Hotel Hótel Garður

The hotel offers a unique blend of hostel affordability with hotel-like amenities and a vibrant community atmosphere, particularly highlighted by its spacious common areas and well-equipped kitchens. This makes it an ideal choice for budget-conscious travelers seeking value without compromising comfort, as well as families who appreciate the self-catering options and ample space for a comfortable stay. Students will find the university proximity and social common rooms particularly appealing, fostering a sense of community. Meanwhile, sightseers benefit immensely from its central location, allowing easy exploration of the city on foot. Guests consistently praise the hotel's exceptional cleanliness, the comfort of its accommodations, and the attentive service provided by the staff. To maximize your stay, guests are advised to fully utilize the comprehensive self-catering facilities to save on dining costs, and to take advantage of the convenient walking distance to many of Reykjavik's key attractions.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests consistently commend the hotel's excellent facilities, which are described as being in very good shape and contributing significantly to a comfortable stay. The common areas are a major highlight, frequently noted as spacious, lively, and comfortable, providing inviting spaces for guests to relax, socialize, and utilize the free Wi-Fi. Many rooms offer the convenience of a private bathroom, while other accommodations have access to well-maintained shared bathrooms on each floor. A standout feature is the availability of large, fully equipped kitchens that include all necessary appliances for self-catering, proving to be a significant budget-saver for many. Additionally, guests appreciate the presence of laundry facilities, a student restaurant and cafeteria on-site, and the thoughtful provision of free coffee in the lobby area, enhancing the overall guest experience.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel receives consistent praise for its high standards of cleanliness throughout the property, from the individual rooms to the expansive common areas. Guests frequently describe their accommodations as well-maintained, clean, and thoughtfully furnished, contributing significantly to a pleasant and comfortable stay. The comfortable beds are a recurring positive point, ensuring a restful night's sleep for most visitors after a day of exploration. While some rooms feature the convenience of a private bathroom, other accommodations provide access to clean and well-equipped shared bathrooms conveniently located on each floor, which are also kept in excellent condition. Rooms are generally noted for being remarkably spacious, offering ample room for guests and their belongings. Furthermore, the overall atmosphere is described as quiet, allowing guests to relax without disturbance, which is a significant advantage for a restful experience.

Dining & Food Quality
A significant highlight for many guests is the availability of comprehensive kitchens within the hotel, which are described as large, full, and equipped with all necessary appliances. These self-catering facilities are highly valued as a major budget-saver in an otherwise expensive destination, allowing guests to prepare their own meals and snacks. In addition to the self-catering options, the hotel also features a convenient student restaurant and a cafeteria on-site, providing accessible dining choices for those who prefer not to cook. Guests also appreciate the thoughtful provision of free coffee in the lobby area, offering a warm welcome and a convenient start to the day. The emphasis on self-catering combined with accessible on-site eateries provides flexibility for various dining preferences.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as a major advantage, offering excellent accessibility to key attractions and public transport. It is conveniently situated within minutes of the University of Iceland and the National Museum, making it ideal for those visiting these institutions. Guests appreciate being within a short 10 to 15-minute walking distance of both Old Reykjavik and the vibrant downtown Reykjavik area, allowing for easy exploration of the city's cultural and entertainment hubs. Furthermore, a bus stop is conveniently located right outside the hotel, providing effortless connections to other parts of the city. For guests arriving by car, parking is noted as being easy and readily available, adding to the overall convenience of the location.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff consistently receives high praise for their exceptional friendliness and helpfulness. Guests frequently commend their cooperative nature and willingness to assist with various inquiries. The team is noted for providing valuable guidance, including suggestions for local restaurants and souvenir shops, which greatly enhances the guest experience. Most guests report a very positive interaction, highlighting the staff's welcoming demeanor and readiness to offer support. However, some guests experienced mixed feedback regarding specific assistance, such as airport transfer information, where suggestions were not always perceived as helpful. Despite this, the overwhelming sentiment is that the staff contributes significantly to a pleasant and supportive environment, making guests feel well-cared for during their stay.

Additional Information
A significant recurring theme in guest feedback is the hotel's exceptional value for money, particularly in a country known for its high costs. Many guests describe it as a "huge bargain" or a "cheaper option," offering a top-notch hostel experience that rivals more expensive hotels in terms of comfort and amenities, while being considerably more affordable. This makes it a highly recommended choice for those seeking to manage their travel budget effectively without compromising on quality. Guests consistently highlight that for a hostel, the property provides a level of cleanliness, comfort, and quietness often associated with higher-priced accommodations. Additionally, guests appreciate the pleasant ambiance created by the lobby music played each morning, contributing to a welcoming and lively atmosphere in the common areas. The hotel successfully provides a comfortable and well-equipped base for exploring the city without the high price tag often associated with accommodations in the region.