The best seven luxury tourist hotels in Iceland

Iceland offers several luxurious tourist hotels that provide exceptional accommodations, breathtaking views, and world-class amenities. Here are some of the best luxury hotels in Iceland:

1. The Retreat at Blue Lagoon: Located in the stunning geothermal landscape of the Blue Lagoon, The Retreat offers exclusive access to the lagoon’s mineral-rich waters. The hotel features luxurious suites, a private lagoon, a spa with a range of rejuvenating treatments, and outstanding dining options.
2. Hotel Rangá: Nestled in the countryside near Hella, Hotel Rangá offers a serene and luxurious retreat. It boasts beautifully decorated rooms with themes inspired by different continents, an acclaimed gourmet restaurant, a stargazing observatory, and a riverside hot tub.
3. Ion Adventure Hotel: Situated in the dramatic landscapes of Thingvellir National Park, Ion Adventure Hotel combines contemporary design with the natural beauty of Iceland. The hotel offers stylish rooms, a panoramic bar, a gourmet restaurant, and a spa with a sauna and outdoor hot tubs.
4. The Silica Hotel: Another exceptional hotel near the Blue Lagoon, The Silica Hotel provides a tranquil and luxurious experience. Guests have access to the Blue Lagoon’s geothermal waters, and the hotel features comfortable rooms, a restaurant serving Icelandic cuisine, and a private lagoon.
5. Hotel Borg: Located in the heart of Reykjavik, Hotel Borg is a historic luxury hotel that exudes elegance and charm. It offers well-appointed rooms, a fitness center, a spa, and an acclaimed restaurant. The hotel’s central location allows easy access to Reykjavik’s attractions and vibrant city life.
6. Deplar Farm: Situated in the remote and picturesque Fljót Valley in northern Iceland, Deplar Farm offers an exclusive and secluded luxury experience. The hotel features beautifully designed rooms, a spa, a geothermal pool, a helipad for helicopter adventures, and a variety of outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, and glacier tours.
7. The Tower Suites Reykjavik: Located in Reykjavik, The Tower Suites offers luxurious suites with panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains. The suites are spacious and beautifully designed, providing a high level of comfort and privacy. The hotel also has a rooftop bar and a fine dining restaurant.

These are just a few examples of the best luxury hotels in Iceland. Each of these hotels offers a unique experience, combining luxurious accommodations with Iceland’s spectacular landscapes and natural wonders.

Hotel Rangá offers a range of amenities to ensure a luxurious and comfortable stay for its guests. Here are some key amenities you can expect at Hotel Rangá:

1. Accommodations: The hotel features beautifully decorated rooms with a variety of themes inspired by different continents, including Africa, Asia, and North America. Each room is well-appointed with modern amenities, comfortable furnishings, and stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
2. Gourmet Restaurant: Hotel Rangá is renowned for its gourmet restaurant, which offers a culinary journey through Icelandic cuisine. The restaurant focuses on using locally sourced ingredients, including fresh seafood and organic produce, to create delicious and innovative dishes. Guests can enjoy a memorable dining experience in an elegant setting.
3. Stargazing Observatory: One of the unique features of Hotel Rangá is its stargazing observatory. Located on the hotel premises, the observatory provides guests with an opportunity to explore the night sky and witness the captivating Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) during the winter months. Telescopes and knowledgeable staff are available to enhance the stargazing experience.
4. Riverside Hot Tubs: Hotel Rangá offers outdoor hot tubs situated by the riverside, allowing guests to relax and unwind while enjoying the tranquil surroundings. These hot tubs provide a soothing soak complemented by the picturesque views of the nearby Rangá River.
5. Spa and Wellness Facilities: The hotel’s spa offers a range of treatments and therapies designed to promote relaxation and rejuvenation. Guests can indulge in massages, facials, and body treatments using high-quality products. Additionally, a sauna and a hot tub are available to further enhance the wellness experience.
6. Activities and Excursions: Hotel Rangá offers a variety of activities and excursions to explore the surrounding natural wonders. These include guided tours to nearby waterfalls, glacier hikes, horseback riding, volcano visits, and salmon fishing. The hotel can assist in arranging these activities to ensure a memorable and adventurous stay.
7. Northern Lights Wake-Up Service: Given the hotel’s location in a prime Northern Lights viewing area, Hotel Rangá provides a Northern Lights wake-up service. If the lights appear during the night, the hotel staff will inform guests in their rooms, allowing them to witness this natural phenomenon.

These amenities at Hotel Rangá contribute to a luxurious and immersive experience, combining comfortable accommodations, exceptional dining, rejuvenating wellness facilities, and opportunities to explore the unique natural beauty of Iceland.

