Reykjavik EDITION

We visited Iceland for the first time in November. We took advantage of a two night stop over on Icelandair and selected the Reykjavík EDITION because we’re big Bonvoy users. It’s always awkward to arrive at any hotel eight hours before the typical check-in time, but due to our flight arriving in the 6 AM hour, we had nothing else to do but present ourselves at the hotel. It made for a charming morning. We were able to introduce ourselves to the front desk person at about 7 AM, leave our bags with the bellman, and then go and explore the capital city hours before any other creature would stir. We returned to the hotel at about 11 o’clock in the morning, now feeling the effects of a very long day of traveling. The lobby was bustling. And even though we were still about 90 minutes from a room being available, we had the most genuine greeting by a manager of the hotel named Samantha. She keenly noticed that we were weary, and she kindly introduced herself to us and asked us about our journey. She invited us into the restaurant (TIDES), where we enjoyed a fantastic full breakfast. Everyone in the restaurant was polite and welcoming. We had quick fun conversations with the cooks behind the buffet line. Everyone really seemed happy. The breakfast presentation was impeccable. All your favorites with a few local twists. The coffee service was top-notch. Just in time for an afternoon nap, we were given keys to our room overlooking the courtyard and the Harpa. The room was extremely comfortable. The lighting was elegant. The bathroom (with heated floors) was fully appointed. We fell in love with the smell of the bar soap and subsequently ordered a stock of it on marriott.com for our use at home. Sadly, we did not have time enough at the hotel to enjoy the spa or fitness services. We did, however, enjoy an evening in the secret speakeasy off the lobby. Our bartender was a very engaging young gentleman from Italy. He had nothing but great things to say about the way the hotel management treats him and the employees. We took advantage of the hotel’s personnel before arrival when we got advice regarding bookings for a Northern Lights tour as well as a day trip out to the Sky Lagoon. About 48 hours after checking out and flying out of Iceland, I received a notification from the rental car company at the Reykjavík airport that they had charged my credit card about $230 USD for two parking tickets that our car incurred while inside the city. After some analysis, I realized that the timestamp of each of the two citations coincided with the exact times we took our rental car out of the EDITION’s valet parking. I want to commend the hotel staff for stepping up immediately and communicating to the City of Reykjavík on my behalf that the citations were the result of a faulty computer system at the valet parking area. Within a day, the rental car company credited me back for the erroneous charges. But that brings up one more point to anyone traveling to Reykjavík for the first time with a rental car: You MUST follow the parking protocol. Pay for your parking spot in Reykjavik or the fines will shock you!

Such a poor experience at this hotel. First of all, we were absolutely disgusted at the 7000 ISK charge for a “Destination Fee”, and the voucher handed you you on arrival that got you that back if you dined in their restaurant! What??? Never heard of that in my life and very sharp shabby practise. Actually charging you money on arrival that you can only recover by eating there? Disgusting. Secondly, yes it was cold outside, maybe -5, but our room heating was cranked up to over 30 degrees. Biblically hot in the room. We called twice to reception for someone to come and cool the room to bearable temperature. Nobody came, so we ended up suffering an unpleasant nights sleep. When we woke up our toothpaste and my wife’s makeup had melted. Finally the concierge booked us a taxi to the domestic airport for in internal flight, one hour before the airport even opened without saying anything. Ok, we should have known the airport only opened 1 hour before the first flight of the day, our fault, but surely a concierge in 5 star hotel should have said the airport won’t be open then, and saved us standing in -7 temps outside for over an hour? All in, really poor service at this hotel and I would not recommend it at all.

Really nice and cozy in October! Great downtown location for exploring and bougie aesthetic. The spa was nice though I remain puzzled to this day about the hammam experience - it's just the hot stone slab, none of the actual products when you use the facilities. My treatment was good and I slept well after it. It was difficult getting into the speakeasy bar but we made it eventually and it was very pleasant. I loved the cookies! Dinner at the restaurant was very nice with good service though a loud American woman was at the table next to me with the noise levels being disruptive.

The Edition is a modern establishment very conveniently located in the heart of Reykjavík. The rooms are modern and spacious and immaculately clean. Lighting is sometimes limited which is certainly not a problem in summer but during the long winter nights it can become an irritant. The soundproofing is adequate although the door lets in some noise. The bathrooms are especially spacious and well designed. The service is generally very good but it can vary a little depending on the person. The service upon arrival was exceptional and attentive and we quickly got our room prepared despite our early arrival. The valet service was sometimes less attentive but at peak times they seemed overwhelmed. Unfortunately the quality of the food is much less impressive than the hotel itself. At breakfast the pastries were dry and the muesli was so questionable that I preferred not to risk it. The à la carte service is very slow which can be an irritant. Service is more efficient during the evening service but the quality doesn’t really improve. The New Year's tasting menu was disappointing and some dishes like the goose flambé were downright indigestible. Not everything is negative, far from it, but, ultimately, the general quality does not justify the exorbitant cost of a stay at Edition. The hotel does not offer the services and perks one would expect at such a price such as personalized butler service or turndown service.

I booked my trip to Iceland very last minute, and the team at The Reykjavik EDITION truly moved mountains to make it unforgettable. From helping me secure activities on short notice to genuinely checking in on how my experience was going, the level of care was exceptional. The hotel itself is beautiful — new, clean, and perfectly located right on the harbor — but what really made this a five-star stay was the staff. Gustav at the front desk was an absolute standout, and everyone from the front desk and concierge to housekeeping and room service was warm, attentive, and incredibly helpful. It was the kind of thoughtful, high-touch service you hope for in a luxury hotel. Easy to get to from the airport by bus, stunning location, and an experience I’ll never forget. I can’t recommend it enough.