You've just landed. The wind in Iceland isn't just a breeze; it’s a physical force that tries to push your rental car off the road the second you leave the terminal. Most people make the mistake of trying to drive two hours to their first "bucket list" spot while jet-lagged and delirious. Don’t do that. Honestly, the Courtyard Reykjavik Keflavik Airport is probably the smartest move you can make for your first or last night in the country, but there’s a lot of confusion about where it actually is and what it’s like.
It’s not in Reykjavik. Let’s get that out of the way immediately. The name is a bit of a marketing trick because the hotel is actually in Reykjanesbær, about five minutes from the Keflavik International Airport (KEF) tarmac. If you’re looking for the colorful streets of the capital, you’re still a 45-minute drive away. But if you're looking for a bed that doesn't feel like a yoga mat and a shower with enough pressure to blast away the grime of a transatlantic flight, this is the spot.
Why Location Matters More Than You Think
Icelandic weather is famously temperamental. I've seen travelers get stuck at the airport because the road to Reykjavik (Route 41) closed due to high winds. Staying at the Courtyard Reykjavik Keflavik Airport acts as a sort of insurance policy. You’re close enough to the terminal that even a blizzard won't stop you from catching your flight, yet you're far enough away that you don't feel like you're sleeping in a departure lounge.
The hotel sits in a developing area. It’s a bit industrial, sure. You aren't waking up to views of a cascading waterfall or a moss-covered volcano right outside your window. Instead, you get a clean, modern, and surprisingly quiet room. The soundproofing here is elite. You’d think being that close to a major international hub would mean constant jet engine roars, but it’s silent. Seriously.
The Logistics of Getting There
Most people assume there’s a free shuttle. There isn't. This is a common gripe in reviews, but Iceland is expensive, and "free" isn't really in the local vocabulary. You can grab a taxi, but it’ll cost you more than a decent lunch. The better move? Many car rental agencies—like Blue Car Rental or Lotus—are within walking distance or a very short hop from the hotel. If you’re picking up your car the next morning, this hotel is perfectly positioned.
- Walking: Possible if you have light luggage and the weather is behaving. It's about a 20-25 minute trek.
- Taxi: Fast, but expect to pay roughly 3,500 to 5,000 ISK.
- Public Bus: The 55 bus stops nearby, but it’s infrequent. Check the Strætó app before you commit to this.
Inside the Rooms: What to Expect
The design is peak Marriott. It's predictable, and in a country where "quirky" guesthouses sometimes mean sharing a bathroom with a family of six, predictable is a luxury. The rooms at the Courtyard Reykjavik Keflavik Airport feature that signature Scandinavian minimalism—lots of light wood, grey tones, and functional furniture.
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The beds are the real MVP here. They use high-quality linens that actually breathe. If you've ever stayed in a cheap Icelandic hostel, you know the struggle of the "heavy duvet sweat." You won't have that here.
One thing that surprises people is the lack of a bathtub in most standard rooms. It’s almost all walk-in showers. The water, however, is pure Icelandic groundwater. Yes, it smells slightly of sulfur (like rotten eggs) because it’s geothermally heated. That’s not a hotel defect; it’s just Iceland. Embrace the smell; it means your skin will feel amazing.
Dining at The Bridge
The on-site restaurant, The Bridge, is actually decent. Usually, airport hotel food is a sad club sandwich and some soggy fries. Here, they do a solid job with local ingredients. They have a burger that’s legitimately good, and the breakfast buffet starts early—usually around 6:00 AM—to accommodate those early-bird flights to Europe or the States.
It isn't cheap. Nothing in Iceland is. A main course will run you anywhere from 3,500 to 6,000 ISK. If you’re on a budget, there’s a grocery store (Bónus or Nettó) a short drive away in the main part of Keflavik town where you can grab snacks and Icelandic skyr for a fraction of the price.
