During my recent visit to Iceland, I stayed at The Reykjavik EDITION. Opened in October 2021, this stunning property brought international five-star luxury to the heart of the Icelandic capital. Conceived through Ian Schrager’s visionary design in partnership with Marriott International, The Reykjavik EDITION is by far the premier, full-service luxury hotel in Reykjavik.
1. Location, Location, Location: An Unbeatable Harborfront Setting
In luxury hospitality, setting is paramount—and The Reykjavik EDITION commands the premier address in the city. Situated directly along the pedestrian harborfront promenade in Reykjavik’s historic Old Harbor (Austurbakki 2), the hotel directly faces the world-renowned, prismatic glass honeycomb of the Harpa Concert Hall.
From the front doors, guests enjoy effortless walkability to Reykjavik’s primary attractions:
- Laugavegur Shopping District: 5-minute stroll to the city’s primary avenue for Icelandic fashion, jewelry, and art galleries.
- Hallgrímskirkja Church: 12-minute walk up Skólavörðustígur to the iconic expressionist cathedral tower.
- Old Harbor Excursions: Whale watching, puffin viewing safaris, and midnight sun sailing excursions depart just steps from the hotel.
- National Gallery & Reykjavik Art Museum: Less than 10 minutes on foot through historic downtown alleys.
2. Comfortable, Well-Appointed Guest Rooms & Suites
The hotel features 253 guest rooms and 27 suites configured across multiple categories. In a city where historic boutique accommodations can often feel cramped, rooms at The Reykjavik EDITION are exceptionally spacious, starting at a generous 280 square feet.
The interior design is modern, understated, and deeply rooted in Icelandic natural motifs. Charcoal shiplap wood paneling, ash timber accents, plush shearling throws, and custom Italian furnishings create a soothing, sophisticated sanctuary. Oversized bathrooms feature heated volcanic limestone floors, deep soaking tubs, and rainforest showers stocked with custom black tea scented Le Labo amenities.
Most Requested Room Categories: Suites & Harbor Views
When booking for our clients, we always prioritize Harbour View Rooms and upper-tier suites (Superior, Premier, and Loft Suites). These suites feature expansive private walk-out terraces framing breathtaking vistas of fishing vessels, Faxaflói Bay, and snow-capped Mount Esja.
The 6th-Floor Penthouse Suite
For the ultimate in Reykjavik luxury, the 6th-floor Penthouse Suite offers a palatial residential retreat. Featuring a master bedroom, marble fireplace, dining table for eight, private service pantry, and an expansive wrap-around teak terrace, it is frequently chosen by visiting heads of state, celebrities, and families traveling together.
3. Unmatched Facilities: The Subterranean Spa & Gym
Prior to The Reykjavik EDITION’s debut, travelers staying in central Reykjavik had to travel outside the city to find comprehensive thermal spa facilities. The hotel solved this with a sprawling subterranean wellness complex on the lower level.
Thermal Plunge Pool
Custom geothermal stone plunge pool designed for contrast therapy, promoting circulation and recovery after long glacier hikes.
Traditional Hammam & Steam
Marble Turkish hammam and eucalyptus-infused steam rooms offering deeply detoxifying heat therapies.
Nordic Timber Sauna
Dry cedar sauna complemented by experiential sensory showers and dedicated cold-water bucket plunges.
State-of-the-Art Fitness
24/7 fitness center equipped with Technogym treadmills, ellipticals, free weights, and dedicated stretching studios.
4. Dining & Drinking: TIDES by Michelin-Starred Chef Gunnar Karl
The culinary program at The Reykjavik EDITION is an extraordinary triumph, anchored by TIDES Restaurant—one of the most sought-after reservations in all of Scandinavia. The kitchen is helmed by celebrated Icelandic Chef Gunnar Karl Gíslason, the pioneer behind DILL (Iceland’s first Michelin-starred restaurant).
TIDES showcases modern New Nordic cuisine centered on an open-fire charcoal grill. Highlights include smoked Arctic char with horseradish cream, tender free-roaming Icelandic lamb loin with grilled birch oil, and local langoustine tails roasted over burning embers.
Three Distinct Bar Venues
The hotel’s social scene is vibrant and varied, offering three distinct cocktail atmospheres:
- The Lobby Bar: Anchored by a massive sunken circular lounge with a central granite fireplace and faux-shearling sofas. It is lively from mid-afternoon through late evening, serving craft gins and Icelandic craft brews.
- Tölt Bar: An intimate, hidden speakeasy tucked behind walnut paneling on the ground floor. Named after the smooth fifth gait unique to the Icelandic horse, it specializes in rare single-malt whiskies and artisanal botanical cocktails.
- The Rooftop Lounge (7th Floor): Boasting floor-to-ceiling glass and wraparound outdoor decking, this venue offers 360-degree panoramic vistas over the harbor, Harpa, and the Atlantic. In summer, it is the premier spot to sip champagne under the midnight sun; in winter, it provides a warm vantage point for viewing the dancing Northern Lights.
5. Exclusive VIP Privileges for Vincent Vacations Guests
As proud members of the Signature Travel Network, Vincent Vacations secures valuable, complimentary VIP amenities for our clients staying at The Reykjavik EDITION:
Signature Travel Network Preferred Amenities
- Daily Complimentary Full Breakfast for two guests in TIDES Restaurant.
- $100 USD Hotel Dining / Spa Credit per room per stay.
- Room Category Upgrade upon arrival, subject to availability.
- Early Check-in & Late Check-out, subject to availability.
- Personalized Welcome VIP Amenity awaiting in-suite upon arrival.
6. Senior Advisor Insider Tips
“Everyone on property is exceptionally service-oriented. I was deeply impressed by the attentiveness in the dining room, and the concierge desk possesses genuine, high-level connections to secure impossible reservations across town.”
Ignacio’s #1 Shopping Tip: 66°North Flagship Store
My favorite retail store in Iceland is 66°North, the country’s premier outdoor technical outfitter for over 50 years. Their jackets, parkas, and knitwear are designed to withstand Arctic storms while remaining impeccably stylish. They recently opened a gleaming two-story flagship store directly opposite the entrance to The Reykjavik EDITION. It is a mandatory stop during your stay!
Key On-Property Contact: We work directly with Anibal Ortiz, Director of Sales & Marketing at The Reykjavik EDITION, ensuring our clients’ room assignments, dietary preferences, and celebratory moments are personalized to perfection.
Frequently Asked Questions: The Reykjavik EDITION
About the Author: Ignacio Maza
Ignacio Maza is a Senior Advisor and Executive Vice President at Signature Travel Network. With decades of executive leadership in luxury hospitality, Ignacio personally inspects the world’s premier hotels, lodges, and expedition vessels, delivering unbiased guidance to discerning travelers.
Specializing in Luxury Hotel Inspections, Arctic Expeditions, and Nordic Travel Circuits.Book The Reykjavik EDITION with Exclusive VIP Perks
Enjoy complimentary daily breakfast for two, a $100 USD hotel credit, room upgrades, and VIP recognition when booking through Vincent Vacations.