Reykjavik Luxury Hotels: Borg, EDITION

If you're dropping serious money on accommodation in Reykjavik, you have two genuine contenders: Hótel Borg and The Reykjavik EDITION. Both sit in the heart of downtown, both are objectively excellent, and both cost enough that you'll want to know exactly what you're getting.

Here's the reality: Luxury hotels in Reykjavik are expensive because Iceland is expensive, not because you're getting Vegas-level opulence. But both Borg and EDITION deliver genuine quality, history (in Borg's case), and service that justifies the price. Neither feels like you're overpaying for Reykjavik standards.

Hótel Borg: The Historic Icon

Borg is Reykjavik's most famous hotel. It opened in 1930 as an Art Deco masterpiece, hosted the Cold War summit between Reagan and Gorbachev (sort of—they met nearby, but Borg was the center of action), and has been continuously operated since. Walking into Borg feels like walking into Icelandic history.

The building itself: Art Deco architecture from the 1930s. The lobby is genuinely beautiful—marble floors, high ceilings, a sense of gravitas. You're staying somewhere with a story. Even if you're not historically inclined, you'll notice the aesthetic difference.

Rooms: Updated but respectful of the hotel's period. They're not trying to be "modern luxury"; they're trying to be "elegant comfort in a historic setting." You get space, quality linens, and views of downtown Reykjavik or the surrounding mountains. The bathrooms are modern, which is crucial.

Price: 45,000–65,000 ISK per night (£270–390). Can climb higher during peak season or for suites.

The service: Borg staff are attentive without being hovering. Concierge actually knows the city (unlike chain hotel front desks). They'll book reservations, arrange tours, and do it with genuine friendliness.

Amenities: Excellent restaurant on-site (Borg Restaurant, which is worth eating at even if you're not staying here). Spa facilities, fitness center, free Wi-Fi. The breakfast buffet is good—Icelandic meats, breads, cheeses, and fresh fruit.

Location: Dead center of downtown (postcode 101). Walkable to every major attraction, restaurants, and nightlife. You're literally at the heart of Reykjavik.

Why it works: Borg is the only hotel in Reykjavik that feels like a destination in itself, not just a place to sleep. The building matters. The history matters. Locals will often recommend Borg because it's genuinely Icelandic, not a corporate chain.

The catch: It's pricey, obviously. It's also a historic building, meaning some rooms have quirks (slightly smaller than modern hotels, occasional noise from downtown streets). If you need pristine silence, this isn't it.

Who should stay here: First-time Reykjavik visitors wanting something special. History buffs. Anyone wanting to say "I stayed at Borg." People who appreciate character over modernity.

Pro tip: Ask for a room with a view. Rooftop views of Hallgrímskirkja and the surrounding mountains are exceptional. Worth paying a bit extra.

The Reykjavik EDITION: Modern Luxury

EDITION opened in 2024 as Marriott's design-forward luxury brand. It's not historic; it's decisively contemporary. While Borg is "Icelandic elegance," EDITION is "international luxury done thoughtfully."

The building itself: Modern, architectural, deliberately designed. It's a showpiece—all clean lines, smart materials, and that "money was spent thoughtfully" feeling. The lobby is a social space, not just a corridor. It's Instagram-worthy without being try-hard.

Rooms: Genuinely spacious, with high ceilings and smart design. Luxury bedding, high-end toiletries, rainfall showers, and actual amenities (not just soap). Every detail feels intentional. The minimalist aesthetic is relaxing rather than sterile.

Price: 50,000–75,000 ISK per night (£300–450). Similar to or slightly higher than Borg, depending on room type.

The service: EDITION is Marriott's upscale play, meaning service is polished. They're attentive, discreet, and genuinely helpful. Not stuffy, just professional and efficient.

Amenities: Restaurant (Sumac), bar, spa with proper treatments (not just massage chairs), fitness center, pool (yes, an actual indoor pool), free Wi-Fi. Breakfast is world-class—Icelandic focus with international options.

Location: On the harborfront, just west of downtown (postcode 107). Not quite as central as Borg, but beautiful location. 10-minute walk to main attractions.

Why it works: EDITION is luxury done right for modern travelers. It doesn't try to be Icelandic or historic; it's a world-class hotel that happens to be in Reykjavik. The design is exceptional, the food is excellent, and the service is flawless.

The catch: It's contemporary luxury, which some travelers find less interesting than historic hotels. No "soul" the way Borg has soul. It's perfect but maybe slightly impersonal.

Who should stay here: People who want first-world luxury and don't care about history. Business travelers. Anyone wanting a really nice night without complications. Design enthusiasts.

Pro tip: The bar (Sumac) is worth visiting even if you're not staying here. It's genuinely good. Also, the pool is surprisingly relaxing after days of Icelandic weather.

The Comparison That Actually Matters

Borg wins if: You want character and history. You love design that has a story. You care that your hotel is iconic. You want to feel like you're staying in something distinctly Icelandic.

EDITION wins if: You want modern luxury without complications. You value comfort and service above history. You want to feel like you're staying at a world-class hotel anywhere in the world (that just happens to be in Reykjavik).

Price: Essentially the same (£270–450). Borg might be slightly cheaper on average, but seasonal variance matters more than the hotel choice.

Service: Both excellent. Borg feels personal; EDITION feels efficient. Pick your preference.

Food: EDITION's restaurant is probably better as a standalone experience. Borg's restaurant is good and carries historic weight. It's a toss-up.

Location: Borg is more central. EDITION is more scenic (harbor views).

The Real Recommendation

If you're splurging on a Reykjavik hotel and can only pick one: Borg if you want to feel like you're in Iceland. EDITION if you want to feel like you're at an exceptional hotel that's in Iceland.

Both are genuinely excellent. You won't regret either choice. The difference is aesthetic and emotional, not functional. Flip a coin based on whether you prioritize history (Borg) or modernity (EDITION).

If you're staying 2+ nights, consider one night at each. You'll get both experiences, spend roughly the same, and actually understand the difference.

Media Notes:

1. Hótel Borg exterior and lobby – Alt: "Art Deco facade of historic Hótel Borg at night, illuminated entrance" | Caption: "Borg is Reykjavik's most iconic hotel, with 1930s grandeur still evident."
2. Borg classic room – Alt: "Elegant bedroom with period furniture, quality bedding, city views from window" | Caption: "Borg rooms combine historic character with modern comfort."
3. EDITION hotel modern exterior – Alt: "Contemporary glass and stone hotel building on harbor, sunset light" | Caption: "The Reykjavik EDITION represents modern luxury design in Reykjavik."
4. EDITION room – Alt: "Spacious modern room with minimalist design, rainfall shower visible through glass wall" | Caption: "EDITION rooms are spacious, thoughtfully designed, and pristinely clean."
5. Reykjavik downtown from rooftop – Alt: "Overhead view of downtown Reykjavik from hotel rooftop, Hallgrímskirkja visible" | Caption: "Both Borg and EDITION offer exceptional views of Reykjavik's center."