Hotel Keilir

The hotel's interiors are attractively modern and relaxed -- which isn’t a surprise since the hotel is family-run. Gray tiles and wood panels run throughout the lobby and lounge bar, and are replaced with statement red carpet on stairs and corridors. Decor is stylish throughout and artwork is moody, including black-and-white shots of Iceland in public areas. Note that there is no elevator in the hotel, only stairs. Bedrooms facing the street and adjacent bar have complained of some noise, and the hotel can be busy night or day with travelers heading in and out from round-the-clock flights. Due to the close proximity of the airport, the main clientele are couples and small families arriving or leaving the country. 

Hotel Keilir is located a short distance from the coast, providing some views of the sea, depending on the room. It’s a good base for travelers wanting easy access to Keflavik International Airport, just a seven-minute drive away. While one might expect free transfers from what is, essentially, an airport hotel, that's not the case here. There are various options nearby for dining and drinking, including a bar right across the street. A supermarket is also a three-minute walk away. Bridge Between Continents and the famous Blue Lagoon can be reached in 22 minutes by car. Expect a 50-minute drive to downtown Reykjavik from the hotel.

The hotel has 40 rooms over three floors, some of which can sleep up to four, and style is simple and modern across the board. There's little artwork, save a plain black map of Iceland on some walls and a few framed prints, while pops of light blue color are seen in accent walls behind headboards. Furniture is mostly wood and melamine, with transparent lucite nightstands. Rooms have small seating areas, desks, and wardrobes, plus mini-fridges, safes, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. However, there are no coffeemakers or irons and ironing boards. Dated tube TVs come with premium satellite channels and are mostly wall-mounted. The surrounding area is fairly quiet, but as the hotel sits next to a main road, some rooms do suffer from nearby traffic noise. Bathrooms are mostly small, with an abundance of white tiles and modern fixtures and fittings. Each room has a separate shower unit, but no tubs. Counter space is limited in some rooms and hairdryers and free toiletries are provided. 

The hotel has just a few features, the best of which might be its lobby, with large flat-screen TV, free daily newspapers, and a small, stylish bar. Large windows let in lots of natural light and the area is both contemporary and cozy, with a range of comfortable seating for guests to relax with drinks from the bar. A business center is open 24 hours a day and meeting rooms are available. A free continental buffet is served each morning and includes cereals, fresh fruit, breads, meats, cheeses, yogurt, toast, tea and coffee. There’s a laundry and dry cleaning facility on-site (for a fee) and staff can assist with tours and tickets. Self-parking is free on the street outside the hotel and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.