CityHub Reykjavik

The PARTICULARS

Price: from 112 USD p/night

Amenities: Rooftop jacuzzi, self-check in, CityHost, Hangout, bluetooth speakers and mood lighting in every room, TVs in some, kimono robes for bathroom use.

Location: Hverfisgata 46, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland

Contact: reykjavik@cityhub.com

Need to know: Getting to downtown Reykjavík from KEF airport is a whole journey in and of itself. Previous research recommended.

Rating: 4.75/5 pillows

I should preface this by saying that a) Yes, I do realize there are cheaper places to stay in in Reykjavik, and b) I have nothing against hostels and frequently stay in them (despite the lingering trauma from that one movie).

I say this because I looked, for weeks, for cheap places to stay in Reykjavík. And whilst I normally would have gone with the hostel alternative, the last two times I stayed in a hostel in Europe I proceeded to catch COVID almost immediately.

Knowing the itinerary I had in store for the weeks before even arriving in Iceland, I decided to splurge juuuuust a little bit in favor of actually being able to sleep in the peace and quiet that only the solitude of a hotel room can provide.

Having stayed in a capsule hotel before in Tokyo and in Mexico City, CityHub Reykjavik was a refreshing take on the concept: still compact, still not full hotel rooms, but with definitely more space to store your belongings, move around, and sit up without the fear of bumping your head into the hard plastic shell the capsules are usually made of.

But I’m getting ahead of myself.

Participating in an extended layover courtesy of Icelandair, my suitcase and I rolled up to Hverfisgata 46, past vivid murals and pastel buildings. The glass doors of CityHub slid open to reveal the Hangout, an area that is equal parts a reception, lobby, lounge, work, bar, and kitchen area. Where I would have spent most of my hotel time had I brought my laptop with me.

A CityHost sits in the corner, extending a quick but friendly welcome, and otherwise leaving you to self-check-in on the pistachio green kiosks.

An RFID wristband will be your key to unlock the room and the self-serve bar.

I picked a top pod thinking it might have more space, but I read somewhere that the bottom pod actually has a bit more room. The space itself is bright and easy enough to move around. Three oddly-shaped steps bring you up to the bed (understandable re: the design and usability of the space, but not the most practical for clumsy folk), and a window with blinds graces one side of the pod.

Quiet, except for the fire alarm that blasted off and nearly gave me a heart attack when someone decided it would be ok to try and smoke in the showers. Hazard a guess?

Two shelves, two towels, two robes, and a magazine carefully laid out. Bluetooth speakers on either side of the bed, and a switch for the lights whose colors can be adjusted via the app.

Spotless bathrooms, with large and private shower stalls (none of that locker room at the gym nonsense). Amenities include Rituals hand wash, hand and body lotion, shower gel, and shampoo – all sweet orange & cedar wood scented. The nicest hair dryer I’ve yet seen at a hotel.

A hot tub on the 3rd floor which remained empty for the entirety of the two nights I spent here. For once, I actually had a bathing suit with me.

Being right in the middle of downtown, a number of shops and restaurants all in a 10-minute walking radius. In my case, late-night snacks and provisions.

Ending the day enjoying a drink at the Hangout or retreating to the peace and quiet of your pod for some very needed rest – it’s nice to have options.

CityHub Reykjavik in a nutshell: Friendly, social, well-located, more affordable than nearby options, clean, and quiet. Somewhere I’d stay again next time I visit.