Hotel Edda Egilsstadir

The hotel is primarily known for its unique characteristic of being a former student dormitory or boarding school that transforms into a hotel during the summer months. This distinctive feature shapes the overall guest experience, offering a basic yet functional accommodation style. While some guests find the ambiance reminiscent of a hostel or even an older institution, many appreciate its practicality for short stays. The hotel is particularly well-suited for budget-conscious travelers, road-trippers exploring the region, and families seeking more spacious options like duplex rooms. Its comfortable beds, good location, and friendly staff are consistently highlighted as positive aspects. To ensure a more comfortable stay, guests are advised to bring a sleep mask due to the prevalence of non-blackout curtains, and to be prepared for the hotel's simple, dorm-like nature.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently note the hotel's basic amenities, reflecting its dormitory origins. A common observation is the absence of a television in the rooms, which some travelers find surprising. Similarly, in-room conveniences such as a coffee maker and mini-fridge are generally not provided. While the hotel does offer Wi-Fi, its reliability or reach can vary. For some rooms, guests may encounter shared bathrooms, and access to certain floors can be challenging, requiring navigation of stairs even after using the elevator. Despite these limitations, the hotel is recognized for making practical use of its building during off-peak seasons, providing a straightforward lodging option for those prioritizing simplicity over extensive facilities.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is varied. Many guests find the beds comfortable, ensuring a good night's sleep, and appreciate the availability of duplex rooms which offer additional space, particularly for families. However, the overall cleanliness receives mixed reviews, with some guests noting dust or a general lack of thoroughness, while others describe their rooms as clean. A recurring concern is the condition of the bathrooms, which are often described as small, outdated, and sometimes smelly, with reports of rusty fixtures and a lack of toiletries like hand soap or shampoo. Noise levels can also be an issue, with some mentioning noisy heating or a constant background sound. Furthermore, the curtains are frequently criticized for not being blackout, allowing significant light penetration, especially during summer.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining options receive generally positive, though sometimes mixed, feedback. The breakfast is often described as good, decent, or even very good, with some guests praising its variety, including a waffle maker and a selection of cold items. However, during peak times, the breakfast area can become overcrowded, leading to shortages of items like plates or coffee, and staff struggling to keep up. The on-site restaurant is highlighted for its food quality, with specific mentions of delicious fish dishes like cod and a well-received reindeer burger, often exceeding expectations with good presentation. While some isolated negative comments about the restaurant's appearance or food quality exist, the overall sentiment leans towards a satisfactory dining experience, especially for dinner.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is frequently cited as a significant advantage, being central and conveniently situated along the Ring Road, making it an ideal stop for road-trippers. Guests appreciate its proximity to attractions and essential services, including gas stations, a supermarket, and a diner, all within easy reach. It is also noted for being close to a swimming pool and a park. While some find its position slightly remote if traveling from the north, its overall accessibility to the town is well-regarded. Parking is generally abundant and free, with many guests finding ample space. However, some report that the parking area can be a considerable distance from the rooms, and navigating luggage to the rooms can involve some difficulty due to the hotel's layout.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentive service. Guests frequently highlight their polite demeanor and willingness to assist with various requests, from providing local recommendations to helping with unexpected issues like a flat tire. The check-in process is generally described as quick and efficient, contributing to a smooth arrival experience, even for late arrivals where keys are left for collection. While some isolated issues with housekeeping responsiveness have been noted, such as rooms not being made up or sheets not being changed, the overall impression of the staff is overwhelmingly positive. Many guests appreciate their professional and accommodating approach, noting their patience and dedication to guest satisfaction, which makes interactions with the hotel team a pleasant aspect of the stay.

Additional Information
Several unique aspects of the hotel are noted by guests. A recurring observation is the distinct sulphur smell in the hot water, which is a common characteristic in Iceland but can be surprising to some. The hotel's internal layout is often described as a labyrinth of hallways, making difficult room access a common complaint, as guests may need to navigate stairs even after using an elevator to reach their specific room. Despite these navigational challenges, many rooms offer scenic views of the surrounding countryside, lake, or lupine hills. Practical inconveniences include a frequent lack of trash bins in bathrooms and limited power outlets in rooms, which can be challenging for charging multiple devices. The building itself is noted as being quite old, dating back to 1961.