Keflavik Airport Guesthouse: Iceland's BEST Kept Secret!
Keflavik Airport Guesthouse: Iceland's BEST Kept Secret! (But Let's Be Honest, It's Not Perfect, and That's Okay)
Okay, folks, let's talk about Keflavik Airport Guesthouse. The self-proclaimed "BEST Kept Secret!" in Iceland. Hmm… "best kept secret?" That’s a bold claim, especially in a place like Iceland where everything is a secret if you don't know where to look. But, after my recent stay, I’m here to tell you, they're partially right. It's darn good, particularly for what it offers, and it does have a certain… well, charm. And that charm, let me tell you, is a blend of Icelandic practicality and unexpected, delightful quirks.
Let's be clear, this isn’t the Ritz-Carlton. It’s not going to sparkle like a freshly-frozen glacier (though, hey, maybe it’ll sparkle as much as the freshly-cleaned ones), but it is a solid, reliable, and surprisingly well-equipped choice for anyone landing in or departing from Keflavik International Airport.
Accessibility: Mostly Good, But Pay Attention!
First things first, for anyone needing accessibility, Accessibility is reasonably good, but it's important to call ahead and clarify. They do have facilities for disabled guests listed, but details are scant. Make sure to specify your needs when booking. Elevators are present – a must when you're dragging luggage after a red-eye. Bonus points for actually working elevators. And the front desk is 24-hour, which is seriously clutch when you're battling jet lag and the midnight sun (or, you know, the endless darkness of winter).
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: This is a bit of a gray area. I didn't personally assess the accessibility of the dining areas as I was too focused on getting a beer – more on that later! – but they are technically restaurants, so you should check directly with the hotel for specifics.
Wheelchair Accessible: See above. Call ahead!
Internet: Because, Let's Face It, We're All Addicted.
Alright, let's get real. We all need our internet fix. And Keflavik Airport Guesthouse delivers. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! is a massive win. The speed was decent, enough to catch up on emails, stream some shows, and desperately try to figure out how to pronounce Icelandic place names (seriously, good luck). You’ve also got Internet [LAN] if you're old school, and Internet services in general are solid. Wi-Fi in public areas? Yep, you’re covered. You’re not going to be stranded without that precious connection, which, trust me, is a lifesaver when you're trying to find the closest grocery store that actually sells something other than skyr and licorice.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Sauna! Pool View? (Maybe Not…)
Now, here's where things get interesting. The description boasts a whole bunch of relaxation options. Let's break it down:
- Spa/sauna: Yes, and I can confirm the sauna is actually a sauna. That’s a big win after a long flight! The sauna was clean and hot - perfect to sweat out all the travel stress.
- Pool with view: Hmmm, I'm going to go out on a limb and say the view from the pool? Yeah…maybe not spectacular. Iceland's beauty often comes from its natural wonders in the form of mountains and vast landscape. You will see a pool, but I am more inclined to say the surrounding area is more of building than the dramatic scenery like a mountain.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Yep, they seem to have one. I'm pretty sure it's open year-round, and I'm positive the locals use it. I didn't venture in. I can get cold in the pool.
- Massage, Body scrub, Body wrap: Services could be available, but double-check availability and book in advance.
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: They boast these, but I’m not sure how intense the gym is. Something you'll want to inquire about.
- Foot bath: Didn’t see one, didn’t ask.
- Steamroom: Didn’t see one. Maybe ask.
Cleanliness & Safety: Icelanders Take This Seriously
Let's be honest – in the current climate, cleanliness is paramount. Keflavik Airport Guesthouse seems to get this. They’ve got:
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Good.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Also good.
- Hand sanitizer: Plentiful!
- Hot water linen and laundry washing: A must-have.
- Hygiene certification: Another point for Iceland's standards.
- Individually-wrapped food options: Smart.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: I saw this being practiced, as much as possible.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services: Good.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Excellent
- Safe dining setup: They try.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Yes!
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Looked like it.
- Sterilizing equipment: Probably!
They also have CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside the property… maybe a little over the top? But hey, better safe than sorry. And the 24-hour security is a definite plus.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling Up for Adventure (or Just Surviving a Layover)
This is where Keflavik Airport Guesthouse really shines, in my opinion. They get the needs of a weary traveler, and the restaurants are decent. The options are solid, with a decent buffet in the restaurant. The breakfast [buffet], is pretty good. Don't expect Michelin-star cuisine, but they have you covered with all staples like eggs, bacon, bread, and yogurt. Asian breakfast? Nope. Western breakfast? Absolutely!
The bar is a lifesaver. After a grueling flight, I just wanted a decent beer, and thankfully they had one – a cold Icelandic brew. Yes, yes, yes! It was just what I needed.
- A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant: Probably available, but check.
- Poolside bar: Not applicable
- Coffee shop: Didn't see one.
- Desserts in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant: Options exist, but I cannot vouch for quality.
- Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Snack bar: Available; you're not stuck without options.
- Room service [24-hour]: Hallelujah, especially if you arrive late!
- Bottle of water: Always a nice touch.
Services and Conveniences: Making Life Easier
They’ve got most of the basics covered:
- Air conditioning in public area: Check
- Business facilities: Standard stuff.
- Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests: All good.
- Food delivery: In Iceland? Highly unlikely.
- Gift/souvenir shop: A small one, probably overpriced, but hey, you can buy something to take home.
- Indoor venue for special events, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting: Possible, but not their primary focus.
- Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service: Yippee.
- Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes: Yes.
- Smoking area: Yes, for those who must.
- Terrace: Didn't notice one.
For the Kids: Family Friendly (Mostly)
Babysitting service, Babysitting service: Make sure they take kids, which I'd guess they do. Family/child friendly, Kids meal, Kids facilities: Probably.
Getting Around: The Airport is Your Friend
Excellent Airport transfer service – a must when you’re exhausted. Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station: All present, making it a great spot if you're renting. Also, there's Taxi service and Valet parking.
Available in all rooms: Everything You Need (Mostly)
The rooms are decent, and if you want it:
- **Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens,
Okay, buckle up, buttercup. This isn't your glossy travel brochure itinerary. This is a messy, glorious, sleep-deprived dive into a Keflavik whirlwind, based at the Guesthouse near the airport, Iceland. Prepare for emotional whiplash, questionable food choices, and a healthy dose of "I can't believe I did that."
ITINERARY: Operation Find My Soul (and Maybe See Some Glaciers)
Day 1: Arrival and the Airport Apocalypse (AKA, Jet Lag is a Bitch)
- 6:00 AM (ish): Landed. Icelandair. Everything's pristine, as expected. The air smells…clean. TOO clean, almost makes me suspicious. Anxious side-eye at all the shiny metal and efficient-looking people.
- 6:30 AM: Passport control. Smooth sailing, until the woman at the desk, who looked EXACTLY like my stern Aunt Mildred, gives me THAT look. The 'Are you sure you packed everything?' look. Panic. Did I leave my passport at home? NOPE. Just a mild existential dread about being here. Success!
- 7:00 AM: Taxi to Guesthouse Keflavik. Seriously, it's close to the airport, which is a HUGE plus. I'm already fighting off the sleep monsters. The ride is… bleakly beautiful. Lava fields. Mist. The kind of landscape that makes you want to write poetry… or just curl up and cry.
- 7:30 AM: Checked into Guesthouse. Nice enough. The shower situation… well, let's just say the instruction manual was in Icelandic and I probably flooded the bathroom. I'm already winning at being a tourist, folks!
- 8:00 AM: SLEEP. A desperate, glorious, coma-like sleep. Wake up feeling like roadkill.
- 12:00 PM: Food! (Attempt #1): Wandered into a local cafe. Ordered something called "Skyr" with berries. Tasted like… yogurt? But with a weird, chalky aftertaste? I'm unconvinced, much like I am of almost everything right now. Ate the berries! Yay, vitamins.
- 1:00 PM: Exploration of Keflavik - aimlessly walking until you are dizzy. Let's walk around and see what looks interesting - oh look a house - oh a cafe - ooh a wall - oh a cat. The cat is happy and enjoying the sun. Everything else makes me miss my dog at home.
- 4:00 PM: Food! (Attempt #2): Found the "Salty Fish." Excellent fish and chips though, can recommend here.
- 6:00 PM: Back at the Guesthouse. Sleep again. My life is now defined by sleep. I'm basically a furry, jet-lagged potato.
Day 2: The Blue Lagoon Debacle (and the Search for Inner Peace, Maybe)
- 9:00 AM: Woke up - feeling actually human! Victory!
- 10:00 AM: Packed my swimsuit and sunscreen (sunscreen is basically an insult to the Icelandic weather gods, but, well, I’m neurotic). Headed to the Blue Lagoon.
- 11:00 AM: Got there - the Lagoon itself…WOW. Utterly unbelievable. That ethereal blue water? The steam rising? The silica mud masks? It's… chef's kiss.
- 12:00 PM: I spent an hour with my face pasted in mud. The mud looks amazing, not like the usual mud at home. I felt my skin soften and felt like I was starting to relax. Then, disaster. I tried to swim. Turns out, the water's deep, and I'm a terrible swimmer. I flailed. I gasped. I nearly swallowed half the lagoon. Mortifying. Emotional reaction: Panic, followed by an attempt to look like I wasn't drowning, quickly followed by a silent vow to enroll in swimming lessons.
- 1:00 PM: Back to the bar. Bought a drink (which was way overpriced). Sat in the water and contemplated my near-drowning experience. People are mostly relaxed. I can't help but feel jealous.
- 3:00 PM: Shower time! (This time, I managed without flooding the place. PROGRESS!)
