Unveiling Reykjavik’s Gem: A Comprehensive Review of the Hilton Nordica

Hilton Nordica Stairs

Bathed in the ethereal glow of the midnight sun, the Hilton Nordica emerges from the Icelandic landscape like a mirage of modern luxury. Its sleek, glass-and-steel facade, , catching the city’s vibrant energy in its reflection, while the inviting interiors beckon with a warmth that’s distinctly Nordic. Nestled just beyond the downtown bustle, the Nordica offers the perfect balance: a haven of tranquility infused with the city’s infectious spirit.

Hilton Nordica

Imagine waking up to panoramic vistas of Reykjavik’s rooftops and snow-capped peaks, a sight that promises unforgettable Icelandic adventures. Join me as we delve into the heart of this contemporary gem, exploring its every corner and sharing an honest review of what makes the Hilton Nordica such a captivating base for your Icelandic odyssey.

Booking

In making reservations at the Hilton Nordica, I opted for the entry-level Queen Guest Room, securing it at a reasonable rate of $180.25 per night. This rate proved to be approximately 35% more affordable than comparable accommodations at other Hilton properties in Reykjavik. The Hilton Nordica offers a variety of nightly rates for each room, including options with breakfast included, packages with both breakfast and dinner, and Semi-Flex rates that permit cancellations up to 5 days before the scheduled arrival.

Given the assurance that our trip would proceed without disruptions and considering the added benefit of complimentary breakfast for Hilton Gold and Diamond members, we were able to book our two-night stay at the most cost-effective rate available. To further enhance the value of our reservation, I ensured payment with my Amex Hilton Surpass card. This decision not only facilitated the accumulation of 12x points but also translated to a 7.2% return in value.

Hilton Nordica Location

The Hilton Nordica has a drawback associated with its location. Situated outside of Reykjavik’s city center in the Laugardalur district, it finds itself amidst a more business-oriented area characterized by office buildings and commercial retailers. Fortunately, Reykjavik being a compact city, reaching the city center for local restaurants and shops is a manageable 20-minute journey. Additionally, convenience is offered through a bus stop right outside the hotel, providing a 10-minute ride to downtown.

Hilton Nordica Google Maps

In our case, the location served our purpose well, prompting us to commence our trip at the Hilton Nordica. We chose this arrangement due to its strategic location, allowing us to use the hotel as a base for overcoming jetlag and easily accessing the Sky Lagoon, which is situated outside the city center and a mere 9-minute taxi ride from the hotel. As a result, the combined savings from the nightly rate and taxi expenses contributed positively to our overall experience.

Check-in

Hilton Nordica Lobby

Upon our arrival, I entered the hotel and proceeded to the check-in counter, where I was warmly welcomed by a friendly staff member. The individual requested my passport and credit card as part of the check-in process. It was noteworthy that we reached the hotel at 7 am, well ahead of the standard check-in time of 3 pm. Anticipating this situation, I had made a reservation for the preceding day and had communicated with the hotel, notifying them of our early morning arrival. This thoughtful arrangement ensured that we had a place to rest, especially crucial considering it was 2 am Eastern Standard Time, and we had been awake since 7 am the previous morning.

Hilton Nordica Reception

Graciously, the woman at the front desk handed me our room keys, expressed gratitude for our Hilton Diamond status, and pleasantly surprised us by informing that we had been upgraded to a King Suite. This unexpected gesture added a delightful touch to our check-in experience, setting a positive tone for our stay at the hotel.

Hilton Nordica King Suite

Our accommodation, Room 813, held a prime position at the end of the hallway on the 8th floor, presenting itself as a spacious corner suite. Upon entering, we found ourselves in a welcoming sitting area adorned with a 4-person round dining table, a functional work desk, a comfortable couch, and additional chairs. Moving through the next doorway led us into the bedroom, where a large and inviting king-sized bed was flanked by two nightstands.

The generously sized bathroom boasted impressive features, including a walk-in shower with a refreshing rainfall showerhead, a separate soaking tub, and a double sink vanity with ample space for both mine and my wife’s toiletries. Notably, unlike hotels in the U.S., the room lacked thermostats for controlling the temperature. Instead, the temperature was regulated by a knob on the radiators in each room. Surprisingly, this absence of traditional controls became my favorite feature, as the windows in the room could be opened, providing a significant advantage when the room became too warm due to the limited temperature control options.

Nordica skyline

From our vantage point, our room’s windows offered a picturesque view of the bay and the stunning snowcapped mountains in the distance, adding a touch of natural beauty to our stay.

Food and Beverage

  • pastries
  • meat and cheese
  • Hot Breakfast

The hotel’s standout feature undoubtedly lies in its on-site dining options. Guests have the choice of proper restaurant seating located at the far right-hand side of the lobby or can opt for a more casual dining experience in the bar area. During our stay, we chose to have both breakfast and dinner in the restaurant, while not making use of the bar facilities. Being Hilton Diamond members, breakfast was included in our stay, and the restaurant offered an extensive buffet. The spread included a variety of meats, cheeses, freshly baked bread loafs, and jams on one island, while another area featured cereals, yogurts, fruits, and hot items such as eggs, sausages, and roasted potatoes. Additionally, there was an espresso machine and a section dedicated to fresh juices and water.

fish and chips

On our last night, we dined at the hotel’s restaurant, Vox, which specialized in Icelandic fish and meat dishes. Although the service was a tad slow, the food surpassed expectations. I opted for the fish and chips, featuring a light and airy breading that complemented the fish perfectly. My wife tried the lamb’s heart in a beet sauce, which not only tasted excellent but was also presented with great attention to detail.

Lounge food

An added benefit of the hotel was the Executive Lounge on the 8th floor, accessible to Gold and Diamond members, as well as those who booked an Executive Room. The lounge provided a selection of soda, juice, an espresso machine, and cookies available throughout the day. From 5 pm to 7 pm, guests could enjoy beer, wine, self-made cocktails, and a variety of hors d’oeuvres, including sushi, smoked salmon sandwiches, spring rolls, and a selection of fruit and cheese. This became a favorite spot for us to unwind, enjoy a drink, and indulge in appetizers before heading out for dinner.

Amenities

The Hilton Reykjavik Nordica boasts convenient on-site amenities, including a fitness center and spa, although we did not take advantage of these facilities during our stay. Additionally, a small business center in the lobby equipped with two computers and a printer caters to guests needing professional services. For those opting to rent a car, the hotel offers a welcome perk of complimentary parking. The provision of free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel proved invaluable for us, especially since our cellular service provider had sluggish internet, and voice calls incurred a charge of 50 cents per minute. Being a Hilton Diamond member, I enjoyed the privilege of premium internet access, a consistent benefit across all Hilton properties.

Overall Impression Of Hilton Nordica

Our experience at the Hilton Reykjavik Nordica was truly delightful. The rooms, while embodying a basic Scandinavian aesthetic, provided everything we needed for our enjoyable two-night stay. The entire property exuded cleanliness, and the service we received was nothing short of excellent. The on-site restaurant and lounge added to our positive impression, and we look forward to returning for the exceptional fish and chips on our next visit to Reykjavik.

While some may find the hotel’s location outside the city center a drawback, we believe the significantly lower nightly rate, coupled with the convenience of commuting to downtown, and the enticing breakfast and lounge offerings, position the Hilton Nordica as the top choice for a stay in Reykjavik. It’s a property we would gladly revisit when in Iceland, reflecting our overall satisfaction with the experience.

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