Exeter Hotel puts Reykjavík’s harbour and old town within reach

Location

Exeter Hotel is well placed for travellers who want Reykjavík close at hand. Public reviews repeatedly point to its position near the Old Harbor, with shopping, restaurants and downtown activities within easy walking distance. The hotel is also described as being across the street from the harbor and close to bus stop number 4, a useful detail for guests joining organised tours.

That setting suits a short city break. Reviewers also mention convenient access to the University area, suggesting the hotel works for conference visitors as well as leisure travellers. The location does much of the practical work here. Guests can base themselves near the waterfront without giving up access to the centre.

Rooms and design

The reviews describe modern, clean rooms with an urban minimalist style. They are not consistently described as spacious. One family travelling with two teenagers found its standard rooms compact, though well designed and equipped with what they needed. That is worth keeping in mind for longer stays or larger groups.

Comfort receives stronger praise. Reviewers mention comfortable beds, useful work areas and good showers. Blackout curtains are particularly appreciated during Iceland’s bright summer nights. Geothermal heating has also been singled out as practical, especially for drying towels and clothes.

There are a few cautions. At least one reviewer found no air conditioning or fan in the room, though the windows opened. Another wanted more lighting in the hallways and rooms. Room layouts and equipment may vary, so guests sensitive to warmth or low lighting should check before booking.

Food and facilities

Breakfast is one of the clearest strengths in the public feedback. Guests describe a broad and enjoyable morning spread, with eggs, meat and fruit among the options. Several reviews connect breakfast with Le Kock, while other comments mention the on-site bakery Deig and restaurant. The food spaces appear to be part of the hotel’s character, not an afterthought.

The sauna also earns strong approval. One reviewer called it clean, spacious and luxurious. The hotel’s lively bakery and restaurant areas give the property a more social feel than a purely functional base, though the rooms themselves are described as calm and modern.

Service and verdict

Staff are consistently described as kind, helpful and attentive. Reviewers mention assistance with luggage storage before check-in, parking applications and updates about northern lights conditions. That practical support matters in Reykjavík, where tours, weather and transport can complicate a short visit.

Google lists Exeter Hotel at 4.5 from 831 reviews. The overall public feedback supports a well-located, design-conscious hotel with particularly strong service and breakfast. The main limitations are compact standard rooms, possible lack of in-room cooling and uneven lighting. For travellers prioritising the harbor, walkability and an easy tour departure point, Exeter Hotel is a strong Reykjavík base.

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