Reykjavik Marina - Berjaya Iceland Hotels: What Most People Get Wrong

You’ve seen the photos. The bright colors, the quirky maritime gear, and that perfect view of a fishing boat right outside a window. Honestly, choosing a place to crash in Iceland’s capital is a bit of a minefield because every spot claims to be "central." But Reykjavik Marina - Berjaya Iceland Hotels is a different beast entirely. It’s built into an old four-story shipyard building, and if you aren’t careful, you might walk right past the entrance because it’s tucked away in a little alley.

People come here for the "vibe," but what does that actually mean? It means you’re waking up to the sound of metal clanging against metal because, yeah, it’s a working dry-dock. If you’re a light sleeper, that’s your first warning. But for everyone else? It’s arguably the most authentic corner of the city.

The Shipyard Soul of Reykjavik Marina - Berjaya Iceland Hotels

Most hotels try to hide their industrial roots. This place leans into them so hard it’s almost funny. You’ve got shelves made from 1,600 recycled wooden blocks and over 200 little hidden messages scattered around the property. It’s basically a scavenger hunt for adults.

The hotel is part of the Berjaya Iceland Hotels group, but it doesn't feel like a corporate chain. At all. It feels like someone took a bunch of Icelandic history, threw in some high-end L'Occitane toiletries, and decided to see if a cinema and a world-class cocktail bar could coexist in a renovated paint factory. Spoiler: they can.

Why the location is a double-edged sword

You’re at Mýrargata 2.
That’s the Old Harbour district.
It’s cool. It’s trendy. It’s home to the best fish and chips you’ll ever eat (literally across the street).

But here’s the thing—because it’s a restricted commercial zone, those big tour buses can’t pull up to the front door. You have to walk about 200 meters to Bus Stop 15. It’s not far, but in January, when the wind is trying to peel the skin off your face, those 200 meters feel like a marathon.

On the flip side, you’re a 10-minute walk from the Harpa Concert Hall and maybe 15 minutes from the Rainbow Road. You get the peace of the water without being stuck in the noisy, tourist-heavy center of Laugavegur.

Rooms: From Tiny Nooks to the "Home Suite Home"

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the size.
If you book a standard double or single, it’s going to be tight. We’re talking 12 to 17 square meters. If you’re traveling with three suitcases and a partner, you’re going to be playing Tetris with your luggage.

However, the design is clever.

• The View: If you can, always request a harbor-facing room. Looking at the mountains over the Atlantic is better than looking at the street.
• The Suites: The Adalbjorg Suite is basically a luxury apartment. 75 square meters of "I never want to leave."
• The Residence: Just next door, there are six exclusive rooms in a renovated historic house. It’s quieter and feels way more private.

The beds are consistently praised for being "cloud-like," which is great because you’ll be exhausted after chasing the Northern Lights until 3:00 AM.

Slippbarinn: More Than Just a Hotel Bar

You cannot mention Reykjavik Marina - Berjaya Iceland Hotels without talking about Slippbarinn. This place basically birthed the cocktail culture in Reykjavik back in 2012. Before that, people were mostly just drinking beer. Now, you’ve got bartenders making house infusions and "The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party" inspired menus.

The happy hour here is legendary. 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Go then.
Seriously.
Icelandic drink prices are eye-watering, so getting a cocktail for half-off is the only way to stay solvent.

💡 You might also like: Getting From New York JFK to LaGuardia Without Losing Your Mind

What Nobody Tells You (The Real Talk)

The breakfast is a point of contention. Some travelers swear by the Scandinavian spread, while others think $37 is a bit steep for toast and scrambled eggs. Honestly? Walk five minutes to a local bakery like Brauð & Co instead. You’ll save money and feel like a local.

Also, the "gym" situation. There’s been some confusion in recent reviews about the on-site fitness facilities. While there is a fitness club access mention, it's not a massive, state-of-the-art CrossFit box. If you're a gym rat, manage your expectations.

Actionable Tips for Your Stay

If you’ve already booked or are hovering over the "confirm" button, here is how you actually win at staying here:

1. Skip the street side: Always ask for a harbor view. The street side can be noisy with traffic, and you miss the whole point of staying at a marina.
2. Use the Slippbíó: They have a tiny 25-seat cinema. It’s quirky, cozy, and perfect for a rainy afternoon when the Icelandic weather decides to do its thing.
3. Parking Hack: There is free parking right behind the hotel near the marina. This is a massive win in a city where parking fees can eat your soul.
4. Early Check-in: They are surprisingly cool about this if the room is ready. Email them ahead of time, but even if they say no, ask again at the desk—often they’ll let you in early for a small fee or just out of kindness.
5. Northern Lights: Ask the staff for tips. They get alerts and are usually pretty stoked to help you figure out if tonight is the night.

The Reykjavik Marina - Berjaya Iceland Hotels isn't for people who want a generic, marble-floored luxury experience. It’s for people who want to feel the pulse of the harbor, drink a damn good whiskey sour, and don't mind a little shipyard noise in exchange for the best view in town.

Just remember to bring your walking shoes for that trek to Bus Stop 15.