The "Secret" Perks of the Reykjanes Peninsula
Most tourists land at KEF and blast straight to the Golden Circle or the South Coast. They miss the entire peninsula where the hotel is located. This is a mistake. Since you’re staying at the Courtyard Reykjavik Keflavik Airport, you are literally minutes away from some of the most underrated spots in the country.
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Go see the Bridge Between Continents. It’s a small footbridge over a fissure where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates are pulling apart. It’s ten minutes from the hotel. Then drive to Gunnuhver Hot Springs. It’s loud, smelly, and terrifyingly powerful. It feels much more "raw" than the manicured paths of Geysir.
Then there's the Blue Lagoon. It’s about a 20-minute drive. While some call it a tourist trap, there's a reason people go. If you stay at the Courtyard, you can book an evening slot at the Lagoon when the crowds die down, soak for three hours, and be back in your hotel room in twenty minutes without having to navigate the dark highway back to Reykjavik.
Addressing the "Industrial" Reputation
I've read reviews where people complain that the hotel is in a "parking lot." Okay, it’s in a business park. It’s not a fairytale cottage. But you’re staying here for convenience and quality. The fitness center is surprisingly well-equipped for a mid-range hotel, and the Wi-Fi is fast enough to stream 4K video or upload all your "just landed" selfies without a hiccup.
The staff generally speaks perfect English (like almost everyone in Iceland) and they are used to dealing with stressed-out travelers who just had their flights cancelled. Their ability to handle chaos is one of the hotel's best features.
A Note on the Environment
Icelanders are fiercely protective of their land. The hotel follows this lead with several "green" initiatives. You won't find tiny plastic shampoo bottles; they use large, refillable dispensers. The heating is geothermal. The footprint is minimized where possible. It’s a nice touch for a brand that could easily just do the bare minimum.
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What Most People Get Wrong About This Hotel
The biggest misconception is that it’s a "shuttle hotel." Because it’s a Marriott, Americans especially expect a van to be idling outside the terminal every 15 minutes. When it’s not there, they get frustrated. If you go in knowing you need to arrange your own transport, your stress levels will drop significantly.
Another thing? People think they can't see the Northern Lights from here because of the "city lights." Keflavik isn't a city; it’s a town. If the Kp-index is high and the sky is clear, just walk out to the back of the parking lot away from the streetlights. I’ve seen the Aurora dancing right over the hotel roof. You don't always need a $200 Jeep tour to see the lights.
Practical Advice for Your Stay
If you’re planning a stay at the Courtyard Reykjavik Keflavik Airport, here is the ground-level strategy to make it worth the money:
- Join Marriott Bonvoy: Even if you never stay at Marriotts, join for this one trip. Members often get a slightly lower rate or at least better odds of a late checkout, which is huge if your flight isn't until the afternoon.
- The Grocery Run: Stop at the Nettó in Keflavik (5 minutes away) before checking in. Grab some sparkling water, Icelandic chocolate (look for the sea salt ones), and snacks. The hotel's "grab and go" market is pricey.
- The Rental Car Hack: If you are returning a car, check if your rental company has a drop-off point near the hotel. Some allow you to leave the car there, and then you can just walk to the hotel for your final night.
- The Kettle Situation: Icelandic tap water is some of the cleanest in the world. Don't buy bottled water. Just fill your bottle or use the kettle in the room. It’s better than anything you’ll buy in a plastic bottle.
Moving Forward With Your Trip
Once you’ve settled into the Courtyard Reykjavik Keflavik Airport, your next step should be checking the local road conditions. Download the SafeTravel.is app and the Vedur.is (weather) app. These are non-negotiable for traveling in Iceland.
Map out your route to the Blue Lagoon or the Reykjanes Lighthouse for the following morning. If you're heading toward the South Coast, use your night at the Courtyard to rest fully so you can handle the drive to Vík or beyond without fatigue. The road is beautiful, but it requires your full attention. Skip the stress of a midnight drive to the city and start your Icelandic adventure with a decent night's sleep instead.