Evaluate: The Reykjavik EDITION Lodge (Iceland)

August 6, 2025

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Wednesday newsletters all the time function a resort or flight overview.

I lately loved my first cruise vacation—a superb journey round Iceland and the Faroe Islands aboard the Seabourn Enterprise, the world’s most luxurious expedition cruise ship. I’ll publish my journey experiences over the approaching weeks:

Evaluate: The Reykjavik EDITION (at the moment)
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Evaluate of The Reykjavik EDITION Lodge (Iceland)

Positioned on the scenic Previous Harbour and simply steps from the placing glass facade of Harpa Live performance Corridor, The Reykjavik EDITION is Iceland’s most fashionable and opulent metropolis resort. Designed by hospitality visionary Ian Schrager in partnership with Marriott Worldwide, this glossy five-star property masterfully blends cosmopolitan sophistication with delicate Icelandic character. The 253 rooms and suites function heat oak flooring, domestically sourced volcanic stone, Icelandic wool blankets, and panoramic views of Mount Esja, Faxaflói Bay, or town skyline. Facilities embrace a world-class spa with a hammam and hydrotherapy pool, a vibrant rooftop bar with panoramic views, and a number of eating venues—most notably Tides, the signature restaurant helmed by Michelin-starred chef Gunnar Karl Gíslason, showcasing seasonal Nordic delicacies. With its unbeatable location, discreet service, and effortlessly stylish ambiance, The Reykjavik EDITION is the best base for exploring Reykjavik’s artwork, meals, and nightlife.

The Reykjavik EDITION options in my high 10 record of the greatest luxurious motels in Iceland.

Have you ever ever stayed at The Reykjavik EDITION Lodge? If that’s the case, what was your expertise? Depart a remark.

On this overview (extra information and images beneath my YouTube video):

PROS & THINGS I LIKE

Perched on the harborside, in opposition to metropolis and mountains views, The Reykjavik EDITION enjoys the greatest location on the town. The resort is located proper subsequent to Harpa Live performance Corridor and Convention Heart, considered one of Reykjavik’s most celebrated landmarks. Harpa’s placing multicolored glass façade, designed by the famend Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson, provides a dynamic splash of artistry to the harborfront and hosts a vibrant program of concert events, cultural occasions, and worldwide conferences year-round. Staying right here means you’re simply steps away from Reykjavik’s cultural pulse. As well as, The Version Reykjavik is simply minutes from Laugavegur, town’s important purchasing avenue. This full of life thoroughfare is residence to quite a lot of upscale boutiques, charming cafes, and revolutionary eating places, providing an ideal mix of native Icelandic crafts and worldwide manufacturers. Whether or not you need to discover Reykjavik’s wealthy cultural scene, take pleasure in luxurious purchasing, or savor its famend culinary delights, every part is conveniently shut by. This unbeatable location makes The Version Reykjavik a super base for immersing your self within the metropolis’s distinctive ambiance whereas having fun with fast entry to pure wonders past the city core.

Designed in partnership with native structure agency, T.ark and New York-based studio, Roman and Williams with steerage of ISC (Ian Schrager Firm) design, The Reykjavik EDITION subtly captures the spirit of Reykjavik. From the surface, The Reykjavik EDITION is a daring and placing addition to Reykjavik’s downtown neighborhood. Its ebony façade is crafted from shou sugi ban timber, a centuries-old Japanese approach the place wooden is charred to realize a deep black end, evoking the uncooked, volcanic lava fields that outline Iceland’s dramatic panorama. Complementing the charred timber, blackened metal window frames add a rugged but refined edge, reinforcing the resort’s connection to Iceland’s pure components. The constructing’s easy, clear strains are fastidiously angled to maximise views of the full of life harbor and metropolis past. Its double-entrance foyer is accessible each from the pedestrian-friendly Harpa plaza and the harbor aspect, making a grand sense of arrival. The harbor entrance, harking back to The Occasions Sq. EDITION, contains a beautiful cover illuminated by 12,210 glass LED nodes, providing company a contemporary and theatrical welcome that blends artwork and know-how seamlessly.

