Bjork Hotel, Reykjavik

Hotel Bjork is one of the five Kea Hotels in Iceland and our choice for accommodation on our recent holiday to Reykjavik. Why our choice? Well according to all the available brochures and web sites, "If you are looking for a centrally located hotel and would still prefer peace and privacy, Hotel Bjork is the right choice for you." Perfect! Just what we were looking for!

So was Hotel Bjork the right choice? Well pretty much ...
...other buildings in Reykjavik, Hotel Bjork is of a brutalist architectural design constructed of poured concrete. Like most brutalist buildings built in the 70s, the hotel's façade had somewhat discoloured to a pale grey in parts making it look a little tired.

Just to the front of the hotel is a number of parking spaces (about 8 - 10) - subject to parking meter charges through the day but free from 6 p.m. - 9 a.m. Handy for us as we ... more

Hotel Bjork is one of the five Kea Hotels in Iceland and our choice for accommodation on our recent holiday to Reykjavik. Why our choice? Well according to all the available brochures and web sites, "If you are looking for a centrally located hotel and would still prefer peace and privacy, Hotel Bjork is the right choice for you." Perfect! Just what we were looking for!

So was Hotel Bjork the right choice? Well pretty much - apart from a few minor niggles, it suited our needs well with, in the main, a friendly and efficient service.

~~First Impressions~~

Similar to many other buildings in Reykjavik, Hotel Bjork is of a brutalist architectural design constructed of poured concrete. Like most brutalist buildings built in the 70s, the hotel's façade had somewhat discoloured to a pale grey in parts making it look a little tired.

Just to the front of the hotel is a number of parking spaces (about 8 - 10) - subject to parking meter charges through the day but free from 6 p.m. - 9 a.m. Handy for us as we were hiring a car through our stay. And yes there was a space each evening!

A flight of five steep concrete steps lead up to the glass-doored entrance. Just to the left as you face the hotel is a ramp enabling access (with a measure of difficulty) for wheelchairs or buggies as well as letting us wheel our suitcases up (well it had been a long journey and we were tired).

~~Reception and booking in~~

Automatic opening doors lead into a small reception area with the desk predominant. The reception is manned 24 hours a day with friendly welcoming staff. Behind the desk is a small glass case displaying a small variety of drinks and snacks for purchase - but be warned they are expensive! Two packets of crisps and two cokes cost us about £8! Postcards and stamps are also available for purchase.
Just inside the entrance doors are two large black leather seats and a small table - very handy when waiting for taxis or buses.

Further in and partially enclosed is a small seating are with sofa arranged in horseshoe effect in front of a large television playing 24/7.

Opposite this is a computer desk giving permanent access to the World Wide Web.

A lift to the front of the desk is available to the bedrooms - modern and all-talking.

~~The bedrooms~~

The hotel offers 55 bedrooms rooms over three floors. Our room was typical of many other hotel rooms we have encountered in many many countries. The double bed was in fact two single beds pushed together made up with crisp white sheets and single duvet covers arranged for display rather than use. The bed was in-fact incredibly comfortable and did provide us with a good nights sleep each and every night we were there.

An open-wardrobe area stands just inside the door with plenty of coat-hangers and shelves available. A long desk area topped by a large mirror holds tea / coffee making facilities (adequately supplied) and the television.

A single chair sits by the window with its none-exciting view over a car salesroom opposite. Some rooms apparently do a have a sea view (ours though did not).

The en-suite bathroom was basic and small but clean and sweet-smelling. The standard facilities all present with toilet (toilet paper folding in place), a large shower and sink. Shower gel and hand wash are provided in wall-mounted containers - amply re-stocked through our visits. Complimentary shampoo and conditioner sachets were provided. A wall mounted hairdryer is conveniently situated by the wash basin. Towels are provided - not big and fluffy unfortunately but small flat towels past there best.

~~Eating and drinking~~

Only breakfast is available at the hotel itself available between 7 - 10 a.m. daily. A continental buffet is laid out in readiness each morning with exactly the same arrangement and combination of food. Cornflakes or muesli; orange juice; fresh baked breads and a self-toaster; cold meats and cheeses; melon and pineapple chunks; a kettle with tea bags and flasks of coffee. Freshly boiled eggs are available but are well hidden, (we only discovered them by accident on the last day) on the counter opposite the buffet and under a tea towel to keep in the heat.

All was self-service. There was a young girl present in the room but I did not observe her to interact with any guests - ever!

The hotel has no facilities for lunch or evening meals. There is an adjoining restaurant, the Potturinn & Pannan which is very convenient and offers a good selection of foods including traditional Icelandic fare - but expensive. There is also a Ruby Tuesday restaurant opposite which is very pleasant but very American!

~~Centrally located~~

Hotel Björk is about five - ten minutes walk from Reykjavik city centre and the main shopping street. The area is quite hilly though - so the walk can be tiring! There is a bus stop near-by with a regular service into the city centre. Excursion buses collect you directly from the hotel.
The distance from the international airport is 45 kilometers about a 45 minute drive.

~~Peace and Privacy~~

Privacy - yes. Peaceful - well depending on the time. Adjoining the hotel and just below our room is a do-jo centre and practice noises were evident until about 11 p.m. each evening!!

~~Price~~

Cost of rooms varies depending on who you book with, size of room and what time of a year it is. Prices range fro around £30 - £129 so it is advisable to shop around.

~~Recommendation~~

Our stay was very pleasant and I wouldn't hesitate in returning to stay there again.

If you like snacks or drinks in room - purchase them elsewhere!!

I would question your room location! A sea view would have been pleasant and one definitely further away from the do-jo centre!!! 

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