Iceland's Hidden Gem: Borealis Hotel Hveragerdi - Unforgettable Stay!
Iceland's Hidden Gem? Borealis Hotel Hveragerdi: My Unforgettable (and Slightly Messy) Stay!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from Iceland and, holy moly, the Borealis Hotel in Hveragerdi… well, it's something. Let me tell you, this wasn't just a vacation, it was a rollercoaster of geothermal delight, questionable coffee, and the kind of relaxation that nearly made me forget my own name. And believe me, with my memory, that's saying something.
First Impressions: Accessibility, Safety & Being a Clumsy Tourist
Right off the bat, let's talk about accessibility. I’m not a wheelchair user myself, but I was super impressed, especially after some other Icelandic accommodations I’d seen. The hotel is definitely wheelchair accessible – elevators, ramps, the whole shebang. I also noticed facilities for disabled guests, a real win! I can't speak for the whole experience, but it seemed like they’d put some serious thought into it.
And safety? Oh yeah, they got it. CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside, 24-hour security, the works. Felt safe as a baby penguin. Plus, the whole place smells clean. Daily disinfection in common areas, staff trained in safety protocols, and anti-viral cleaning products were everywhere. They even had hand sanitizer readily available (which I definitely needed after my clumsy episode in the gift shop… more on that later!). This place really goes hard on the hygiene certification - made me feel safe and cozy – even for this germaphobe-adjacent traveler.
The Rooms: Cozy Chaos (and Free Wi-Fi! Praise Be!)
Let’s get to the nitty-gritty. The rooms themselves? Cozy. Seriously, like, snuggle-up-with-a-book-and-a-blanket cozy. They had air conditioning, which, let’s be honest, I didn’t really need in Iceland, but hey – I appreciate the effort! And the free Wi-Fi in all rooms? Absolute lifesaver. I'm completely dependent on the internet, and it worked like a charm. Thank god for that. But there's more: Linens, towels, fluffy bathrobes, and even slippers! I mean, hello, luxury! My room had a gorgeous view from the window that opens. Seriously, just stunning.
Now, the rooms weren't perfect. I'm talking about minor things but still, the desk was a little… cramped. I’m a creature of habit, and if I didn’t have perfect room configuration I get a little grumpy! Also, the coffee/tea maker could use a little upgrade. But the extra long bed was a DREAM after a long day of hiking. And I mean, it's a hotel, not a spaceship!
Food, Glorious Food (and a Few Hiccups…)
The dining experience was a highlight. They had a restaurant, a coffee shop, a bar, and even a poolside bar! Talk about options! The breakfast buffet was epic – Western and Asian breakfasts and basically everything you could want. I especially loved the fresh fruit. They had breakfast takeaway service, too, which was convenient for some of those early morning excursions.
Dinner was mostly fantastic. The a la carte in restaurant gave some great choices. I indulged in some seriously delicious Icelandic lamb. They had a vegetarian restaurant option, too, which is always a plus.
BUT… let's talk about the coffee. It was, to put it kindly… inconsistent. Sometimes it was decent, sometimes it was… not. (And I need my coffee in the morning!) Also, the salad I ordered one night was a tad underwhelming. But hey, nobody's perfect, right?
Relaxation Station: Spa, Pool & Pure Bliss
Okay, THIS is where the Borealis Hotel truly shines. The spa! Oh, the spa! They have a swimming pool [outdoor] with a pool with a view. Picture this: soaking in a geothermal pool, surrounded by snow-dusted mountains, with steam rising around you. Unreal. They have a sauna, a steamroom, a spa/sauna, foot bath, and even a massage! I booked a massage and it was divine. I seriously walked out feeling about ten years younger. They even offer body scrub and body wraps. I didn’t try these, but hey, maybe next time.
I spent hours in that pool, just staring at the landscape, letting the stress melt away. Pure. Bliss.
Things to Do (and Not Break): My Gift Shop Debacle
Okay, so things to do. Hveragerdi is known for its geothermal activity, so you can hike, check out hot springs, and generally immerse yourself in the wonders of Icelandic nature. The hotel offers assistance with arranging airport transfer. I took a taxi service to the airport.
