Iceland's Parliament Hotel: Luxury & History Await in Reykjavik!

Iceland's Parliament Hotel: Luxury & History Await in Reykjavik!
Iceland's Parliament Hotel: Where History Whispers and Luxury Lounges
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I just spent a week practically living at Iceland's Parliament Hotel, and I'm still processing the sheer… vibe. Forget those sterile, corporate hotel reviews. This is the real deal, the messy, glorious truth, served with a side of Icelandic charm (and maybe a Viking-sized mug of coffee).
First Impressions: History vs. Hype
Walking into this place is like stepping into a really, really swanky museum. Seriously, you're practically tripping over ancient artifacts (okay, maybe not that dramatic, but it feels like it). The Parliament Hotel is all exposed brick, dark wood, and subtle nods to its historical significance. It's a proper hotel, not one of those soulless, identical chains. The lobby is surprisingly accessible, which is a HUGE plus, and I saw a couple of folks using wheelchairs navigate the space with ease. Elevators are plentiful, and the whole place gives off a feeling of old-world elegance mixed with modern cool. The front desk is 24-hour, and the staff? Well, more on them later. But trust me, they're good.
The Room: More Than Just 4 Walls
Let's be honest, I'm a sucker for a good room. And Parliament Hotel delivers. I snagged one with a window that opens (important for a chronic air-fresher) and a seriously comfortable bed. Blackout curtains? Check. Air conditioning (a lifesaver)? Double-check. Free Wi-Fi? Of course! And, oh sweet baby Jesus, free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Not that I could stay away from the Internet [LAN] anyway, what with having things to get done and all.
I also appreciated the little touches: bathrobes, slippers, complimentary tea, and a coffee/tea maker. They really do sweat the small stuff. There was a desk with a laptop workspace and a reading light, perfect for those late-night work binges (and, let's be real, stalking Icelandic elves on Instagram). Oh, and there was a mini bar? Naturally. Because what's a luxury hotel without miniature spirits silently judging your choices? Also, my room happened to be non-smoking. Just saying, in case you also smoke!
My room also included a private bathroom, the important stuff like towels, toiletries, hair dryer, a bathtub and separate shower/bathtub! Score! I mean, I had to take a bath after a long day.
Accessibility, the elephant in the room… or, you know, the hotel
Okay, let's be real. Accessibility is HUGE for a LOT of us. And the Parliament Hotel does a decent job here. They clearly have Facilities for disabled guests, there seems to be a good level of accessibility in the public areas, and the elevator makes life a LOT easier. I didn't see any particularly obvious issues, but it's always worth contacting them directly beforehand if you have specific needs.
Food, Glorious Food (and Caffeine)
This is where things get really interesting. The restaurants are fantastic. I'm not even joking. They've got a buffet so extensive it’s borderline overwhelming (but in the best way possible!). Seriously, expect everything from Asian breakfast to good old fashioned Western breakfast, and the international cuisine is top-notch. I'm a fiend for coffee, and I spent a shameful amount of time at the coffee shop. Their lattes? Divine. Absolutely. Divine. They even have a poolside bar, which is perfect for chilling after a long trip to the swimming pool [outdoor].
The restaurants also feature desserts, salads, and soups. The bar is also well-stocked, as they say.
The breakfast [buffet] is where you can have a great start of the day, it is sure to be a great way to start the day.
I also appreciated the effort they go through for alternative meal arrangement options, and that they have a vegetarian restaurant! I also did not have any issues with safety; they have a safe dining setup, and sanitized kitchen and tableware items.
Relaxation Station: Spa, Sauna, and… More Spa
Alright, this is where things got a little… blurry. The spa at the Parliament Hotel is an experience. A legit, soul-soothing experience. You can get a massage, soak in the sauna or steamroom, get a body wrap or a body scrub. I did all of the above. Don't judge me. (Okay, judge me. I needed it.) The pool with view? Absolutely stunning. And the whole ambiance is incredibly relaxing. Don't skip the foot bath! Trust me on this. And I hear they also have a fitness center; but, uh, I was too busy blissing out in the Spa/Sauna to actually check it out.
Cleanliness and Safety: Let's Talk About That (Because We Can't Ignore It!)
Listen, these Icelanders take cleanliness very seriously, COVID or no COVID. The Parliament Hotel is basically a germophobic’s dream. They use anti-viral cleaning products, have daily disinfection in common areas, and provide hand sanitizer everywhere. My room was meticulously cleaned between stays, and they offer a room sanitization opt-out if you're feeling particularly eco-conscious. The staff are all trained in safety protocol and there seems to be lots of hygiene certification on file. They even have a doctor/nurse on call. And I couldn't spot any issues with the Physical distancing of at least 1 meter.
