Luxury Travel

Evaluation: The Reykjavik EDITION Lodge (Iceland)

August 6, 2025

Wednesday newsletters at all times function a lodge or flight assessment.

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

Evaluation: The Reykjavik EDITION (in the present day)
Evaluation: Seabourn Enterprise
Evaluation: Extremely-luxury cruise round Iceland
Evaluation: Lodge Hafnia (Faroe Islands)
Evaluation: Lodge Brandan (Faroe Islands)
Evaluation: Manon Les Suites Lodge, Copenhagen (Denmark)

Evaluation of The Reykjavik EDITION Lodge (Iceland)

Situated on the scenic Previous Harbour and simply steps from the putting glass facade of Harpa Live performance Corridor, The Reykjavik EDITION is Iceland’s most trendy and splendid metropolis lodge. 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, regionally sourced volcanic stone, Icelandic wool blankets, and panoramic views of Mount Esja, Faxaflói Bay, or the town skyline. Facilities embody 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 perfect base for exploring Reykjavik’s artwork, meals, and nightlife.

The Reykjavik EDITION options in my prime 10 listing of the finest luxurious accommodations 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 assessment (extra information and images beneath my YouTube video):

PROS & THINGS I LIKE

Perched on the harborside, towards metropolis and mountains views, The Reykjavik EDITION enjoys the finest location on the town. The lodge is located proper subsequent to Harpa Live performance Corridor and Convention Heart, considered one of Reykjavik’s most celebrated landmarks. Harpa’s putting 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, the town’s most important buying avenue. This full of life thoroughfare is house to quite a lot of upscale boutiques, charming cafes, and progressive eating places, providing an ideal mix of native Icelandic crafts and worldwide manufacturers. Whether or not you wish to discover Reykjavik’s wealthy cultural scene, bask in luxurious buying, or savor its famend culinary delights, every part is conveniently shut by. This unbeatable location makes The Version Reykjavik a really perfect 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 putting 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 attain 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 lodge’s connection to Iceland’s pure parts. The constructing’s easy, clear strains are rigorously 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 facet, making a grand sense of arrival. The harbor entrance, harking back to The Instances Sq. EDITION, incorporates a beautiful cover illuminated by 12,210 glass LED nodes, providing visitors a contemporary and theatrical welcome that blends artwork and know-how seamlessly.

Inside, The Reykjavik EDITION completely blends minimalist design with heat, welcoming touches. Mild 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 magnificence of the interiors whereas native art work and handcrafted furnishings infuse every house 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 fire creates a comfortable gathering spot surrounded by intimate seating preparations. Customized furnishings consists of 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 house in a comfortable glow, rigorously illuminating key fixtures just like the bar and reception desk. Christian Liaigre white bronze flooring lamps contribute to an environment harking back to a fragile jewellery field, elevating your entire house with delicate magnificence.

Inside, The Reykjavik EDITION blends minimalist design with heat, welcoming touches. Mild 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 magnificence of the interiors whereas native art work and handcrafted furnishings infuse every house 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 fire creates a comfortable gathering spot surrounded by intimate seating preparations. Customized furnishings consists of 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 house in a comfortable glow, illuminating key fixtures just like the bar and reception desk. Christian Liaigre white bronze flooring lamps contribute to an environment harking back to a fragile jewellery field, elevating your entire house with delicate magnificence.

Simply contained in the foyer entrance of The Reykjavik EDITION, ISC collaborated with native artisans to craft a putting totem sculpture produced from stacked, columnar basalt slate sourced from southern Iceland. Practically 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 comfortable and classy gathering spot on the coronary heart of the foyer. Adjoining to the totem is a putting digital set up impressed by the aurora borealis, or Northern Lights. ISC has expertly video-mapped this pure marvel, presenting an immersive, three-dimensional show of inexperienced and purple waves that dance throughout the house. This fascinating art work brings the magic of Iceland’s night time sky indoors, evoking the identical awe and emotion—however within the heat, intimate setting of the foyer’s fire space. It’s a stunning design contact that the lodge 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, positioned on the constructing’s outer facet, provide pretty views of the harbor or the enduring Harpa Live performance Corridor, whereas others overlook the serene lodge courtyard, offering a peaceable city oasis. Some rooms embody non-public outside terraces that supply direct entry to recent air and views of the encompassing cityscape. True to the EDITION model’s signature fashion, the interiors mix fashionable luxurious with delicate native touches. A soothing palette of ash wooden and pale gray oak kinds a heat basis, accented by a putting function wall of formwork concrete. Italian custom-made furnishings, copper mattress gentle 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. Bogs 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 lodge’s first flooring. The expansive and complicated retreat featured a separate lounge (excellent for enjoyable or entertaining) and a spacious bed room with its personal cozy sitting nook (making a serene house to unwind). The 2-room lavatory elevated the luxurious 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 supplied and added a closing contact of luxurious. Ground-to-ceiling home windows within the residing space and the bed room supplied nice views of the enduring Harpa Live performance Corridor, whereas blackout curtains guarantee full privateness each time desired. Fashionable 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 magnificence with delicate Icelandic influences, guaranteeing a trendy and restful keep.

