Staying in Reykjavik usually means choosing between the noisy, concrete heart of Laugavegur or the pricey, polished hotels near the Harpa Concert Hall. But then there’s the Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Natura. It sits on the edge of the city, right by the domestic airport, and honestly, some people initially write it off as being "too far out." That's a mistake.
It’s one of the oldest hotels in the city—originally opened in the 1960s as Hotel Loftleiðir—but it doesn't feel like a relic. Instead, it feels like a living part of Icelandic history. You’ve got the Oskjuhlid hill right behind you, covered in pine trees and hiking trails, which is a rarity in a city that’s often more wind-whipped and rocky than lush.
The Vibe at Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Natura
If you walk into the lobby expecting a standard, sterile Marriott-style experience, you're going to be surprised. It’s warm. Wood everywhere. Icelandic art covers the walls. It’s basically the city's living room. Locals actually hang out here. They come for the library, the fireplace, and the cinema. Yes, an actual cinema that shows Icelandic films and documentaries.
Most travelers just want a bed. But here, the "Natura" name isn't just marketing fluff. The hotel has a massive focus on sustainability—one of the first in Iceland to get the ISO 14001 certification. They take it seriously. You won't find a million tiny plastic bottles in your shower. Instead, they use larger, refillable dispensers with high-quality Icelandic soaps.
The rooms vary. Some are "Art Rooms" dedicated to specific Icelandic artists like Kristjana S. Williams. Others are "Flora" rooms. It's a bit quirky. If you’re used to identical rooms in every city, the slight variations in layout and decor might feel weird, but it’s actually refreshing.
Why the location actually works
Look, it’s not in the dead center. It’s about a 20-25 minute walk to the Hallgrímskirkja church. For some, that’s a dealbreaker. For others, it’s a blessing.
Why? Because it's quiet.
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You’re right next to Nauthólsvík, the geothermal beach. This is a local secret that most tourists miss. In the winter, you can watch the locals dive into the freezing North Atlantic and then scramble into the 38°C communal hot tub. It’s surreal. Being at the Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Natura means you can walk there in 10 minutes, take a dip, and be back in your room before your hair even dries.
Plus, the domestic airport next door? It’s not Heathrow. It’s small planes. You don't get the deafening roar of 747s. Instead, you get easy access if you’re planning a hop over to Akureyri or the Westfjords.
Eating and Drinking at Satt
The on-site restaurant, Satt, is surprisingly good. Usually, hotel restaurants are overpriced traps. Satt is different. They focus on "slow food." They have a wood-fired oven and they do a Sunday brunch that is legendary among Reykjavik residents.
Expect a lot of lamb. A lot of fish. If you’ve never had Icelandic rye bread (Rúgbrauð) that’s been buried in the ground to bake with geothermal heat, try it here. It’s dense, sweet, and works perfectly with a thick slab of Icelandic butter.
They also do a "happy hour" which, in Iceland, is a vital survival skill. Alcohol prices in Reykjavik are high. Finding a spot where you can grab a Gull or a Viking beer for a reasonable price while sitting by a fire is a win.
The Soley Natura Spa
Let’s talk about the spa. It’s called Soley Natura, named after the Icelandic actress Sóley Elíasdóttir who started her own organic skincare line. It’s not a massive water park like the Blue Lagoon. It’s intimate. There’s a warm pool, a sauna, and a steam bath.
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What’s cool is the "float therapy." They have these special head-pieces and leg floats that let you just... drift in the water. It sounds a bit hippy-dippy, but after a 10-hour flight or a day spent hiking on a glacier, it's incredible. It’s about quiet. The whole hotel leans into this idea that Iceland is a place to breathe, not just a place to take selfies.
What people get wrong about this hotel
One common complaint you’ll see on TripAdvisor is about the shuttle. People think because it’s not in the center, they’ll be stranded.
Wrong.
The hotel runs a free shuttle bus into the city center multiple times a day. Or, you can take the city bus (Straeto). Or, honestly, just walk. Reykjavik is a walking city. The path from the hotel into town takes you past the Nordic House and the university. It’s a beautiful stroll.
Another misconception: that it’s "just an airport hotel."
Because it’s near the domestic runways, people assume it’s a transit hub. It’s not. It’s a destination. People stay here for a week. They use it as a base for the Golden Circle. They come for the literary vibe—Icelanders are obsessed with books, and the hotel has a "Bedtime Stories" program where you can listen to Icelandic literature.
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Practical Logistics for Your Stay
If you’re booking, try to get a room on the higher floors. You get a better view of the Pearl (Perlan), that giant silver dome on the hill. Perlan is literally right there. You can walk up the hill and see the 360-degree view of the city.
- Check the Northern Lights: Because the hotel is slightly away from the bright city lights of the harbor, you actually have a better chance of seeing the Aurora from the parking lot or the nearby woods.
- The Breakfast Buffet: It’s expensive if not included, but it’s massive. Skyr (Icelandic yogurt), smoked salmon, shots of cod liver oil (Lysi)—take the shot, it's an Icelandic tradition—and fresh bread.
- Parking: Unlike the downtown hotels where you have to hunt for a spot and pay hourly, parking here is free and easy. If you’ve rented a car for a road trip, this is a massive advantage.
Realities of the Reykjavik Natura Experience
Is it perfect? No. Some of the older wings of the hotel can feel a bit narrow. If there’s a large tour group checking in, the lobby can get hectic because it's such a popular hub.
But it has character. You’re staying in a place that has hosted chess champions and world leaders. When Bobby Fischer played Boris Spassky in the "Match of the Century" in 1972, this hotel was the center of the universe. You can still feel that mid-century weight in the architecture.
How to make the most of your stay
Stop treating it like a place to sleep. Spend an hour in the library. Go for a run around Oskjuhlid. Most travelers rush through Iceland. They land, they see the waterfall, they leave.
Staying at the Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Natura encourages you to slow down. Go to the geothermal beach at 8:00 AM. Watch the sun slowly crawl over the horizon while you’re sitting in hot water. That is the real Iceland.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
- Download the Straeto app: This is for the local buses. It’s the easiest way to get around if you don’t want to wait for the hotel shuttle.
- Book the Spa in advance: It’s small and fills up, especially on weekend afternoons.
- Check the Perlan schedule: Since you're so close, go there for the ice cave exhibit when the weather is too bad to be outside.
- Sign up for the "Soley" products: If you like the stuff in the room, they sell it in the lobby. It’s actually cheaper there than at the airport.
- Walk to the cemetery: It sounds morbid, but the Fossvogur cemetery nearby is incredibly beautiful and peaceful, a great spot for a quiet morning walk.