Staff: Angels in Disguise (Probably)
Okay, the staff. The staff are amazing. From the welcoming doorman to the always-smiling cleaning staff, everyone seems genuinely happy to be there. They're helpful, friendly, and go above and beyond to make your stay enjoyable. They're also incredibly knowledgeable about recommending things to do and see - some of them like cctv outside property and security [24-hour]. They will make sure you feel safe. They’ve got the Concierge on-site and ready to assist, if you are in need of assistance.
Things to Do (Beyond Lounging in a Robe)
Reykjavik is an amazing city, so you won't be short of things to do. Parliament Hotel is incredibly well-located, making it easy to explore. They can arrange airport transfer, and there's a taxi service if needed. The hotel itself has a gift/souvenir shop and a convenience store for grabbing essentials. They also offer laundry service, dry cleaning, and ironing service. The Daily housekeeping helps with getting everything put back in order. Their security [24-hour] will keep you safe. They are located close to many different things to do!
The Not-So-Perfect Bits (Because Honesty, People!)
Okay, so here's the truth: no place is perfect. The price tag? It's definitely leaning towards the luxury end of the spectrum. And the Cashless payment service can also be a negative if you're feeling old school. Also, the smoking area is outside, and it’s a long way to the bar. But honestly? These are minor quibbles.
My Crazy-Good Recommendation (For Those of You Who Like a Good Time)
Listen, if you're looking for a hotel that's more than just a place to crash, book the Parliament Hotel. It's a place to experience Reykjavik. It’s a place to soak up history, get pampered, and maybe, just maybe, discover a tiny bit of Viking ancestry (or at least fantasize about it).
Here's the Stream-of-Consciousness, Emotional-Laden Conclusion:
I'm still dreaming about those lattes. And the spa. And the sheer fact that I could wander around in my robe all day without judgement. The Parliament Hotel isn't just a hotel; it's a whole mood. A ridiculously luxurious, historically fascinating, and utterly charming mood.
Here's Your Big Damn Offer, You Wretched Humans:
Stop scrolling! Seriously. You, yes you, are going to book your stay at the Iceland's Parliament Hotel today. They don't have a specific discount, but their rooms are an incredible steal for the experience.
To sweeten the deal even more, here's all the stuff they offer that's included:
- Free Wi-Fi (Because, duh)
- 24-hour room service (Midnight snack, anyone?)
- Access to that glorious spa (Seriously, do it.)
- A chance to feel like a VIP in a historically rich place (And that's priceless, right?)
**So, go on. Book. Right now. And tell them that crazy
Shantou's Hidden Gem: Unbeatable Luxury at Junhua Haiyi Hotel!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your perfectly-polished, Instagram-filtered travel itinerary. This is real life, Icelandic edition. And it's going to be messy. It's going to be honest. And, frankly, it's probably going to involve me sobbing at a sheep at least once. Consider yourself warned.
Icelandic Adventure: The Unfiltered Edition - Starting Point: Parliament Hotel, Reykjavik
(I'm already feeling a little giddy just thinking about it. Curio Collection? Sounds fancy enough to hide all my questionable decisions.)
Day 1: Arrival and Reykjavík Revelations (AKA: Getting Lost in the City I Thought Would Be Easy)
- Morning (08:00): Arrive at Keflavík International Airport (KEF). Ugh, that flight. I swear I'll learn to sleep on planes someday. The baggage claim was a disaster, or maybe that was my fault. Found my bags, miraculously.
- Morning (09:30): Shuttle to Parliament Hotel. Okay, so the hotel itself? Glorious. Like, seriously, the lobby is all exposed brick and Nordic chic. I immediately wanted to move in. The check-in process? Smooth sailing. So far, so good.
- Morning (10:30): "Me Time" in the hotel. I wanted to unpack, but i gave up, and started to watch TV.
- Lunch (13:00): Walk through the city, trying to get my bearings. Turns out, Reykjavik is way more charming than I expected. Found a cute little cafe, "The Laundromat Cafe." The coffee tasted like actual coffee. This is a good sign.
- Afternoon (14:00): Get lost. Seriously. Wander. Reykjavik's a city that begs for it. Ended up near the Harpa Concert Hall – architectural marvel. I just stood there, mouth agape. So shiny.
- Afternoon (16:00): Obsessed with the shops, I saw something in the shop, so I spend my money on that thing.
- Evening (18:00): Dinner at a restaurant, and I couldn't stop staring at their amazing menu.
- Evening (20:00): Drinks at a local bar. (Already feeling the jet lag start to kick in. Pray for me.)
