You’re walking down Pósthússtræti in the middle of a Reykjavik winter. The wind is doing that thing where it tries to peel the skin off your face, and your phone battery is plummeting because of the cold. Then you see it. A massive, stately white building that looks like it’s been holding down the corner of the city forever. That’s the Radisson Blu 1919 Hotel, Reykjavik. It’s not just a hotel; it’s basically a piece of Icelandic history that happens to have very comfortable beds and some of the best water pressure in the North Atlantic.
Honestly, Reykjavik has become a bit of a hotel minefield lately. There are these "design hotels" popping up everywhere that feel like living inside an IKEA catalog—cold, minimalist, and weirdly expensive. The 1919 is different. It’s housed in the former headquarters of Eimskipafélag Íslands, Iceland’s first major shipping line. When it was built in 1919 (hence the name), it was the most expensive building in the country. You can still feel that weight. It’s solid. It’s reliable. It doesn't try too hard because it doesn't have to.
Finding the Vibe at Radisson Blu 1919 Hotel, Reykjavik
Location is everything. If you stay too far out near the Laugardalur area, you’re constantly shelling out for taxis or freezing while waiting for a bus. The Radisson Blu 1919 Hotel, Reykjavik is basically at the 0.0 coordinates of the city. You are steps away from the famous Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur hot dog stand—yes, the one Bill Clinton went to—and a five-minute stumble from the Harpa Concert Hall.
The lobby feels like a transition. You go from the chaotic, windy streets of a fishing-village-turned-metropolis into this hushed, high-ceilinged space. The staff here aren't those robotic, over-rehearsed hospitality types. They’re usually locals or long-term expats who actually know which bars have the best happy hours and which whale-watching tours are actually worth the sea sickness.
What the Rooms are Really Like
Let’s be real: hotel photos are usually lies. They use wide-angle lenses that make a closet look like a ballroom. At the 1919, the rooms are surprisingly spacious for a historic building. Because it was an office building originally, the windows are huge. If you’re lucky enough to get a corner room, you’ve got a front-row seat to the harbor and the Esja mountain range.
The aesthetic is "Nordic Comfort." It’s not flashy. It’s lots of dark wood, slate grays, and high-quality linens. If you're looking for gold-plated faucets and velvet curtains, go to Paris. Here, it’s about functionality and warmth. The bathrooms are usually stocked with high-end amenities, and the heated floors are a godsend when you’ve just spent six hours chasing the Northern Lights in sub-zero temperatures.
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One thing people get wrong: they think historic means "old and creaky." It’s not. The renovation was thorough. The Wi-Fi is fast enough to stream 4K while you’re uploading your 500th photo of a waterfall. The elevators actually work. The soundproofing is also surprisingly decent, considering you’re right in the heart of the "101" postal code where the nightlife can get a bit rowdy on Friday nights.
The Food Situation and Why You Shouldn't Skip Breakfast
Most people skip hotel breakfasts to save money, but in Iceland, that's a tactical error. Food in Reykjavik is pricey. A mediocre burger can set you back $30. The breakfast spread at the Radisson Blu 1919 Hotel, Reykjavik is legendary for a reason. They have the standard stuff—eggs, bacon, pastries—but they also have the local goods.
You haven't lived until you've tried Icelandic skyr with fresh berries at 8:00 AM while looking out at a gray Reykjavik sky. They also serve Lýsi (cod liver oil) in little shot glasses. Do it. It tastes like a fish’s gym bag, but it’s the reason Icelanders are so hardy. It’s part of the experience.
Dinner at Bru
The on-site restaurant, Bru, is a solid choice if you’re too tired to scout for a table elsewhere. They focus on local ingredients—lots of arctic char, lamb, and root vegetables. It’s sophisticated without being pretentious. You can wear a nice sweater and fit right in. You don't need a suit. Nobody wears suits in Iceland unless they’re getting married or work in a bank.
