3_0_ScanMag_66_July_2014_Text_Svetlana:Scan Magazine 1
27/6/14
10:16
Page 83
Scan Magazine | Hotel of the Month | Iceland
The hotel layout is based on the ancient Icelandic calendar. Each of the corridors represents a different month, while each room is linked to a specific day.
of the year, and then you have Sauðburður when the lambs are born during spring. You can also find out when the 13 Icelandic Yule Lads come to visit in the run up to Christmas.” A little piece of nature in the heart of the city Overlooking the wholesome Laugardalur valley, a kind of recreational park in the middle of Reykjavik, the hotel hosts a myriad of activities practically on its doorstep. Laugardalslaug, Reykjavik’s biggest and best outdoor spa and swimming pool, is just down the road, where you can notch up lengths in an Olympic-size pool, soak in one of the many hot tubs, sweat it out in the steam rooms or plunge down a swirling slide. Around the corner you will find a state-of-the-art gym and spa – perfect for relaxing in after an intense workout or a big night out. Children will love seeing the animals and going on all the rides at Húsdýragarðurinn, a zoo and theme park, while parents might prefer to sit back and indulge in a deliciously gluttonous meringue cake at the cafe in the botanical gardens.
Distinctive modern rooms Reykjavik Lights comprises 105 fully equipped rooms, some of which offer stunning mountain views across the sea and harbour. There are great facilities for those travelling in larger groups, including several triple rooms and one group room for 10-12 people. For those in town for a conference at the recently opened Harpa concert hall and conference centre, a stay at Reykjavik Lights will ensure that you have no problem getting to your meetings on time. There is no shortage of food options in the surrounding area of the hotel. On the ground floor you will find Eldsmiðjan, where you can tuck into freshly-made wood-oven baked pizzas, as well as Krúska health food restaurant, which cannot fail to satisfy the more virtuous among
us. Both restaurants offer special rates for hotel guests. On your way down, make sure to pop into the hotel bar for a predinner drink – just the thing to take the edge off a long day of sightseeing. In recent years, Reykjavik has become an increasingly popular holiday destination, attracting all kinds of people, from lovers of nature who come to admire the incredible scenery to party animals after a wild night on the city’s notorious bar and club scene. Close enough to the city centre without having to put up with the rowdy weekend crowds, Reykjavik Lights is in the perfect location, whatever you plan to do during your stay. For more information, please visit: www.keahotels.is/Reykjavik-Lights
Reykjavik Lights is happy to assist guests who want to venture out of town. “We can arrange trips, so once you arrive, have a look at what takes your fancy and we’ll gladly book everything for you,” says Björnsdóttir. “There are all kinds of jeep tours, whale watching trips and horse riding excursions available all year round. And of course, there is the ever-popular Golden Circle that takes you to Þingvellir national park, Geysir and Gullfoss waterfall, as well as the Northern Lights tours during winter.”
Issue 66 | July 2014 | 83