Reykjavik

Reykjavik City Hostel (HI)
Sundlaugavegur 34
Reykjavik 105
Iceland Phone: (+354) 553-8110
Email: reykjavikcity@hostel.is
Web: HI Hostels
Stayed there: 4th January 2009 Rates: From 2100 ISK for a shared dorm to 12600 ISK for a 6-bed private room. All prices subject to surcharge for non-HI members.

First impressions good, although the doorbell wasn’t working so I had to wait till someone walked past inside to get in. Reception closes around 22:00 or 23:00, but there’s always someone on duty to sort stuff out.
It’s a little way out of town – I reckon 20 minutes’ walk – but is in a nice area right next to a campsite and the largest swimming pool in Iceland. Very quiet – the only vehicle I saw passing at night was the airport bus that I used to get here. There is a “1011” convenience store a short walk away, but the vending machines in the hostel are cheaper.
A kitchen is available if you want to cook and the bathrooms are clean. Communal areas offer free wi-fi although if you want to use one of the plugged-in PCs you’re looking at around a quid for ten minutes which is well pricey.
Decor is fantastic and everything’s pretty modern. It reminds me of some of the nicer Aussie hostels, and some sports centres back home. It helps if you have your own bed-linen or a sleeping bag though a “naked” duvet and a pillow are provided. Other bedsheets can be rented. Likewise, lockers are available for a key deposit and a little over a pound a day. However, a locked luggage room is available for free to use before you check in or after you check out.
I only stayed the one night as I was couchsurfing for the rest of my stay. I just arrived too late to expect to land on someone’s doorstep! For the price, though, worth it for a comfy night’s sleep. Stay more than 4-5 nights and the up-sell to an HI membership is definitely worth is. It lasts a year and gets you a discount at other related hostels worldwide.

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