Romantic Honeymoon Hotels in Iceland
Most cold-weather destinations and Scandinavian countries aren’t typically thought of as romantic destinations, and Iceland is no exception. The food can seem a bit strange at first, the accent doesn’t exactly make foreigners swoon, and few people look sexy in cold-weather outdoor gear.
But if beautiful vistas and the raw power of nature are what set your pulse to racing, you may find that Iceland in fact is a surprisingly prefect honeymoon destination, with lots of romantic things to do. If you’re looking for a romantic hotel or one perfect for a honeymoon in Iceland, here are a few suggestions.
Hotel Budir – Snaefellsness Peninsula
Located on the Snaefellsness Peninsula on Iceland’s west coast (just a few hours from Reykjavik), Hotel Budir is in one of the most spectacular settings in the country. The spacious rooms all have tvs, dvd players, hair dryers, clock radios and wireless internet. Some have clawfoot tubs and leather club chairs. Breakfast is included, there’s free parking and a renowned hotel onsite, and the hotel is close to activities like sailing, horseback riding, hiking, golf , glacier tours, fly fishing, and mountain-jeep trips. But the real draw is the location. Each room has views of the fjords, mountains or glacier, and in winter, it’s a prime viewing spot for the northern lights.
Winter rates for double rooms start at 19,500 ISK ($168 US); summer rates start at 28,500 ISK.
Glymur Resort – Southwest Iceland
About 45 minutes outside of Reykjavik, Glymur is ideal for those who want to see the beauty of Iceland without venturing too far from the capital. The 22 executive rooms at the Glymur Resort all have high speed wireless internet access, flat screen tvs, telephones, hairdryers and coffee machines, and are styled with modern Italian leather furniture and original art. And each one boasts a view of either the fjords or mountains of southwest Iceland. The suites are even more luxurious, with massage bath tubs, flat screen tvs in the bedroom and living room, adjustable beds with massage, espresso machines and stereo equipment. And for the ultimate indulgence, spring for the villas, with have leather sofas, large screen tvs, dining tables and verandas with hot thermal Jacuzzis.
Summer room rates start at 249 euros. Summer prices on the villas range from 199-439 euros, with the price decreasing the longer you stay.
Hotel Ranga – South Iceland
One of the “Great Hotels of the World,” Hotel Ranga (top picture) offers 51 rooms and suites in the countryside of South Iceland. Superior and deluxe rooms offer telephone, bathtub and shower, bathrobes and slippers, desk, cabinet, mini bar, hairdryer, heating, tv and free wifi Internet, with rooms facing either the riverside or Mt. Hekla . Most have indoor or outdoor Jacuzzis. There are also several suites in the “World Pavilion” which are designed to represent locations around the world. There’s black and white Antarctica (complete with penguins) and Asia’s simplistic Cherry Blossom Suite.
The hotel – the only 4-star hotel in Iceland – is about an hour away from Reykjavik and offers one of Iceland’s best hotels. Summer room rates start at 280 euros.
Kaldbak-Kot Cottages – North Iceland
Few people would categorize the Kaldbak-Kot Cottages as luxurious. The beds and bedding are comfortable but not lavish, the couches clean but slightly worn, the bathrooms small but adequate. Yet, if you can appreciate a more rustic charm, these log cabins and their spectacular fjord-and-mountain views might just be your idea of the perfect honeymoon accommodation. There are 18 cottages scattered across the property, each one facing west and providing beautiful sunset views each night. Just a few kilometers (about a 15 minute walk) from the small town of Husavik, their porches and secluded hot tubs also make for prime Northern Lights viewing spots. Rates range from 95-135 euros for the one bedroom cottages; larger cottages are available as well.
Room with a View – Reykjavik
While there are other luxury hotels in Reykjavik, Room with a View is my pick for the best for a romantic trip or a honeymoon. Located right in the city center, the hotel’s rooms and apartments offer cd players, tvs, hairdryers, irons, free wifi, access to common Jacuzzis and a sauna, and – true to the hotel’s name – lovely views of the city. All apartments have private bathrooms and kitchenettes; some have dining rooms and Jacuzzi tubs. All are designed with high-end appliances and modern furnishings, and sleep 2 to 10 people. Summer rates start at 16,900 ISK.
>> Read about other luxury accommodations in Iceland
Photo by: tompagenet, Tania Ho