A short jaunt along Reykjavik’s Old Harbor, and you’ll find Grandi Hotel Iceland: the newest member of the beloved Center Hotels brand.
Opened to the public in 2021, Grandi sits proudly just outside of the hustle and bustle of the main city: close enough to everything, partnered with the tranquility of being near the water in a calmer area of Reykjavik.
Checking into Grandi
With its natural wonders in abundance, tourism in Iceland has boomed in recent years, and for good reason. In the center of Reykjavik’s creative district, Grandi Hotel is a welcoming hub for both locals and guests.
The industrial building’s cosy atmosphere and chic decor can be found in the lobby area, through to the restaurant and bar space. Warm tones and mood lighting set the tone for the feel of Grandi.
Rooms in the Hotel
Representative of the simplistic beauty of Iceland, rooms are somewhat minimalistic with subtle modernist elements and art. Soft carpeting is met halfway with tiled flooring. Contemporary art hug the walls: a nice pop of color against the neutral backgrounds.
Guest rooms vary from standard options to deluxe suites with balcony views. Rooms come with an ironing board, kettle, and mini fridge.
Dining at Grandi
Walk through the lobby to find the heart and soul of the hotel: Héðinn Kitchen & Bar. Named after the hotel’s former steelworks occupants, Héðinn creates delicious dishes using the natural flavors of Iceland. Speckled floors and over-sized plants fill the space.
A wrap-around charcoal grey bar perfectly complements the wave-like gold structure hanging above: an impressive piece to say the least.
Couches and armchairs in earthy tones are scattered throughout Héðinn, providing quaint nooks for guests to enjoy a drink and light bite. Unwind at the bar with a craft cocktail, treat yourself to a 3-course meal, or visit the space for an early morning breakfast buffet.
What to do in the Area:
To explore more dining options, venture harbor-side to Grandi Mathöll. The indoor food market has a a variety of cuisines, available in one place.
As a Brit, I can confidently say I had the best fish and chips of my life in Iceland at a food-truck along the water: Fish & Chips Vagninn. The Whales of Iceland Museum is a good option on a rainy day, to explore the history of whales and see life-sized models up close.
Visit Omnom Chocolate Shop for locally-made bars with eccentric flavor pairings.
Activities on Site:
Grandi by Center Hotels also hosts wine nights in their Héðinn Kitchen & Bar. Each tasting leads guests through a creative journey to a different wine region.
Learn the history and notes of the wines, through the hotel’s guided classes (ranging from 30 minutes- 1 hour). If you’re solo, this is a good way to meet others staying at the hotel.
What Makes the Hotel Good for Solo Travel?
The location and social spaces. While Iceland is well-known as one of the safest countries for travel in general, the Old Harbor area is ideal for evening strolls and quaint nightlife. The bar area in the hotel is also a great place to meet people and chat with the friendly locals.