Inside, The Reykjavik EDITION completely blends minimalist design with heat, welcoming touches. Gentle oak wooden paneling, textured wool materials, and stone accents evoke Iceland’s volcanic panorama, making a pure but refined ambiance. Considerate lighting enhances the ambiance, highlighting the class of the interiors whereas native art work and handcrafted furnishings infuse every area with genuine Icelandic character. The foyer is the place this design imaginative and prescient really shines. Basalt stone—volcanic rock native to Iceland—options prominently on the ground, specified by an intricate sample impressed by Icelandic geometry. On the coronary heart of the foyer, a central open-flame hearth creates a comfy gathering spot surrounded by intimate seating preparations. Customized furnishings contains Jean-Michel Frank-inspired armchairs upholstered in white shearling and black velvet chairs influenced by Pierre Jeanneret, including layers of texture and luxury. Heat, oblique lighting bathes the area in a tender glow, fastidiously illuminating key fixtures just like the bar and reception desk. Christian Liaigre white bronze ground lamps contribute to an environment harking back to a fragile jewellery field, elevating the complete area with delicate class.

Inside, The Reykjavik EDITION blends minimalist design with heat, welcoming touches. Gentle oak wooden paneling, textured wool materials, and stone accents evoke Iceland’s volcanic panorama, making a pure but refined ambiance. Considerate lighting enhances the ambiance, highlighting the class of the interiors whereas native art work and handcrafted furnishings infuse every area with genuine Icelandic character. The foyer is the place this design imaginative and prescient really shines. Basalt stone—volcanic rock native to Iceland—options prominently on the ground, specified by an intricate sample impressed by Icelandic geometry. On the coronary heart of the foyer, a central open-flame hearth creates a comfy gathering spot surrounded by intimate seating preparations. Customized furnishings contains Jean-Michel Frank-inspired armchairs upholstered in white shearling and black velvet chairs influenced by Pierre Jeanneret, including layers of texture and luxury. Heat, oblique lighting bathes the area in a tender glow, illuminating key fixtures just like the bar and reception desk. Christian Liaigre white bronze ground lamps contribute to an environment harking back to a fragile jewellery field, elevating the complete area with delicate class.

Simply contained in the foyer entrance of The Reykjavik EDITION, ISC collaborated with native artisans to craft a placing totem sculpture produced from stacked, columnar basalt slate sourced from southern Iceland. Almost 4 meters (13 ft) tall, this spectacular piece attracts inspiration from conventional Icelandic cairns—rock landmarks that information vacationers throughout the countryside. Dramatically illuminated by a mixture of electrical and candlelight, the totem sits atop a basalt bench draped with plush black sheepskins, damask, and silk pillows, creating a comfy and trendy gathering spot on the coronary heart of the foyer. Adjoining to the totem is a placing digital set up impressed by the aurora borealis, or Northern Lights. ISC has expertly video-mapped this pure surprise, presenting an immersive, three-dimensional show of inexperienced and purple waves that dance throughout the area. This fascinating art work brings the magic of Iceland’s evening sky indoors, evoking the identical awe and emotion—however within the heat, intimate setting of the foyer’s hearth space. It’s a stunning design contact that the resort likes to name “Northern Lights on Demand.”

