ION Adventure Hotel, Nesjavellir, a Member of Design Hotels

This unique hotel offers an extraordinary retreat, renowned for its remote location amidst stunning lava fields and mountains, making it an ideal base for Northern Lights viewing and a peaceful escape. Its signature feature is the integration with the dramatic Icelandic landscape, providing a surreal and unforgettable atmosphere. Most guests find it a perfect fit for couples seeking a quiet, romantic getaway and sightseers exploring the Golden Circle, while families also appreciate the amenities like the hot pool. To enhance your stay, be prepared for the isolated setting by bringing snacks, and take advantage of the hotel's Northern Lights wake-up call service, a highlight for many.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel features a popular geothermal outdoor pool, often described as a hot tub due to its shallow depth, which guests find "pure magic" and "amazing" for relaxing, especially when snow is falling. While some note it's too small for swimming and can get crowded, many appreciate its late operating hours. The sauna area is generally considered peaceful, though some guests find it quite small. The Northern Lights Bar is consistently praised for its incredible views through glass walls, offering a bright and inviting space for drinks, despite some finding it smaller than anticipated or not ideal for aurora viewing due to internal lighting. Guests also value the convenience of electric vehicle charging stations and the warm welcome, often including a complimentary drink upon arrival.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort is mixed but generally positive, with many describing rooms as clean, comfortable, and modern. Suites and rooms in the new wing are often noted as spacious, while standard rooms are frequently described as small or compact, with some finding bathrooms particularly tiny and lacking counter space. Most guests find the beds comfortable, ensuring a restful sleep. A significant and frequently mentioned aspect is the sulfur smell from the geothermal water, which some find overpowering and uncomfortable, while others consider it a natural part of the Icelandic experience and not a major issue. Noise levels receive mixed reviews, with some rooms being very quiet and others experiencing noise from slamming doors or construction.

Dining & Food Quality
The on-site restaurant, Silfra, receives high praise for its delicious and excellent food quality, with many guests highlighting the culinary experience as a standout. While the menu is often described as limited or short, the dishes are consistently well-prepared. Breakfast is generally considered generous and tasty, offering a good selection, though some guests express disappointment that it is not included in the room rate and find it overpriced. The overall cost of dining at the hotel is frequently mentioned as expensive, a common theme across Iceland, but guests acknowledge it's often the only convenient option due to the hotel's remote location. Room service is available, providing a convenient dining alternative.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's remote location is a defining characteristic, offering a sense of isolation and tranquility amidst Iceland's dramatic landscapes. It is ideally situated for exploring the Golden Circle attractions and is within a reasonable driving distance from Reykjavik. However, guests frequently note that the hotel is 30-45 minutes from the nearest town, grocery stores, or alternative dining options, making a rental car essential. While the location provides stunning views, some guests mention the proximity to a geothermal power plant, which can be visible from certain areas and is the source of the natural sulfur smell. Winter driving conditions to the hotel can be challenging, with winding roads and potential for snow.

Staff & Service
The staff consistently receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with guests describing them as excellent, friendly, helpful, and attentive. Many reviewers highlight the staff's willingness to go "above and beyond" to ensure a pleasant stay, from offering welcome drinks upon arrival to providing quick check-in services. A particularly appreciated service is the Northern Lights wake-up call, which many guests credit for allowing them to witness the aurora borealis. The restaurant staff are frequently commended for their super friendly and efficient service, often making guests feel welcomed and at home. Overall, the dedication of the staff significantly contributes to a positive guest experience.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel is undergoing renovation work, which some found caused noise or impacted parking, though others were not affected. The hotel's affiliation with a major rewards program is mentioned, but some members note that benefits are limited, such as breakfast not being complimentary. The unique sulfur smell from the geothermal activity is a recurring point, acknowledged by many as an inherent part of the natural environment, while others find it bothersome. The hotel offers hiking trails directly from the property, allowing guests to explore the surrounding unique terrain. Some guests also noted the absence of facial tissues in rooms and limited streaming options on televisions.