Frequently Asked Questions
How far is the apartment from the airport?
The center of Reykjavik is approx 40 minutes drive from the international airport in Keflavik (KEF).
When is Check-in/out? Is an early check-in possible?
Check-in is available any time after 14:00 and check-out any time before 12:00. If the apartment is not booked the night before we will do our best to accommodate early check-ins without any extra cost. Same goes for late check-outs, if the apartment is not booked the same day check-out time is flexible.
What's the best way to get there from the airport?
The most convenient way is to take a taxi directly from the airport and it costs approx. 20000 ISK (Icelandic kronur). You can book a taxi to and from the airport at a fixed rate with a whatsapp message to +3547862592 or at Hreyfill Taxi station. The slightly cheaper option is taking the Flybus to the BSI bus terminal and a taxi from there to the apartment. Don't buy a flybus+ ticket as that will cost you an extra half hour stopping at various hotels and bus stops on the way here.
Which bus stops are closest to the apartments?
Most tour operators use the bus stop numbers referred to on the website www.busstop.is instead of the local bus transit stops. The busstops nearest to the Laugavegur Penthouse apartment are number 7, 8 and 9, which are all within 5 minutes walking distance. The closest busstops to the Lindargata Penthouse are 6 and 14, both within a 3 minute walk.
Can I pay with a credit card?
Yes, the accommodation can be paid with a credit card, although a 3% fee needs to be added.
What is your cancellation policy?
A reservation can be cancelled up until 4 weeks before arrival without a charge.
If cancelled 2-4 weeks before arrival 25% of the total amount (minimum of 2 nights) will be charged and after that total price will have to be charged. If booked through Airbnb or VRBO, the cancellation policies displayed there will apply.
What are your smoking and pet policies?
Unfortunately pets are not allowed in the building and fortunately (for you) there is no smoking in the apartments.
Can we drink the tap water in Iceland?
Yes you can! And by all means do not waste your money on bottled water. However, be aware that you should only drink the water from the cold tap. The hot tap water is geo-thermal and has a sulfur taste and smell, so don’t use the hot tap water for drinking or cooking.
Is there a grocery store nearby?
Yes, there is one right next door to the Laugavegur Penthouse, Bónus, open in the daytime, it’s approximately 5 minutes walk from the Lindargata Penthouse. There are also two smaller grocery stores within 5 minutes walking distance, 10/11 and Extra, both open until midnight. .
Is there a car rental nearby?
Yes, there are a few car rentals near the domestic airport, which is approximately 20-30 minutes walk from the main street.
Which day tours do you recommend out of Reykjavik?
We would recommend some of these if you are interested in seeing the main sights:
Blue Lagoon (or Secret lagoon)
Northern lighs tours (September - April)
What about good places for local craft beer?
There are plenty of those nearby. Check out Kaldi Bar, Skúli Craft Bar, Session Craft Bar, Brewdog and Bastard Brew&Food, all within 10 minutes walk from Laugavegur and Lindargata.
Do you recommend renting a car or booking guided tours?
That depends mainly on whether or not you prefer to explore at your own pace or enjoy the comfort of a guided tour. Getting around in a car is relatively easy in Iceland, although you should perhaps not rent a car during the winter time unless you are experienced in driving in snowy and icy conditions.
If you want to spend a little extra, for the ultimate tailor made excursions book a private tour through Iceland Luxury Tours.
How far is the Blue Lagoon from Reykjavik?
Approx. 50 km/30 miles which makes for approx. 40 min. drive. Reykjavik Excursions offer bus rides to and from the Blue Lagoon.
What do you recommend doing in Reykjavik?
Here’s a few ideas:
Take a “free” walking tour around town with CityWalk.is
Go to one of the local swimming pools. Sundhöll Reykjavikur (the oldest pool in Reykjavik) is just around the corner from the Laugavegur apartments, and Laugardalslaug (the largest outdoor pool) is just a 30 minute walk from the center or 5 minute drive away
The bizarre Phallological museum is right in the center.
Have your super cool Viking photo taken at Mink.is
Go to Perlan for a nice panoramic view of the city, nice place for a lunch or coffee also, and they have some interesting exhibitions too.
At Hallgrimskirkja (the big church you can see out the living room window) has an excellent view of the city centre from the top (open until 5pm).
If you’re a sweet-tooth, check out the Omnom Chocolate factory, grab a cinnamon bun at Brauð & Co and endulge in the succulent cakes at Sandholt Bakery just down the street and have an ice-cream at Gaeta Gelato.
Go to the Harpa Concert hall and convention centre, just to soak in the magnificent architecture, and also check out their concert and entertainment schedule. I’d also recommend to take their guided tour.
I haven’t been there, but a lot of my friends are highly recommending the Fly Over Iceland experience.
Get a quick overview of Icelandic history from settlement in the late 800s to modern day, at the National Museum.
And if you’re the museum type, check out the Reykjavik Art Museum website for what’s going on in their three main locations,
Can I use US dollars or Euros in Iceland?
Generally, no. The local currency is Icelandic Kronur and you can easily get it from any local ATM with a debit or credit card. Some tour booking offices may take payments in dollars or euros, but don’t count on it. Use the local ATMs to withdraw rather than exchanging money in your home country as you will get a better exchange rate that way. And actually you don’t need any cash at all, every business in Iceland accepts the major debit/credit cards.
Which restaurants do you recommend in Reykjavik?
Well, that depends a lot on what you are looking for, but here are some of my favourites:
3 Frakkar (Fish, Icelandic cuisine)
Austurindiafélagið (Indian)
Matur og Drykkur (traditional icelandic cuisine with a twist)
Hereford Steakhouse (in the same building as the Laugavegur apartments).
Which places are good for breakfast?
Sandholt Bakery (2 minutes down the street)
Café Loki (in front of the church)
Grái Kötturinn (“The Gray Cat”, in front of the national theater)
How much should I tip in Icelandic restaurants?
You shouldn’t! It’s as simple as that. Restaurant staff gets paid adequate wages with benefits, and no restaurant will expect anyone to tip.
Are there good blinds in the bedrooms to block out the midnight sun?
Yes, all the apartments have good blinds in the bedrooms. If you are very sensitive to light when sleeping it might still be a good idea to bring a sleeping eye mask in the summer time.
Is there a gym nearby?
There is no proper gym nearby, but if you have a car that's not a problem. I would recommend the WorldClass Laugar Gym, it's just 5 minutes drive. There is also a nice spa there with access to the adjacent outdoor swimming pool. You can pay for access to the gym or the pool independently, but with the spa you get access to all three. Then there is also a great MMA gym just a few minutes drive away, if you're into that.
How do I find the best price on flights to Iceland?
We recommend using the Dohop flight search for finding the best deals on flights to Iceland.
Are the apartments “Shabbas compatible”?
Yes, all the apartments are “Shabbas compatible”. The all have regular metallic keys, no motion-detection doors or electronic faucets, and staircases that can be used instead of elevators. If you’re staying at Laugavegur Penthouse or the Lower Penthouse, the initial key delivery is through a keybox with an electronic keypad. So, if you’re arriving on Sabbath we can make arrangements for another form of key delivery.