- 4:00 PM: Food! (Attempt #3): Found a local bakery. Ordered… something. A pastry with a ton of frosting. Bliss. Pure, sugary, possibly-made-of-cardboard bliss. Worth it.
Day 3: The Golden Circle and the Waterfall Whisperer (and My Ongoing Quest for Coffee)
- 8:00 AM: Managed to get up for an actual BREAKFAST. The joys of included breakfast at the guesthouse mean I don't have to find food yet.
- 9:00 AM: Golden Circle Tour! Organized tour, because I'm not brave enough to drive in Iceland (yet), this means a coach, which is… cozy. Everyone's quiet. I assume they are also sleep-deprived.
- 10:00 AM: Geysir! Woah! The water erupting from the ground is incredible. I waited for a while to see it erupt. It's hot, and smells like sulfur, but COOL.
- 11:00 AM: Gullfoss waterfall - My camera battery died. Disaster. Took pictures with my phone. It's still beautiful, I guess. The spray got me soaked. Worth it.
- 12:00 AM: Thingvellir National Park. The place where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. The history's amazing, so is the scenery.
- 2:00 PM: Coffee break! Finally. Found a cafe in a tiny village. The coffee was STRONG. And perfect. I feel better and ready.
- 6:00 PM: Back at Guesthouse. Exhausted. But with memories.
- 6:30 PM: Dinner and sleep.
Day 4: Farewell… For Now (and the Promise of a Return)
- 9:00 AM: Last breakfast at the Guesthouse. A wave of melancholy washing over me. I'm sad to leave. It's been a tough trip, and an emotional one.
- 10:00 AM: One last wander around Keflavik. Trying to absorb everything, soaking up the crisp air and the dramatic skies.
- 11:00 AM: Airport. Another wait. The airport is again full of the same efficient-looking, but the Aunt Mildred woman is not here.
- 12:00 PM: Flight home.
Final Thoughts:
Iceland. Wow. This trip wasn't perfect. I tripped on the lava rocks. I almost drowned. I ate questionable pastries. But I saw things that stole my breath. I felt things I didn’t even know I was capable of feeling. And for that, and to get away from real life, it was all worth it.
I'm going back. Definitely going back. Maybe next time I will learn to swim. Maybe.
And, hopefully, next time, I'll pack more snacks.
Goodbye!
Dubai's ICONIC City Walk Hotel: Unforgettable Luxury Awaits!
Keflavik Airport Guesthouse: Iceland's BEST (and sometimes WORST!) Kept Secret - Let's Get Real!
What’s the deal with this "secret" guesthouse? Is it actually a secret?
I found it years ago, scrambling off a red-eye after a truly horrific flight (turbulence that made me legitimately question my life choices). I was desperate for a bed before wrestling with Iceland's rental car agencies. And boy, did it deliver. (More on that later, the first time I saw this as the only hotel on the map was exciting)
Now, it's still fantastic, don't get me wrong. But the days of stumbling in, half-asleep, and snagging a room *barely* before anyone else are... well, they're gone. Book ahead, folks. Trust me. You'll need to.
Okay, so how DO you book it? Is it a nightmare?
I once, and I mean *once*, tried to book *the day* I arrived. I was convinced I could charm my way to a room. Spoiler: Icelanders are charming, but not *that* charming. I ended up sleeping on a bench in the arrivals hall. Learned my lesson. (The lesson being, always book ahead. And maybe pack a travel pillow.)
What are the rooms like? Are they…clean?
Important Note: The "cozy" factor is HIGH. You might get a teeny-tiny room, or a room that feels like a converted closet. Embrace it! It's part of the charm. (And hey, you're not spending your whole trip there, are you?) Embrace Iceland, the natural elements, and your ability to use the shower and sleep!
Is there food? And if so, is it any good?
If you're coming hungry, you'll find this place has a secret weapon: The ability to quickly satiate your hunger!
What's the location like? Is it noisy?
Noise? Yes, sometimes. Planes take off and land. That's kinda the nature of being next to an airport. But the rooms are generally well-insulated, and you’ll be so tired you’ll probably sleep through anything!
The shuttle situation - how does that work?
One time, I hopped on the shuttle and fell asleep, only to wake up half an hour later, drooling slightly, and still in the shuttle. The driver just gave me a knowing look and drove me back. Bless his heart. I tipped him handsomely. They deserve it.
Okay, so what's the *worst* part about Keflavik Airport Guesthouse?
My advice? Bring earplugs. And a strong sense of humor. And maybe your own shower shoes. (Just in case.)
Is this place REALLY worth it?
It's imperfect, like life. And like Iceland itself which is known for those very imperfections. It's real. It's affordable (relatively speaking, Iceland is expensive!). It's a great launchpad for your Icelandic adventure. Embrace the chaos, the shared bathrooms, and the random snorers. You're in Iceland, baby! You're gonna have an adventure.
Speaking of Iceland... any tips for a first-timer?