The lodge’s signature restaurant, Tides, helmed by Michelin-starred chef Gunnar Karl Gíslason of Dill fame, is a vacation spot in itself. Situated on the bottom flooring with an outside terrace and its personal waterfront entrance, Tides presents a complicated 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 house in pure gentle by day and create an intimate glow by night time. The menu celebrates Iceland’s bounty with fashionable twists on conventional cooking strategies. Count on dishes like salads topped with fried oyster mushrooms, Arctic char filled with lemon and dill butter, baked Atlantic cod, and slow-grilled lamb shoulder with mint and pickled apples. Dessert specialties embody 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.
- Situated throughout the foyer space, Tölt is known as after the distinctive fifth gait attribute of Icelandic horses. The bar is designed as a secluded house 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 fire. The realm is completed with walnut ceiling panels and flooring, complemented by a {custom} walnut chandelier. Ground-to-ceiling home windows present views of the close by Harpa Live performance Corridor. Behind the inexperienced marble-topped bar, backlit aged bronze cabinets provide ambient lighting. The cocktail menu focuses on Icelandic tradition, that includes drinks made with native spirits.
- The Roof Bar is located on the lodge’s seventh flooring and gives panoramic views of the encompassing mountains, the harbor, and Reykjavik’s historic previous city. The house consists of 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 house may be divided by a glass door to accommodate non-public occasions. The meals menu affords consolation dishes equivalent to grilled flatbreads, toasted sandwiches, and recent salads, designed to enhance the drinks whereas having fun with the scenic environment.

The Reykjavik EDITION’s amenities elevate the visitor expertise with a small wellness and health heart, positioned on the lodge’s decrease floor flooring. 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 consists of deep tissue massages, rejuvenating facials, and physique scrubs infused with pure Icelandic substances 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 lodge’s state-of-the-art health heart, a room which is supplied with cardio machines, free weights, and devoted areas for stretching and yoga.

The Reykjavik EDITION Lodge is managed by EDITION Resorts, a luxurious life-style model developed by visionary hotelier Ian Schrager—co-founder of Studio 54 and extensively considered a pioneer of the boutique lodge 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 lodge with the consistency and world attain of a serious lodge group. Every EDITION property is uniquely designed to replicate the spirit of its location, whereas embodying the model’s signature ethos: refined minimalism, refined consolation, and a powerful sense of place. With a concentrate on {custom} design, curated artwork and lighting, heat pure supplies, and atmospheric social areas, EDITION accommodations are identified for creating timeless environments which are each luxurious and welcoming. The model has expanded to among the world’s most dynamic locations, together with New York, London, Miami Seashore, 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 prime of Reykjavik’s lodge 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 necessary to notice that Iceland as a vacation spot is thought for its excessive value of residing and tourism. In that context, the room charges are comparatively according to the nation’s broader luxurious choices. Nonetheless, vacationers who’re used to five-star accommodations in main world cities might discover the general worth—contemplating room measurement, facilities, and repair—feels extra boutique than ultra-luxury. Reserving throughout shoulder seasons or utilizing loyalty factors can assist enhance the worth proposition.

The Reykjavik EDITION’s spa is elegantly designed and gives a calming setting, but it surely’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 provide the size of wellness facilities discovered at some worldwide five-star properties. The spa doesn’t have a pool on-site for lodge visitors and there aren’t any expansive rest areas. That stated, what’s out there is nicely maintained and deliberately minimalist, becoming with the EDITION model’s aesthetic. For visitors searching for a short unwind after an extended day of sightseeing, it’s greater than ample—however vacationers on the lookout for a vacation spot spa expertise could also be left wanting extra.

Whereas the rooms at The Reykjavik EDITION are well-appointed, some visitors might discover the entry-level room classes smaller than anticipated for a luxurious lodge. Space for storing is proscribed, and practical options like correct work desks, baggage racks, or further seating are usually not at all times included until reserving into higher-tier suites. Nonetheless, visitors who go for upgraded room varieties usually report a noticeably extra comfy 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 could be price contemplating a collection or deluxe class to completely benefit from the property’s premium choices.

The lodge’s inside design is visually spectacular, with high-end supplies and a contemporary Nordic look that images superbly. Nonetheless, some vacationers might discover that the design of The Reykjavik EDITION sometimes prioritizes aesthetics over practicality. Examples embody 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 visitors admire the distinctive character and classy ambiance the design brings—particularly these searching for a boutique, design-forward expertise. In the end, consolation is subjective, and vacationers who take pleasure in a recent, editorial-style setting are more likely to really feel proper at house.

A vacation spot payment—presently 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 payment itself. Whereas some visitors might 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 benefit from the included facilities, the payment is usually a handy technique 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
General 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, day by 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 lodge like The Reykjavik EDITION Lodge (and/or obtain many free perks).

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

Learn my ideas for getting ready your journey in time.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

One of the best time to go to Reykjavík relies on what you wish to expertise. For delicate climate and lengthy daylight, late Might to early September is right, 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 comfy atmospheres however shorter daylight. Shoulder seasons in April, Might, and September present fewer crowds, average 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 positioned at Austurbakki 2, within the coronary heart of downtown Reykjavík, proper subsequent to the Harpa Live performance Corridor and the Previous Harbor. The best technique to attain the lodge from Keflavík Worldwide Airport (KEF) is by airport shuttle, equivalent to Flybus or Airport Direct, which takes about 45 to 60 minutes and affords lodge drop-off service. Taxis are additionally out there instantly outdoors the airport and supply a quicker, extra non-public possibility, although they’re considerably dearer, with fares sometimes starting from 20,000 to 25,000 ISK (round $140 to $180 USD). For vacationers planning to discover past the town, renting a automotive on the airport is a handy possibility, and the lodge affords valet parking. The drive from the airport to the lodge takes about 45 minutes through Route 41.

PHOTOS

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