Situated in the awe-inspiring landscapes of Vik, Iceland, Hotel Kria stands out as a symbol of contemporary luxury and style. Whether you’re in search of a lavish hub for venturing into the captivating black sand beaches and majestic cliffs or desiring a peaceful retreat to immerse yourself in the stunning scenery, Kria guarantees a memorable experience. With its modern Nordic-inspired décor, delightful culinary choices, and impeccable service, be ready to be enchanted by the charm of this gem in Vik.
Booking
With our plans firmly established to remain in Vik following our ice cave tour at Vatnajokull National Park, our next task was to secure accommodation. After perusing the reviews on Google Maps, where Hotel Kria garnered an impressive 4.5 out of 5 stars, I confidently chose it as our lodging option. The booking process on their website proved to be straightforward. Given our brief one-night stay, I opted for the Double Room with Mountain View, inclusive of breakfast, at a reasonable rate of $262.30.
The decision to choose Hotel Kria was influenced by the positive online feedback, and the booking experience affirmed the simplicity and convenience of securing our desired room for the night.
Hotel Kria Location
Positioned directly on Iceland’s renowned Highway 1, just south of the vibrant capital, Reykjavik, Hotel Kria offers a convenient location for travelers. The approximately 2-hour drive to reach the hotel treats guests to breathtaking coastal views throughout the journey. Situated in the quaint village of Vik, the hotel provides easy access to local experiences. Venture into Vik to explore charming cafes and shops within a short stroll or immerse yourself in the captivating Icelandic Lava Show, where controlled environments bring lava to life.
Nature enthusiasts will find Hotel Kria to be an ideal base, with nearby attractions such as Sólheimajökull glacier, Skógafoss waterfall, and the iconic Dyrhólaey archway, all within a scenic drive. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, the hotel’s strategic location serves as the perfect starting point for an unforgettable South Iceland experience.
Check-in
Upon our arrival at Hotel Kria, we were greeted by the lingering daylight. Positioned directly along the main road, the hotel’s prominent location ensures it’s easily identifiable even during nighttime arrivals. After parking and unloading our luggage, we stepped into the inviting lobby, where a friendly staff member warmly welcomed us at the check-in counter.
The attendant courteously requested my passport as part of the check-in procedure and confirmed my preferred card for incidentals. Following the process, we received our room keys along with information about the upcoming Happy Hour at the bar, operating hours of the onsite Drangar Restaurant, and the Game Room schedule. With these details shared, we were promptly directed to our respective rooms.
Hotel Kria Double Room w/ Mountain View
Entering our Mountain View room at Hotel Kria felt like entering a serene Nordic sanctuary. The 19m² area, illuminated by natural light, boasts contemporary decor characterized by clean lines and inviting accents. Two luxurious twin beds, which can be arranged as a king-size upon request as we opted for, ensured a comfortable night’s sleep. Relax in the minimalist bathroom, equipped with a rejuvenating shower and modern amenities. Yet, the true essence of this room extends beyond its interior confines.
French doors on the first floor open onto a shared exterior boardwalk, inviting us to embrace the Icelandic air. We stepped outside and breathed in the crisp mountain breeze while marveling at the dramatic landscape that unfolds before us. This private balcony also offers a unique social opportunity. If you’re traveling with friends or family like we were, simply connect with neighboring rooms via their own French doors, transforming the boardwalk into a shared space for laughter, conversation, and unforgettable memories amidst the breathtaking scenery.
Food & Beverage
After settling into our room, our next venture led us to the hotel bar, where we intended to partake in the Happy Hour offerings. Regrettably, the options on the special menu were limited to a house wine or a vodka-based cocktail, neither of which suited our preferences for the evening. Undeterred, we ordered a Kentucky mule and an Old Fashioned, finding a cozy spot by the fireplace to unwind.
Following our time at the bar, my wife and I decided to explore the nearby restaurants just down the road from the hotel. Meanwhile, my brother-in-law and his partner, both professional chefs, opted to dine at the hotel’s Drangar Restaurant. Their subsequent raving about the culinary experience and the exceptional quality of each dish, ranging from seafood soup and beef tartare to arctic char and duck, left a lasting impression.
The next morning, we experienced the included breakfast at the hotel, which featured a variety of cereals, breads, eggs, breakfast meats, and pastries. However, in comparison to our stays at other hotels during this trip, I found the breakfast offerings at Hotel Kria to be somewhat below the standards we had encountered elsewhere.
Amenities
When I booked Hotel Kria, I didn’t find any amenities beyond the complimentary breakfast and the onsite restaurant and bar, unlike the complimentary spa at Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon. However, upon check-in, we were pleasantly surprised to learn about an onsite game room located on the second floor. Following our time at the bar, we ventured into the game room and found it to be a delightful addition to our stay. With options like darts, a pool table, and a ping pong table, the game room provided an evening filled with enjoyment and laughter—an unexpected treat that enhanced our experience at the hotel.
Overall Impression Of Hotel Kria
In summary, our experience at Hotel Kria was delightful. Its location proved ideal for our return from the ice cave tour, allowing us ample daylight to explore sites along the eastern journey without navigating in the dark. The room itself was rejuvenating, and the addition of French doors added a touch of elegance. While the breakfast could have been improved, our dinner at Drangar was excellent, and the proximity to local restaurants offered diverse dining options. The inclusion of a game room for nightly group entertainment was a definite highlight. In essence, Hotel Kria exceeded our expectations, ticking all the boxes for a perfect stay while exploring the South Coast by car.
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