The Reykjavik EDITION’s 253 spacious guestrooms and suites are thoughtfully designed, with beds positioned to face expansive floor-to-ceiling home windows. Some rooms, situated on the constructing’s outer aspect, supply pretty views of the harbor or the enduring Harpa Live performance Corridor, whereas others overlook the serene resort courtyard, offering a peaceable city oasis. Some rooms embrace personal outside terraces that provide direct entry to recent air and views of the encircling cityscape. True to the EDITION model’s signature type, the interiors mix fashionable luxurious with delicate native touches. A soothing palette of ash wooden and pale gray oak types a heat basis, accented by a placing function wall of formwork concrete. Italian custom-made furnishings, copper mattress mild sconces, and plush fake fur rugs add layers of texture and luxury. Distinctive art work and equipment from Icelandic artisans deliver an genuine native aptitude—equivalent to colourful wool throws by Ístex, delicate ceramics by Guðbjörg Káradóttir, and unique panorama artwork from famend photographers Pall Stefansson and Ragnar Axelsson. Loos proceed the elegant simplicity with monochrome tones, that includes custom-made white ceramic tiles crafted in Italy, white marble vanities, and matte black fixtures.

Throughout my stat at The Reykjavik EDITION, I used to be upgraded to a stunning deluxe suite on the resort’s first ground. The expansive and complex retreat featured a separate lounge (excellent for enjoyable or entertaining) and a spacious bed room with its personal cozy sitting nook (making a serene area to unwind). The 2-room rest room elevated the posh expertise with a thoughtfully designed format that included a dry space with two wash basins and a separate moist space, full with a big rain bathe and a deep soaking tub. Complimentary bespoke Le Labo toiletries, infused with EDITION’s unique scent, have been offered and added a last contact of luxurious. Flooring-to-ceiling home windows within the residing space and the bed room offered nice views of the enduring Harpa Live performance Corridor, whereas blackout curtains guarantee full privateness at any time when desired. Trendy know-how, together with good lighting, USB charging ports, and high-speed Wi-Fi, ensured each consolation and comfort. Each element within the suite blended fashionable class with delicate Icelandic influences, making certain a trendy and restful keep.

The resort’s signature restaurant, Tides, helmed by Michelin-starred chef Gunnar Karl Gíslason of Dill fame, is a vacation spot in itself. Positioned on the bottom ground with an outside terrace and its personal waterfront entrance, Tides presents a classy but inviting eating expertise. The interiors mix industrial concrete columns with heat oiled ash wooden, punctuated by a dramatic bronze and alabaster chandelier by French artist Eric Schmitt. Giant floor-to-ceiling home windows bathe the area in pure mild by day and create an intimate glow by evening. The menu celebrates Iceland’s bounty with fashionable twists on conventional cooking strategies. Anticipate dishes like salads topped with fried oyster mushrooms, Arctic char full of lemon and dill butter, baked Atlantic cod, and slow-grilled lamb shoulder with mint and pickled apples. Dessert specialties embrace the decadent carrot cake with buttermilk ice cream and sea buckthorn jam. Tides additionally affords a recent, wholesome breakfast unfold with juices, pastries, skyr (Icelandic yogurt), and an à la carte menu. For informal bites, the adjoining bakery and café serve recent espresso, crowberry scones, and sourdough or rye bread sandwiches, excellent for takeaway or relaxed eating.

The Reykjavik EDITION options two bars providing distinct experiences and settings.
- Positioned inside the foyer space, Tölt is known as after the distinctive fifth gait attribute of Icelandic horses. The bar is designed as a secluded area with three intimate nooks, every furnished with colourful {custom} rugs impressed by conventional Icelandic geometric patterns, teak tambour partitions, burnt orange banquettes, and pony hair poufs organized round a central hearth. The realm is completed with walnut ceiling panels and flooring, complemented by a {custom} walnut chandelier. Flooring-to-ceiling home windows present views of the close by Harpa Live performance Corridor. Behind the inexperienced marble-topped bar, backlit aged bronze cabinets supply ambient lighting. The cocktail menu focuses on Icelandic tradition, that includes drinks made with native spirits.
- The Roof Bar is located on the resort’s seventh ground and gives panoramic views of the encircling mountains, the harbor, and Reykjavik’s historic outdated city. The area contains floor-to-ceiling glass doorways that open onto a big wrap-around rooftop terrace geared up with seating and a fireplace pit. The inside options all-black finishes designed to emphasise the views. The area may be divided by a glass door to accommodate personal occasions. The meals menu affords consolation dishes equivalent to grilled flatbreads, toasted sandwiches, and recent salads, designed to enrich the drinks whereas having fun with the scenic environment.

