The best hotels in Akureyri

This small guesthouse sits on Brekkugata, a quiet residential street a short walk from the main pedestrian shopping area. Rooms are basic but clean, with shared bathrooms for the cheaper options. The owners are friendly and helpful with local tips. Breakfast is simple but included in the rate. Good choice if you just need a bed close to the town center.

Located on Hafnarstræti near the old harbour, this hostel attracts a mix of solo travelers and small groups passing through northern Iceland. Private rooms are available alongside dorms, and the common kitchen is well equipped. The harbour views from the upper floor are genuinely good. Staff are knowledgeable about day trips to Myvatn and Godafoss. Noise from the street can carry at night on weekends.

Hotel Kea is the most established full-service hotel in Akureyri, sitting right on Hafnarstræti in the heart of the city. The building has been around since 1944 and the rooms have been updated to a comfortable modern standard. The restaurant on the ground floor is reliable for Icelandic fish dishes. Location makes it easy to walk to the botanical garden and the main shopping street. It books up fast in summer so reserve early.

Hotel Nordurland stands on Geislagata close to the Akureyri Church and within easy reach of the commercial center. Rooms are well sized and functional, with good blackout curtains that help during the midnight sun months. The lobby has a calm, no-fuss atmosphere that suits business travelers and independent tourists equally. Parking is available nearby which matters when you are renting a car to explore the region. Breakfast buffet covers the basics without being exceptional.

Part of the Icelandair Hotels chain, this property occupies a converted industrial building on the waterfront right at the base of the fjord. The design leans into the industrial heritage with exposed materials and a modern Icelandic aesthetic. Rooms facing the fjord are worth requesting and the bar area has a great view over Eyjafjordur. It is a short walk to both the main street and the swimming pool complex. Service is consistently professional across stays.

A smaller boutique-style property tucked on Skipagata, close to the main pedestrian street Gangstætti. The rooms are individually decorated and feel more personal than the larger chain hotels nearby. Beds are comfortable and the double-glazed windows block out most street noise. There is no on-site restaurant but several good cafes and the Rub23 restaurant are within a five minute walk. A solid mid-range option that often goes unnoticed among the bigger names.

Gula Villan, meaning the Yellow Villa, is a charming converted house on the hillside above the town center with views down over the fjord. The handful of rooms are individually decorated with warm tones and quality linens. It feels genuinely intimate rather than just a hotel trying to seem cozy. The walk down to the main street takes about ten minutes but the quieter setting makes it worthwhile. Popular with couples and small group bookings.

Hotel Borg sits on Skipagata and represents some of the best value at the upper end of the mid-range bracket in Akureyri. Rooms are spacious by Icelandic standards with well-designed bathrooms and good heating systems that matter in the long winters. The staff are attentive without being intrusive and local recommendations from the front desk are genuinely useful. The location is central without being directly on the noisiest stretch. Guests consistently rate it among the best stays in the city.

Hrafninn offers high-end apartment-style suites near the harbour with full kitchens, large windows facing Eyjafjordur, and a level of finish that stands out in Akureyri. Ideal for longer stays or travelers who want space and privacy over hotel services. The interiors use Icelandic wool textiles and local design throughout. Parking is included and the location puts you close to the Ráðhústorg main square. Pricing reflects the quality and the views, and it is worth it.

Located along Glerárgata on the northern edge of the city, this property is Akureyri's most upscale full-service hotel with an on-site spa, geothermal pools, and a serious restaurant focusing on northern Icelandic ingredients. Rooms are large, well soundproofed, and designed with natural materials. The spa facilities are available to guests at any hour which makes it particularly appealing after long days on the ring road. Service levels are a step above anything else in the city. Worth every krona for a special stay in northern Iceland.