Me? I tried to buy a souvenir in the gift/souvenir shop. Let’s just say I may have accidentally knocked over a shelf of ceramic puffins. I swear, the shelf lunged at me. I’m pretty sure the staff thought I was a complete klutz but they smiled and helped me get the situation under control – super nice people. I learned some valuable lessons: stay away from souvenirs!
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Difference
The hotel offered a ton of convenient services. They had daily housekeeping, a concierge, laundry service, and dry cleaning. I also found luggage storage really helpful. They even do currency exchange.
I also appreciated the little touches, like the complimentary tea in the room and the essential condiments. They even have facilities for disabled guests.
For the Kids (and the Big Kids Too!)
While I didn't personally need a babysitter, I did notice the hotel being surprisingly family/child friendly. They have a babysitting service. They had kids facilities. I even saw a kids meal on the menu.
The Extras (and My Final Verdict)
- Internet & More Internet: They had Internet access – wireless and Internet access – LAN, so you're covered. The Wi-Fi for special events would be useful if I had the guts to plan one.
- Business Facilities: They had meeting/banquet facilities and other basic business facilities which is useful for some.
- Getting Around: Having a car park [free of charge] was another huge plus.
- Safety: Safety/security feature was top-notch and they have smoke alarms. They also had fire extinguisher and the like in the room.
- Check-in/out: They have Check-in/out [express] so you can skip any lines.
- Unique Touches: I appreciated the bottle of water and even though didn't require it, wake-up service.
Final verdict? The Borealis Hotel Hveragerdi is a winner. It’s a bit rough around the edges, sure. The coffee could be better, and I’m still slightly traumatized by the puffin incident. But that’s part of its charm. It's a place where you can truly relax, recharge, and experience the magic of Iceland. It's not a sterile, perfect experience; it's a real, lived-in experience full of warmth, beauty, and just a touch of chaos. I highly recommend it. (Just, maybe, steer clear of the gift shop if you're as clumsy as I am.)
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- Title: Iceland's Hidden Gem: Borealis Hotel Hveragerdi - My Unforgettable (and Slightly Messy) Stay!
- Keywords: Borealis Hotel Hveragerdi, Iceland, Hveragerdi, hotel review, spa, geothermal pools, accessibility, wheelchair accessible, dining, restaurant, spa, room review, best hotel Iceland, Iceland travel, family friendly
- Meta Description: A hilariously honest review of the Borealis Hotel Hveragerdi in Iceland, covering accessibility, food, spa, and my own clumsy adventures. Find out why this hotel is a hidden gem (and where the coffee needs improvement)!
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Alright, alright, buckle up, buttercups! Because this isn't your boring, sterile travel itinerary. This is my survival guide through the Borealis Hotel in Hveragerdi, Iceland. And trust me, it's gonna be a ride.
Borealis Hotel: My Icelandic Odyssey (aka, Pray For Me)
Day 1: Arrival, Jet Lag and the Existential Crisis of a Lobby
- 14:00: Arrive at Keflavik Airport. Okay, so technically, it's supposed to be a seamless arrival. But let's be real, I'm a hot mess after the flight. The Icelandic air hits you like a slap in the face – cold, but bracing. Reminds you you're ALIVE. Or maybe that's just the jet lag talking.
- 15:30: The dreaded car rental. Pray for the car rental not to be an old, beat-up car with dodgy parts, which are my personal curse.
- 17:00: Arrive Borealis Hotel in Hveragerdi. This is my first Icelandic hotel. My, the lobby… it's modern, you know? But also… kinda Scandinavian-sterile. I keep waiting for a minimalist ghost to float through. Everything, the decor, is a bit… much.
- 18:00: Check-in. Commence mild panic about my limited Icelandic phrasebook. "Hæ?" (Hello?) "Takk" (Thank you). That's about it. I'm going to wing it.
- 19:00: Unpack, or more accurately, dump everything on the bed. First impressions of the room? Clean. Very clean. Almost too clean, like someone’s judging my every messy impulse. I promptly spill coffee on the pristine white sheets to restore balance. (Just kidding… maybe.)