The Reykjavik EDITION’s amenities elevate the visitor expertise with a small wellness and health middle, situated on the resort’s decrease floor ground. The tranquil and intimate spa serves as a sanctuary for rest, that includes a standard hammam impressed by historical cleaning rituals, together with three therapy rooms, a steam room, sauna, and a hydrotherapy plunge pool. The spa menu contains deep tissue massages, rejuvenating facials, and physique scrubs infused with pure Icelandic components equivalent to lava clay and Arctic berries. A central lounge with a spa bar enhances the expertise, serving recent, wholesome choices like post-workout Viking shakes, champagnes, moss vodka infusions, and snacks like volcano bread with black lava salt—excellent to take pleasure in alongside the geothermal water splash pool. Proper subsequent to the spa is the resort’s state-of-the-art health middle, a room which is provided with cardio machines, free weights, and devoted areas for stretching and yoga.

The Reykjavik EDITION Lodge is managed by EDITION Accommodations, a luxurious way of life model developed by visionary hotelier Ian Schrager—co-founder of Studio 54 and broadly thought to be a pioneer of the boutique resort motion. Created in collaboration with Marriott Worldwide, EDITION was launched in 2010 to redefine luxurious hospitality by mixing the intimacy and individuality of a boutique resort with the consistency and international attain of a serious resort group. Every EDITION property is uniquely designed to mirror the spirit of its location, whereas embodying the model’s signature ethos: refined minimalism, refined consolation, and a powerful sense of place. With a deal with {custom} design, curated artwork and lighting, heat pure supplies, and atmospheric social areas, EDITION motels are identified for creating timeless environments which can be each luxurious and welcoming. The model has expanded to among the world’s most dynamic locations, together with New York, London, Miami Seaside, Tokyo, Barcelona, and Dubai. The Reykjavik EDITION completely exemplifies this philosophy, combining modern Icelandic influences with Schrager’s unmistakable design sensibility.

CONS & THINGS TO KNOW

The Reykjavik EDITION is priced on the very high of Reykjavik’s resort market, with nightly charges that may simply exceed $750 USD throughout excessive season. Whereas this would possibly really feel extreme at first look, it’s vital to notice that Iceland as a vacation spot is thought for its excessive price of residing and tourism. In that context, the room charges are comparatively consistent with the nation’s broader luxurious choices. Nevertheless, vacationers who’re used to five-star motels in main international cities could discover the general worth—contemplating room dimension, facilities, and repair—feels extra boutique than ultra-luxury. Reserving throughout shoulder seasons or utilizing loyalty factors may also help enhance the worth proposition.

The Reykjavik EDITION’s spa is elegantly designed and gives a calming setting, however it’s price noting that the spa amenities are fairly compact. With only one thermal plunge pool, a small sauna, and a steam room, it doesn’t supply the dimensions of wellness facilities discovered at some worldwide five-star properties. The spa doesn’t have a pool on-site for resort company and there aren’t any expansive rest areas. That stated, what’s accessible is effectively maintained and deliberately minimalist, becoming with the EDITION model’s aesthetic. For company looking for a short unwind after an extended day of sightseeing, it’s greater than sufficient—however vacationers searching for a vacation spot spa expertise could also be left wanting extra.

Whereas the rooms at The Reykjavik EDITION are well-appointed, some company could discover the entry-level room classes smaller than anticipated for a luxurious resort. Space for storing is proscribed, and useful options like correct work desks, baggage racks, or further seating usually are not all the time included except reserving into higher-tier suites. Nevertheless, company who go for upgraded room varieties usually report a noticeably extra snug and spacious expertise, with added facilities that higher align with five-star expectations. For these planning an extended keep or touring as a pair, it might be price contemplating a collection or deluxe class to completely benefit from the property’s premium choices.