The "Secret" Perks of Staying Here
There are things you won't find on the official website that make a difference. For one, the fitness center is actually decent. Most city hotels give you a broken treadmill and a single dumbbell. This place has enough gear to actually get a sweat on.
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Also, the proximity to the bus stops. Most tour operators (for the Golden Circle, South Coast, etc.) can't pick you up directly at the hotel door because of traffic laws in the city center. However, the designated "Bus Stop 1" or "Bus Stop 4" are both incredibly close. You aren't dragging your luggage across a mile of volcanic rock.
A Note on the "1919" History
The building was designed by Guðjón Samúelsson. If that name sounds familiar, it's because he’s the same guy who designed Hallgrímskirkja (the big church that looks like a spaceship) and the National Theatre. Staying here is basically staying inside a piece of National Heritage. The staircase alone is a work of art.
When Eimskip moved in, it symbolized Iceland’s independence and its connection to the rest of the world. It was a statement of intent. Even today, the building feels like it holds a certain authority over the downtown area. It survived the 2008 crash, it survived the tourism boom, and it still feels like the most "grown-up" place to stay in town.
Common Misconceptions About the Radisson Blu 1919
A lot of travelers assume that being a "Radisson" means it’s a generic chain hotel. That’s a mistake. The Radisson Blu brand in Europe, especially the "Collection" or historic properties, is a much higher tier than what you might find in a suburban office park in the US. This is a boutique experience with the backing of a global loyalty program.
Another misconception: it’s too expensive. Look, Iceland is expensive. Period. But when you factor in the location (saving on transport), the breakfast (saving on a $25 meal), and the quality of the sleep, the value proposition is actually better than some of the "budget" guesthouses that end up being a nightmare to get to.
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Practical Advice for Your Stay
If you’re booking, try to request a room on a higher floor. The street noise isn't terrible, but Reykjavik can be a late-night city, and the higher up you are, the quieter it gets. Also, sign up for the Radisson Rewards program before you check in. Even the entry-level tier sometimes gets you a later checkout or a small discount at the bar, and in Iceland, every saved krona counts.
Don't bother renting a car if you’re staying here unless you’re planning on driving the Ring Road. Parking in downtown Reykjavik is a nightmare of "P1" and "P2" zones and confusing apps. The hotel has some parking options, but they’re limited and pricey. You’re better off using your feet or the local buses for city exploring.
Dealing with the "Nightlife"
The hotel is near some of the best bars in town, like Kaffibarinn. This is great if you want to grab a drink, but keep in mind that Icelanders go out late. If you're a light sleeper, bring earplugs, though the 1919 has better windows than 90% of the buildings in the area.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
- Book directly on the website. Sometimes they offer "member only" rates that are $20-$40 cheaper than the big booking sites.
- Check the "Northern Lights" forecast at the front desk. The staff usually have the Vedur (weather) app pulled up and can tell you if it's worth booking a tour that night or if you'll just be looking at clouds.
- Walk to the Reykjavik Harbor. It’s less than five minutes away. Go in the morning when the fishing boats are coming in; it’s the most authentic version of the city you’ll see.
- Try the local gin at the bar. Icelandic gin (like Himbrimi) is world-class, and the bartenders here know how to mix a proper drink that isn't just sugar and ice.
- Email ahead if it’s a special occasion. They are actually quite good about small gestures—a note or a local treat in the room goes a long way.
The Radisson Blu 1919 Hotel, Reykjavik isn't the flashiest hotel in the world. It’s not trying to be a tech-heavy "smart hotel" where you control the lights with an iPad that never works. It’s a solid, historic, incredibly well-located base camp for exploring one of the weirdest and most beautiful countries on Earth. It’s the kind of place where you can actually dry your boots, get a great night's sleep, and feel like you're part of the city rather than just a tourist passing through it.
Pack a good raincoat. Bring an extra pair of wool socks. Get the breakfast. You’ll be fine.