Exeter Hotel

"After reading all the excellent reviews we booked this hotel for a four night stay. It was as advertised. I am writing this from the comfort of the reception area as we wait for our transfer to KEF The room was smallish but comfortable with more appointments than we needed, including an iron board, bath robes, fridge, nespresso machine, water warmer with an assortment of teas, TV with Netflix and Youtube ( bring your sign in info) and a blow drier. We both agree that the beds were comfortable. The bathroom was spacious and the shower had a rain shower and hand held option, both of which worked well with plenty of hot water. There was a drying rack that worked well also. The location is perfect. Directly across from the harbor and less that 100m to the bus stop #4. Plenty of touristy shops and restaurants within easy walking distance for a couple of 60 year olds. The front desk people were genuinely friendly and helpful. They arranged our transfers to KEF ( about an hours drive) and recommended a great restaurant for my wife’s Bday celebration ( including a 15% discount) Regarding the airport transfers: They were seamless but expensive. Having used the buses to go to the Blue Lagoon and understanding the ease with which they can be used, I would recommend the bus from KEF to the main station and then the pickup/drop off bus to the #4 stop. Even if you haven’t done it it will be EZ with the help desk at the bus station there to direct you. It is literally a walk out the front door and hop on the Blue zone bus which was impossible to miss. You will save hundreds of dollars or euros. We chose the breakfast package which was really good. Fresh fruit, yogurt, cereals, eggs, cold and hot meats, potatoes or veggie hash and GREAT bread for toast. The coffee was good ( we are picky) and there were multiple fresh juice options. The breakfast area turns into a restaurant at night and there is a bar/lounge area. We used it for night caps and it was great. The ONLY negative of the whole stay was the room doors are heavy and self closing. Our neighbors would not ease them closed but let them slam in the early morning which was a nuisance ( and pretty thoughtless and rude). We would absolutely recommend this hotel and we will stay here again if we visit."

"I needed a hotel near the Harpa Conference Center, where I was attending a meeting, and was lucky to find an available room at the Exeter — an altogether very pleasant stay. The hotel is modern, yet not without cultural roots: it reminds its guests that it stands on the site of the house of a famous Icelandic poet. It is very centrally and conveniently located, and my room enjoyed a beautiful view over the harbor. The rooms are spotless, cleverly and attractively arranged, offering a space that is small but genuinely cozy and pleasing to the eye. Downstairs there is a bakery, and also a restaurant that doubles as the dining room, where a generous and varied breakfast is served; coffee is available throughout the day in the lobby, among comfortable couches and armchairs. As ever, the real difference lies in the way guests are welcomed and looked after. On this score I owe particular thanks to Justina and Van, two of the ladies at the front desk, who were exceptionally friendly and helpful, unfailingly ready with good advice and assistance. The care they and the hotel's staff showed is well captured by a single fact: having left my hat in the taxi on the way to the airport, I found it sent on to me in San Diego, California, where I live. I can only warmly recommend this hotel to fellow travelers — those on business, certainly, but equally those visiting Reykjavík for pleasure."

"We finished here after a round trip in Iceland (which I recommend to everyone). I would describe the hotel as just fine. Nothing special. Rooms are small but okay, the same applies to the bathroom. We were sitting low and looking out at an alley that didn't really inspire. The bar and restaurant look a bit gloomy. What a nice bakery where you can buy all sorts of treats and you walk right into the center."