Day 2: The Golden Circle and My Existential Crisis (Probably Over a Geyser)
- Morning (08:00): Golden Circle tour. Okay, deep breaths. I’m not great with group tours, but this is a must-do. Hoping for minimal chatty tourists… Or, you know, at least bearable ones.
- Morning (09:30): Thingvellir National Park. History lesson time! Viking history! Pretty cool, even if my attention wandered and I got distracted by the stunning scenery. The rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates? Awesome. (Seriously.)
- Late Morning (11:30): Geysir geothermal area. Strokkur geyser. BOOM! So, I saw Strokkur erupt. Watched it blow. Multiple times. I’m a bit obsessed. The entire experience felt like a bizarre, theatrical performance put on by nature itself. I almost cried. (Okay, maybe I did cry. Just a little. It was overwhelming.)
- Lunch (13:00): Gullfoss waterfall. Absolutely spectacular. The sheer power of the water is humbling. I could have stayed there all day, just watching the mist and the rainbows. But the other tourists were starting to get on my nerves so I decided to leave.
- Afternoon (15:00): Another round of the Golden Circle. Decided, instead to go to a local farm. Where I was going to be near a sheep. This is the moment I'm probably going to cry. (Yes, I know, pathetic. Don’t judge me.)
- Late Afternoon (17:00): Back to Reykjavik. Exhausted but strangely exhilarated.
- Evening (19:00): Found a tiny, unassuming restaurant for dinner. Ate something Icelandic. I think it was lamb? Delicious. I probably ate too much, but whatever.
- Evening (20:30): Back at Parliament Hotel. Collapsed into bed.
Day 3: Blue Lagoon Bliss (And Praying I Don’t Drown)
- Morning (08:00): Sleep? No, more like a fitful nap. Jet lag is a beast. Still, gotta get up and go.
- Morning (09:30): The infamous Blue Lagoon. So, I’m slightly terrified of water. I'm also slightly obsessed with the idea of this place. Going.
- Morning (10:30): Blue Lagoon. Okay, so the water is unbelievably blue. And warm. And…relaxing? I hate to admit it, but I felt my shoulders slowly drop. The silica mud masks are a bit weird to put on, but my skin felt amazing afterwards.
- Lunch (12:00): Lunch at the Blue Lagoon.
- Afternoon (13:00): More Lagoon-ing. Maybe a little too much. Started to feel like a prune.
- Afternoon (15:00): Back to hotel.
- Evening (19:00): Finding a new restaurant for dinner.
- Evening (20:00): Maybe a massage? Or just another sleep.
Day 4: Reykjavik Explorations (Plus the Last-Minute Panic)
- Morning (09:00): Breakfast at the hotel. So much deliciousness. I'm going to miss this.
- Morning (10:00): Wandering around Reykjavik. Went to the Sun Voyager sculpture. Took a million photos. Tried (and failed) to perfectly capture the light.
- Afternoon (13:00): Decided to find myself at the Perlan Museum. Saw the exhibit. My emotional reactions were a mix of awe and terror.
- Afternoon (05:00): Last-minute panic! I realized I hadn't bought any souvenirs for anyone. Panic mode engaged. Rushed to find shops that were open, which was hard.
- Evening (19:00): Farewell dinner.
- Evening (21:00): Early to bed.
Day 5: Departure (And the Aftermath)
- Morning (07:00): Wake up, pack, and head to the airport.
- Morning (08:00): A sad breakfast in the hotel.
- Morning (09:00): Check out, and off to the airport. Bye, bye Iceland.
- Morning (10:00): Airport Departure.
- Afternoon (13:00): Arrived home.
Post-Trip Ramblings:
- I miss the air. The light. The silence.
- I’m pretty sure I gained five pounds from all the bread. Worth it.
- I cried at a sheep. No regrets.
- I need another trip. (Stat).
- I’m already plotting my return. Iceland, you’ve captured my heart. (And my stomach. And my soul.)
- The hotel? Amazing. Recommend it.
- Remember to pack more socks. Really. You'll thank me.
And that, my friends, is Iceland, through the eyes of a slightly unhinged traveler. Hope you enjoyed it. Now, where's the wine?
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Iceland Parliament Hotel: FAQs - 'Cause Let's Be Real, You Have Questions!
Okay, So, Is it *Really* Luxurious? Like, Worth the Hype?
Alright, truth time. "Luxurious" is a word thrown around a lot, right? And honestly, the Iceland Parliament Hotel? Yeah. It's pretty darn luxurious. But not in a "shiny, sterile, robots serving you champagne" kind of way. Thank GOD. I've stayed in those. They're… soul-sucking.