- 20:00: Dinner at the hotel restaurant. This is where the real fun begins. I'm already envisioning a culinary adventure filled with fermented shark (maybe not). I'm cautiously optimistic. Ordering something safe. Okay, maybe the lamb. Everyone raves about Icelandic lamb. It's going to be bland, isn't it? Because my life is a comedy of culinary errors.
- 21:00: Stare blankly out the window, watching for the Northern Lights. It's a long shot, but hey, a girl can dream! And by "dream" I mean shiver violently in the freezing Icelandic night, fueled by caffeine and existential dread. The sky is a deep, inky velvet. Waiting. Damn it. It's beautiful.
Day 2: Geothermal Bliss and a Sheep-Herding Disaster
- 08:00: Breakfast. The hotel breakfast is… adequate. Enough to fuel my morning quests for adventure! Must acquire coffee immediately. And maybe some Icelandic Skyr… supposed to be the protein power of the gods. I'll need it.
- 09:00: Hiking in the Reykjadalur valley. I'm picturing myself as a rugged adventurer. This is going to be GREAT… until my boots start rubbing and my enthusiasm wanes. The hike itself is gorgeous, though! Steaming rivers, volcanic landscapes – it's like walking on another planet.
- 11:00: The Hot River! Officially the highlight. I'm a sucker for hot springs. The thought of soaking in a natural hot spring, surrounded by Icelandic beauty, warms my frozen heart. It's as soothing as advertised. Pure bliss. Maybe I'll live here.
- 13:00: Lunch in Hveragerdi. Maybe trying to find a cafe but everything is closed, because Iceland.
- 14:00: Sheep. I spot some sheep by the side of the road. I attempt to take a picture with them. They look at me with utter disdain. These sheep are judging me. Possibly plotting my downfall.
- 16:00: Back to the hotel for a session of rest and contemplation. I'll try the sauna and the hot tub. This may be the best thing about the trip.
- 19:00: Another dinner. This time I'm gonna try the… hmm. The puffin. Maybe the puffin. I have no spine.
- 20:00: Stargazing. Iceland, you're killing me with this beauty.
Day 3: Farewell (Kind Of) and the Deepest Dark Truth
- 09:00: Breakfast again. The Skyr is growing on me. I may have become addicted. Send help.
- 10:00: Check-out. This is always bittersweet.
- 11:00: Driving to the next destination.
- 12:00: Exploring other parts of Iceland.
- 19:00: Say my goodbyes to Borealis Hotel and Iceland. I will miss how strange and beautiful it is.
Final Thoughts (aka, Therapy Session):
So, did I conquer Iceland? Probably not. Did Iceland conquer me? Absolutely. This trip was chaotic, messy, and full of surprises. I ate questionable food, almost got lost, and bonded with some very judgmental sheep. But amidst the chaos, there was a raw beauty that seeped into my soul. I loved it. I hated it. I can't wait to go back.
Iceland, you magnificent weirdo. You win.
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Borealis Hotel Hveragerdi: The Unfiltered Truth (and My Over-the-Top Feelings!)
Okay, spill the REAL tea. Is the Borealis Hotel Hveragerdi *really* as amazing as everyone says?
What's the deal with the location? Hveragerdi… is that even *real*?
Anecdote Alert! Okay, picture this: me, fresh out of the airport, jet-lagged and euphoric, attempting to navigate the Reykjadalur hike. I’d only just packed this trip too, I barely knew where to start, but I knew where to end. This was it: the adventure starts! I was convinced I was going to be a trail-blazing goddess. Turns out, I’m more of a panting, slightly lost, "is this even the right way?" kind of hiker. The hot spring at the end was worth *every* aching muscle, though. Glorious. Utterly glorious.
The rooms. Give me the inside scoop! Are they as Instagrammable as they look?
Quirk Factor! I was convinced, genuinely *convinced*, that the sound of the rain on the roof was actually the Northern Lights whispering to me. I was wrong. But the feeling was great!
And the food? Because, you know, sustenance is important.
The Flaw (because nothing's ever perfect): The service could be a *little* slow at times, especially during peak hours. I'm not the world's most patient person. But Hey! You're on vacation! Relax!
What about the staff? Friendly? Helpful? Or just... Icelandic?
Is there a spa? Because after all that hiking, I *need* a massage!
What's the best time to visit?
Any major downsides? Be honest!
