storage, a coffee bar, movie nights, three guest kitchens, a barbecue area, and en-suite facilities with the two-bed and four-bed rooms (the hostel’s rooms include two to six beds). Prices include linen and breakfast, and bookings can be made online through a site such as HostelWorld.com.
Reykjavík Backpackers
Travellers run Reykjavík Backpackers for travellers, at Laugavegur 28, 101 in the city. That means guests can find free Internet access, 24-hour check in, security 24 hours a day, and no curfew. The hostel also offers breakfast, bicycle parking, a tours desk, a barbecue area, and cable TV in the common rooms. Pillows, sheets and towels may be rented, though beds come with clean sheets. Bookings can be made online.
Guesthouse Pavi
Downtown Reykjavik is home to Guesthouse Pavi, at Brautarholti 4, 105, making it a good base from which to explore the nearby shops, restaurants, museums, art galleries and other attractions. The guesthouse includes free parking — including bicycle parking — breakfast, luggage storage, and reception 24 hours a day. Bookings can be made online, through a site such as HostelWorld.com.
Central Reykjavik offers travellers a few hostels to choose from, which include basic amenities for little cost. The savings can translate into more funds that can be spent on exploring Reykjavik or the rest of Iceland, for those heading further afield. Travellers are advised to book their all their hostels in advance, to increase their chances — and peace of mind — of having places to stay.
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