Sand Hotel
Art deco-influenced boutique warmth with Icelandic literary and artisan soul. No stark volcanic-grey minimalism here — rooms lean into button-back headboards, locally commissioned artwork, and the kind of tailored cosiness you'd expect from a converted tailor's shop and bakery.
The hotel entrance is easy to miss — look for the Sandholt Bakery sign first, then find the alleyway between buildings leading to the hotel door.
Why It Matters
Member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Built across seven historic Reykjavík buildings including the birthplace of Nobel laureate Halldór Laxness. The attached Sandholt Bakery — four generations of baking — supplies breakfast pastries and is basically the hotel's identity in bun form.
Sand Hotel sits on Laugavegur, Reykjavík's main shopping street, built across a cluster of historic townhouses including the century-old Sandholt Bakery next door and Guðsteinn Eyjólfsson's gentlemen's tailor at ground level. Nobel Prize-winning author Halldór Laxness was born in one of the seven buildings — a memorial stone is set in the pavement out front. The result is one of the most culturally rooted hotels in the capital, and easily one of the most stylish.
Where You'll Stay
8 room types available
Deluxe Room
King bed, seating area, and bathrobe — this is the first tier that starts feeling genuinely spacious. Good choice for couples wanting more room without going full suite. En-suite bathroom with heated floors.
King (180 cm) · 30 sqm
Family Room
At 32 m², this is the hotel's most practical option for families. Open-plan layout with both a queen and king bed — sleeps up to 4. Parquet floors, en-suite bathroom, and the full standard amenity set. Enough space to feel comfortable over multiple nights.
Queen (160 cm) + King (180 cm) · 32 sqmSand Suite
The flagship suite at 78 m² — roughly four times the size of the entry-level room. King bed, full kitchenette, dining room that seats six, master bathroom, separate guest washroom, wine cooler, and complimentary champagne on arrival. This is the hotel's showpiece, and the size is genuinely unusual for central Reykjavík.
King (180 cm) · 78 sqm
Single Room
Compact room designed for solo travelers. Queen bed with Duxiana duvet and Serta base, walk-in shower, heated bathroom floors, and Molton Brown toiletries. Tight on floor space but thoughtfully designed. Located close to the elevator. Some ambient street noise possible.
Queen (160 cm) · 18 sqm
Standard Double Room
The entry-level room for two. Queen bed with Duxiana pillows and duvet, open closet, writing desk, and all the in-room tech. Small but well-appointed with proper luxury touches.
Queen (160 cm) · 20 sqm
Suite
The hotel's mid-tier suite: separate bedroom from the living room, king bed plus sofa bed, parquet floors throughout. Sleeps up to 4. Bathrobes and slippers included. Proper space to spread out after a day of exploring.
King (180 cm) + Sofa bed (160 cm) · 39 sqmSuperior Double Room
A step up in space from the Standard — 24 m² gives you room to breathe. Same queen bed configuration with Duxiana bedding, plus ample room to actually move around. Sleeps up to 3.
Queen (160 cm) · 24 sqm
Superior Twin Room
Same footprint as the Superior Double but configured with two single beds — good for friends or colleagues who want separate sleeping space without sacrificing on quality. Duxiana bedding on both, all the standard in-room kit.
Twin 2 x 90 cm · 24 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
1 venue on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
On-site gym available to all guests around the clock. Fitness classes also available.
The hotel's rooms and common areas are adorned with work by contemporary Icelandic artists — including Birgir Andrésson's textual canvases and Sigurdur Gudmundsson's photographs. Cushions in suites are made from fabric offcuts sourced from Iceland's oldest tailor next door.
The hotel can connect guests with horseback riding experiences — a classic Iceland activity featuring the Icelandic horse breed.
The hotel's tour desk can arrange walking tours of central Reykjavík. Bus Stop 14 for organized Iceland day tours is a 5-minute downhill walk from the hotel.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Elevator access to all floors. Hotel is wheelchair accessible with at least one adapted room.
Meeting room with business amenities including laptop safes. Xerox/photocopier on-site.
Guests receive a mobile phone for local internet access and direct connection to hotel reception — an uncommon and practical touch.
Complimentary high-speed WiFi throughout the hotel and in all rooms.
Daily breakfast buffet included in all room rates. Freshly baked bread and pastries from Sandholt Bakery next door, granola, juices, ginger shots, and green smoothies.
Ground-floor bar and lounge open from 5pm. Happy hour daily with Icelandic draft beers and house wine.
On-site fitness facility accessible around the clock for all guests.
Staff can book day tours across Iceland. Organized tour bus pickup (Bus Stop 14) is a 5-minute walk from the hotel.
Around-the-clock front desk staffing with wake-up call service.
Secure luggage storage available for early arrivals and late departures.
In-house laundry and dry cleaning service available for guests.
BUILD YOUR SAND HOTEL PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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