This was published 1 year ago
Hotel review: Konsulat Hotel, Reykjavik, Iceland - Boutique stay in a bucket-list destination
By Anthony Dennis
A member of the Hilton group's Curio collection of character-rich hotels, the building on this site once housed Magasin, a local department store.
CHECK-IN
Having literally traversed both ends of the Earth to reach here, I've finally arrived in Reykjavik, the diminutive Icelandic capital, after 30 gruelling hours in the air. Not that I'm seeking sympathy. Even after the moonscape-like trip from the airport, all that travel already feels absolutely worth it, though rarely have I welcomed the comfort of a hotel bed as much as I have here at the four-star Reykjavik Konsulat. I'm in the world's northernmost capital city for a day or so before boarding the christening cruise of Norwegian Prima from here to Amsterdam. My brief stay at the centrally-located Konsulat is an opportunity to acquaint myself with the colourful Lilliputian charms of Reykjavik, the population of which is less than that of Darwin.
THE LOOK
A member of the Hilton group's Curio collection of character-rich hotels, the building on this site once housed Magasin, a local department store from the 19th century run by an entrepreneur Consul (hence the hotel name) Ditlev Thomsen and family. The whitewashed, wedge-shape hotel that now occupies it - slapbang in the centre of Reykjavik's pedestrian-friendly central-not-much-business district - was opened in 2018. Along with a smart and inviting interior design, the Konsulat's standout feature is its small subterranean bathhouse, open early until late. It's tucked away below the lobby space with an original exposed rock feature wall left over from the construction of the Konsulat.
THE ROOM
My small but snug room, one of 50 and decorated in engaging sepia photos relating to the city and hotel's past life, is on an upper level of this four-storey property. The room comes with a lavish upholstered bedhead and leather-bound furnishings and most of the regulation accoutrements such as an HD television, a coffee machine and complimentary Wi-Fi. There are also blackout curtains, useful if you plan to retire before the 10pm sunset time in Reykjavik's late summer, the time of my visit.
FOOD + DRINK
The Konsulat has its own restaurant and bar but you'll appreciate savouring the city's diverse food offerings, and surprisingly good coffee, beyond the hotel. Right outside is an Icelandic gastronomic institution, the beloved Bejarins Beztu Pylsur hot dog stand with its perpetual queue of devotees. For something more substantial and upscale, head across the street to buzzy Grandi Matholl, a fashionable food hall set near the harbourside and close to one of Reykjavik's popular fish and chip stands.
OUT + ABOUT
Any visit to Reykjavik, which even in summer can be chilly - think Melbourne winter conditions based on my short visit - must include a visit to Harpa, the city's world famous and architecturally significant concert hall, featuring a multi-coloured, fish-eye-like glass brick facade. Fortunately, Harpa is only around the corner, like pretty much everything in Reykjavik, from the Konsulat. There's much to keep you amused within Reykjavik itself but if you want to see more of the country and, like me, have limited time, book a scenic Golden Circle day tour to some of Iceland's major natural attractions close to the capital.
THE VERDICT
The attractive and cosy boutique styling of the conveniently-located Konsulat is a perfect accompaniment to a brief or longer Reykjavik visit.
ESSENTIALS
Rooms from $353 a night in the low season. A 10-day Northern Europe cruise from Reykjavik to London aboard Norwegian Prima departing September, 2024, from $3420 a person. British Airways flies between Sydney to London with connections to Reykjavik. See reykjavikkonsulathotel.is; ncl.com; britishairways.com
The writer travelled as a guest of Norwegian Cruise Line and British Airways.
OUR SCORE OUT OF FIVE
★★★★
HIGHLIGHT
Nothing can surpass the exhilaration of simply being in this bucket-list magical land.
LOWLIGHT
Reykjavik room rates can soar higher than an Icelandic geyser at busy times.
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