here are my three picks for places to stay in iceland.having grown up with an interior designer for a mother, i find myself always looking for interesting spaces, especially when i'm travelling. architecture and style can tell you a lot about a place. in the case of iceland, a lot of the spaces take on the expansiveness of the landscape. there's a somewhat weathered feel to icelandic style too. rusting metal doors. turntables and feathers. bookshelves filled with vintage treasures.
ion luxury adventure hotel, near thingvellir national park : sparse yet striking. nestled in a volcanic mountainside, with a dramatic bar and outside spa overlooking the landscape. if (like us), it's a little out of your budget, it's worth still checking out for lunch.
héradsskólinn boutique hostel, golden circle : once a girl's dormitory, which comes through in its nostalgic, homely charm. northern lights by night, diy waffles by morning. we stayed in a private room with a shared bathroom.
kex hostel, reykjavik : kex is the icelandic word for biscuit. this hostel in the middle of reykjavik is the epitome of cool. so much so, that its industrial bar and live music fills up most nights with travellers and locals alike. we stayed in a private room with a shared bathroom.