The resort’s inside design is visually spectacular, with high-end supplies and a contemporary Nordic look that pictures fantastically. Nevertheless, some vacationers could discover that the design of The Reykjavik EDITION sometimes prioritizes aesthetics over practicality. Examples embrace ultra-low beds, curtains instead of closet doorways, and temper lighting that, whereas atmospheric, can really feel too dim for duties like studying or unpacking. That stated, many company admire the distinctive character and trendy ambiance the design brings—particularly these looking for a boutique, design-forward expertise. In the end, consolation is subjective, and vacationers who take pleasure in a up to date, editorial-style setting are more likely to really feel proper at residence.

A vacation spot charge—at present 7,000 ISK—is added to the invoice, which incorporates entry to the spa (usually round $30 USD), a welcome drink, and a eating credit score that can be utilized for lunch or dinner, basically offsetting the charge itself. Whereas some company could discover this cost sudden, particularly at a property that already instructions premium nightly charges, others admire the added worth and adaptability it gives. For vacationers who plan to reap the benefits of the included facilities, the charge is usually a handy method to improve their keep with out further out-of-pocket prices. Clearer communication at reserving and check-in might assist guarantee it feels extra like a profit than a shock.

MY VERDICT

Location: 9/10
Design: 8/10
Pool: N/A
Rooms: 8/10
Meals: 8/10
Breakfast: 8/10
Spa: 8/10
Service: 8/10
Wow issue: 8/10
Worth for cash: 8/10
Total expertise: excellent – 8/10

TIPS FOR FUTURE GUESTS & SAVE MONEY

Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when reserving The Reykjavik EDITION Lodge by Virtuoso (e.g. room improve, every day breakfast, early check-in, late check-out and $100 USD meals & beverage credit score).

Get monetary savings: learn right here my ideas for getting one of the best deal at a luxurious resort like The Reykjavik EDITION Lodge (and/or obtain many free perks).

Get monetary savings: Marriott Bonvoy elite members are effectively handled right here, with – amongst different advantages – free WiFi, a room improve (when accessible), early check-in or late check-out (when accessible), and complementary breakfast (for high tier members). Learn right here my overview of Marriott Bonvoy.

Learn my ideas for getting ready your journey in time.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The very best time to go to Reykjavík is dependent upon what you need to expertise. For gentle climate and lengthy daylight, late Might to early September is good, with temperatures averaging 10°C to fifteen°C (50°F to 59°F) and almost 24 hours of daylight in June. This season is ideal for outside actions and sightseeing. If you wish to see the northern lights, go to between October and March, when nights are lengthy and temperatures vary from –1°C to three°C (30°F to 37°F). Winter affords snowy landscapes and comfortable atmospheres however shorter daytime. Shoulder seasons in April, Might, and September present fewer crowds, reasonable temperatures, and an opportunity to catch the aurora with temperatures between 3°C and 11°C (37°F to 52°F).

HOW TO GET THERE

The Reykjavik EDITION is situated at Austurbakki 2, within the coronary heart of downtown Reykjavík, proper subsequent to the Harpa Live performance Corridor and the Previous Harbor. The simplest method to attain the resort from Keflavík Worldwide Airport (KEF) is by airport shuttle, equivalent to Flybus or Airport Direct, which takes about 45 to 60 minutes and affords resort drop-off service. Taxis are additionally accessible immediately exterior the airport and supply a quicker, extra personal choice, although they’re considerably costlier, with fares sometimes starting from 20,000 to 25,000 ISK (round $140 to $180 USD). For vacationers planning to discover past town, renting a automobile on the airport is a handy choice, and the resort affords valet parking. The drive from the airport to the resort takes about 45 minutes by way of Route 41.

PHOTOS

Right here’s a number of my images of The Reykjavik EDITION Lodge. To view extra images (together with images of breakfast and dinner), click on right here.