Hotel Rangá is located in a region of Iceland that offers convenient access to several breathtaking waterfalls. Here are some popular nearby waterfalls that guests can visit during their stay:

1. Seljalandsfoss: Located approximately 45 minutes from Hotel Rangá, Seljalandsfoss is one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls. It’s known for its unique feature that allows visitors to walk behind the cascading water. The waterfall drops from a height of about 60 meters (197 feet) and is particularly beautiful when illuminated by the sunlight or during the winter months when it freezes.
2. Skógafoss: Also located approximately 45 minutes from the hotel, Skógafoss is another iconic waterfall in Iceland. It is one of the largest waterfalls in the country, with a width of 25 meters (82 feet) and a drop of 60 meters (197 feet). Visitors can admire the powerful cascade and often witness stunning rainbows that form in the mist created by the waterfall.
3. Gullfoss: Situated within the Golden Circle, Gullfoss is one of Iceland’s most impressive waterfalls and is approximately 1.5 hours from Hotel Rangá. The waterfall is formed by the Hvítá River and plunges down in two stages, creating a magnificent sight. Gullfoss translates to “Golden Falls,” and on a sunny day, the mist often produces shimmering rainbows.
4. Háifoss: Located a bit farther from Hotel Rangá (around 2 hours), Háifoss is a stunning waterfall known for its dramatic drop of 122 meters (400 feet). It is set amidst a picturesque canyon and offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape. Nearby, guests can also visit the smaller but equally beautiful waterfall, Granni.
5. Dynjandi: While a longer drive from Hotel Rangá (around 3.5 hours), Dynjandi is worth mentioning for its sheer beauty. Located in the Westfjords region, it is a series of cascading waterfalls that create a mesmerizing sight. The main waterfall, also called Dynjandi, is the largest and most prominent, with a total height of approximately 100 meters (330 feet).

These are just a few examples of the popular waterfalls near Hotel Rangá. There are many more hidden gems and lesser-known waterfalls waiting to be discovered throughout Iceland’s stunning landscapes. Guests can explore these natural wonders either on their own or by joining guided tours offered by the hotel or local tour operators.

Hotel Rangá offers guided tours and excursions that allow guests to explore the nearby waterfalls and natural wonders of the region. While specific tour offerings may vary, the hotel can assist in arranging custom tours or provide information about available options. Here are a few possibilities:

1. Waterfall Tours: Hotel Rangá can arrange guided tours that focus specifically on visiting the nearby waterfalls. These tours might include visits to popular waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, and other notable cascades in the area. The tours typically provide insights into the geological formations, folklore, and natural beauty of the waterfalls.
2. Golden Circle Tours: The Golden Circle is a popular tourist route in Iceland that encompasses several iconic attractions, including the Gullfoss waterfall. Hotel Rangá can organize guided tours that cover the Golden Circle, allowing guests to visit Gullfoss as well as other highlights like the Geysir geothermal area and Þingvellir National Park, where the tectonic plates meet.
3. Customized Tours: Hotel Rangá can assist in creating customized tours tailored to guests’ preferences. If guests specifically desire a waterfall-focused tour, the hotel’s staff can curate an itinerary that includes multiple waterfalls in the vicinity. This allows for a more personalized experience, giving guests the opportunity to explore lesser-known waterfalls or off-the-beaten-path locations.

It’s recommended to contact Hotel Rangá directly to inquire about their current tour offerings, availability, and any additional details. The hotel’s staff will be able to provide specific information about the guided tours available during your desired stay and help you plan your waterfall exploration adventure.

Hotel Rangá in Iceland offers a range of customized tours and experiences to enhance guests’ exploration of the surrounding natural wonders. Some of the customized tours offered by Hotel Rangá include:

1. Northern Lights Tours: As Hotel Rangá is located in a prime spot for witnessing the spectacular Northern Lights, they offer guided Northern Lights tours. These tours are designed to maximize the chances of experiencing the magical phenomenon and typically take guests to optimal viewing locations away from light pollution.
2. Super Jeep Tours: Hotel Rangá organizes Super Jeep tours, which are adventurous excursions in specially modified 4×4 vehicles. These tours allow guests to explore the rugged Icelandic landscape, including glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls, and geothermal areas. Knowledgeable guides provide insights into the natural wonders and geological features of the region.
3. Glacier Tours: Iceland is known for its stunning glaciers, and Hotel Rangá offers customized glacier tours. Guests can embark on glacier hikes or snowmobile adventures on the mesmerizing icy landscapes. These tours provide an up-close and personal experience of Iceland’s glaciers.
4. South Coast Excursions: Hotel Rangá arranges tours along Iceland’s picturesque South Coast, which is famous for its dramatic landscapes. These tours typically include visits to iconic sites such as Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, the black sand beaches of Reynisfjara, and the charming town of Vík.
5. Golden Circle Tours: The Golden Circle is a popular tourist route in Iceland, and Hotel Rangá facilitates customized tours to explore this area. These tours often include visits to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Þingvellir National Park, the geothermal area of Geysir, and the majestic Gullfoss waterfall.
6. Helicopter Tours: For a truly unique experience, Hotel Rangá can organize helicopter tours that provide breathtaking aerial views of Iceland’s diverse landscapes. These tours offer a bird’s-eye perspective of glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls, and other natural wonders.

It’s important to note that the availability and specifics of these tours may vary, and they are subject to the season and weather conditions. Hotel Rangá’s staff can provide more detailed information about the current tour options, itineraries, and pricing to assist guests in planning their customized tours.