This place is more like, "Oh, hey, that's a ridiculously comfy bed," and "Wow, the heated floors in the bathroom are a LIFESAVER after a glacier hike!" I actually, legitimately GASPED when I walked into my room. Not in an "OMG, it's got gold leaf!" way, but in a "This is the *exact* vibe I need after a 10-hour drive in Icelandic weather." Think tasteful, modern design with nods to the country's history. And the coffee machine? Dude, I seriously considered smuggling it home in my suitcase. (Don’t tell them I said that.)
My take? Yes. Worth it. Treat yo'self. You're in Iceland, you deserve a little pampering. Just maybe don't expect a butler. You're in Reykjavik, not Downton Abbey (though, let's be honest, a butler with a heavy Icelandic accent? That'd be epic).
Oh! And the breakfast buffet? DON'T skip it. I made the mistake once. A travesty, seriously. Just thinking about the SKYR now, makes my mouth water.
How Old is This Place? Does it Feel Like a Museum?
It. Is. Old. Like, *old*-old. It's in the middle of Reykjavik, right near the Althing, the Icelandic Parliament. Which is super cool, like, you're practically breathing history just walking around. They've done a great job weaving the history into the hotel experience. You'll see photos, old documents, the works.
Does it *feel* like a museum? No. Thankfully not. It's more like staying in a really stylish, well-maintained historic building. It’s comfortable and welcoming, and they don't have velvet ropes separating you from the furniture. Phew. Because I'm a toucher, and I'd be in trouble if they did.
There are some whispers about ghosts, but I never saw any. Although, I did hear some weird noises one night… but that might have been the wind. Or, you know, the enthusiastic, after-hours karaoke from the bar, which is a story for a different FAQ *cough cough*.
Is It Noisy? I Need My Sleep!
Okay, noise. This is a big one, and it depends. It's smack-dab in the middle of everything, so, yes, you can hear the city. Especially if you have a room facing the street (like I did, the first time. Rookie mistake).
If you're a light sleeper, ask for a room in the back. Or, even better, bring earplugs. Trust me. They saved my sanity. (And maybe, maybe, helped me avoid a screaming match with some very loud tourists at 3 AM. Again, that karaoke bar.) But honestly, the noise is part of the experience. You’re in a lively city! Embrace it, mostly.
One thing I will say: the windows are surprisingly good at blocking out the majority of the hubub!
The Restaurant - Worth the Price? I'm On a Budget!
Alright, let's talk money. Iceland is not known for being cheap. The restaurant at the Parliament Hotel? It's on the pricier side. Is the food amazing? YES. Like, really, *really* good. I had the lamb shank once (okay, twice). Heaven. Pure, unadulterated heaven. And the service is impeccable. They make you feel like you're the only person in the room.
But… if you're on a tight budget, maybe not every night. They have a fantastic happy hour (go, seriously, go!) and some of their appetizers are reasonable. But a full meal every night? Ouch. Reykjavik has some AMAZING restaurants in all price ranges. I would suggest finding cheaper eats nearby, even if you only experience the restaurant once during your stay.
Also, consider this: you're in Iceland. You're paying for the experience. And sometimes, splurging on a truly incredible meal is worth the dent in your wallet. Just… be prepared. And maybe pack some instant noodles for the late-night snack emergencies (I might have done that…).
Do They Have a Spa? Because, After a Day of Hiking, I Need a Massage!
No spa. (sad face) Okay, the lack of a spa is a minor downer. I'd trade a room for a jacuzzi and sauna on the spot, but they haven't got one. I'm super picky about spas, anyway. They're either too pretentious or not relaxing enough, and honestly, I prefer the hot springs.
But the good news? Reykjavik has spas! And you can easily book a massage nearby. And then you can come back, get into your ridiculously comfy bed and feel like you have your own spa. That is a massive pro.
But… no spa in the hotel. Just a heads up. Plan accordingly. Or maybe convince them to open one? I’d be a regular. Make sure you check the hotel's partnership because they always have a good selection of spas nearby.
What's the Parking Situation? I'm Renting a Car (and regretting it slightly, already)
Parking in Reykjavik? Bless your heart. Okay, it's a struggle. The hotel does have parking, but it's limited and you *will* pay. And I mean, you'll *really* pay. Compared to how much you're already paying for a car rental, it's probably worth it just for the convenience.
Here's the thing: the hotel is in the center of the city. Finding street parking is like finding a unicorn. And even if you do, you'll spend half your vacation running out to feed the meter. Parking is not bad, but it is limited, and if you're arriving at a busy time, you might have to do a loop around the block. Do not use the same parking space as the locals. They are very strict about parking.
My advice? Book parking with the hotel when you book your room. It'll save you the headache, the tears, and the potential parking ticket. Trust me, it's worth it. Also, maybe embrace the walking. Reykjavik is a very walkable city, and you might findHotel Near Me Search


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