Hótel Lækur

This hotel offers a memorable stay, particularly for its exceptional Northern Lights wake-up service, ensuring guests don't miss the spectacular displays. Nestled in a beautiful rural setting surrounded by mountains, a river, and friendly farm animals, it provides a tranquil escape. Guests consistently highlight the attentive and welcoming staff, the comfortable accommodations, and the delicious on-site dining. It is an ideal choice for families seeking spacious cottages and animal interactions, couples desiring a quiet, romantic getaway, and nature enthusiasts or sightseers exploring the Golden Circle and South Coast. To enhance your experience, consider staying in one of the charming cottages for optimal views and be sure to indulge in the highly-praised dinner offerings.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a range of facilities designed for relaxation and enjoyment. Guests appreciate the hot tub and sauna, though some note the hot tub can be small and not always sufficiently warm, and the sauna is occasionally out of service. A cozy lounge area, sometimes featuring a game room, offers a comfortable space for guests to unwind. The presence of friendly Border Collies and Icelandic horses on the property is a unique and beloved feature, allowing for delightful interactions. While Wi-Fi is available, some guests reported connectivity issues. The hotel does not feature a swimming pool, but the other wellness amenities contribute to a pleasant stay.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms and cottages to be clean, cozy, and comfortable, often highlighting the spaciousness of the cottages and junior suites, which frequently offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Beds are mostly described as comfortable, though a few guests found them firm. Many rooms include a coffee maker, and some boast heated bathroom floors. However, some guests noted issues such as steep stairs in loft bedrooms, a lack of mini-fridges, microwaves, or washer/dryers in certain accommodations. Minor concerns included bugs near doors, dirty shower curtains, and water temperature/pressure inconsistencies in showers, with some reporting water splashing outside the shower area.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's restaurant receives high praise for its delicious food and cozy atmosphere, often featuring large windows with scenic views. The breakfast buffet is generally well-regarded, offering a good variety of options including traditional Icelandic specialties like rye bread and "Happy Marriage cake," along with fruits and drinks. However, some guests found the coffee quality to be low or the breakfast selection basic for the price. Dinner is frequently highlighted as excellent, with popular dishes including lamb curry and arctic char. While the dinner menu can be limited, the quality is consistently high, and a soup and salad buffet is often available as a good value option.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a beautiful, quiet, and remote location, approximately 10-15 minutes off the main Ring Road near Hella, making it an excellent base for exploring the Golden Circle and the South Coast of Iceland. Its secluded setting, surrounded by a river, mountains, and open fields, provides a peaceful environment ideal for nature lovers. The lack of light pollution makes it a prime spot for Northern Lights viewing, a feature frequently enjoyed by guests. While the drive to the hotel can involve dusty or windy roads, the ample parking available on-site adds convenience. The natural surroundings, including horses and sheep, contribute to the authentic rural charm.

Staff & Service
The staff consistently receives glowing reviews for their friendliness, kindness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Guests frequently commend the welcoming atmosphere and the personalized service provided. The check-in process is described as easy and efficient, with staff often accommodating early check-ins or offering late check-outs when possible. A standout service is the Aurora wake-up call, where staff notify guests when the Northern Lights are visible, ensuring they don't miss the spectacle. Other appreciated gestures include providing bread to feed the horses, accommodating dietary restrictions, and offering packed lunches for early departures, all contributing to a highly positive guest experience.

Additional Information
The hotel operates as a family-run establishment, which contributes to its warm and welcoming atmosphere, making guests feel at home. It maintains a pet-friendly policy, with friendly dogs often seen on the premises, adding to the rural charm. Guests should be aware that while breakfast is often included, some booking methods may incur additional charges for meals, and some guests reported unexpected fees for extra occupants. The hotel features a cozy game/chill room in the attic, providing a relaxing space for guests. Some guests noted the absence of mini-fridges or microwaves in their rooms, which could be a minor inconvenience for longer stays.