Picolo recommends · Hotel in Reykjavik, Iceland
Hotel Borg
An art deco landmark on Reykjavik’s main square, where the window looks out on the Althing and the city starts at the front steps.
Pull back the curtain and the Althing, Iceland’s parliament, is right there across the square. Hotel Borg is one of the art deco buildings people point at in Reykjavik, and inside, the period has been kept: dark wood, black and white detailing and tall windows that let in what light the season allows.
Austurvöllur is the small green square at the centre of the old town, with cafés along its edges and the harbour a few streets down. From here, the shops on Laugavegur, the restaurants of the old quarter and the walk up to Hallgrímskirkja all start at the hotel door.
Picolo’s verdict
Why we chose Hotel Borg
We picked Hotel Borg for the address and the building. A first trip to Reykjavik goes better when you can drop the bags and be in town at once, and few hotels give you that with this much history in the walls.
The square has bars, and on Friday and Saturday nights the noise can reach rooms at the front. If you sleep lightly, ask for a room on the back. Travellers after a modern, minimalist hotel will find the style a little formal.
What you get
- Art deco landmark on Austurvöllur
- Rooms with dark wood and period details
- Restaurant on the ground floor
- Classic hotel service
- Views over the square and parliament
A day at Hotel Borg
- Morning
- Coffee by the window while the square is still empty.
- Midday
- A slow walk up Skólavörðustígur to Hallgrímskirkja.
- Afternoon
- An hour in one of the city’s outdoor pools, as locals do.
- Evening
- Dinner downstairs, then a short stroll to the harbour.
Location
Austurvöllur, Reykjavik, Iceland
Open in MapsQuestions about Hotel Borg
Is Hotel Borg in the centre of Reykjavik?
Yes. It sits on Austurvöllur, the square facing the parliament building, in the oldest part of the city. Laugavegur, the harbour and most restaurants are within easy walking distance.
Are the rooms at Hotel Borg quiet?
Rooms on the back are the calmer choice. Those on the square can hear bar traffic late on weekend nights, so mention it when you book if that matters to you.
What style is Hotel Borg?
The building is art deco, and the rooms follow suit with dark timber, black and white details and large windows, rather than the pale Nordic look of newer hotels.
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Updated 6 Nov 2026All articles
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