The credentials:
Iceland is garnering a real reputation as one seriously cool destination (and we’re not just talking about the weather—though pack a parka if you’re there over winter), especially among the trendy younger set of travellers. And in Reykjavik you can’t get cooler, trendier or more youthful than the 101 Hotel.
Situated slap bang in the city centre, moments from the many hip bars, superb restaurants, concert halls and theatres Reykjavik has to offer, the 101 Hotel certainly has convenience on its side. As you’d expect from a member of the Design Hotels group, the look is sleek and modern throughout, the palette a stark black and white, offset by accents of rough wood, sixties-style furnishings and weird and wonderful artwork (all by Icelandic artists).
The achingly chic lounge area boasts the most cutting-edge ‘open fire’ I’ve ever seen; quite the spot to pose with a cocktail in hand. Meanwhile the basement features a mini spa plus 24-hour steam room and plunge pool, if you prefer to kick back in even warmer surroundings.
Dine:
Breakfast and dinner can both be taken in the sleek, high-ceilinged dining room of the 101—where perspex chairs and large mirrored walls don’t feel modern so much as futuristic—while bar snacks can be ordered as you sit in front of the lounge room fire. As I’ve come to expect from Icelandic cuisine, the food on offer—a mix of traditional Icelandic and modern European fare—is excellent. Some of the twists are particularly pleasing; try the brownies with licorice ice cream and caramel sauce to see what I mean.
The buffet for breakfast is bountiful, with a particularly excellent array of meats, cheeses and fruit. Be warned though: it isn’t included in the price of the room. Though absolutely worth the money (not an easy feat in pricey Reykjavik), it will be a sting to those not expecting the extra charge on check out.
Sleep:
The cool continues in the 38 bedrooms of the 101; sleek surfaces and an absence of colour do not detract from what prove to be surprisingly cosy rooms. The beds are enormous and as soft as snowdrifts, making for a very enjoyable night’s rest! Smaller rooms have relaxing (if not exactly powerful) waterfall showers, while others have free-standing baths, all stocked with Aveda products.
The emphasis really is on Design with a capital D—we didn’t even realise we had a flat screen until we found it hidden in our wardrobe, presumably as it would ruin the aesthetic—though sometime to the detriment of functionality. A plug socket by the bedside table, or in fact anywhere near that half of the room, would have been welcome. And, while I admire the aesthetic of mirrors as shower walls, I admire the aesthetic of myself naked from every possible angle far less so.
It must be noted here that other guests at the 101 have complained about noise from the neighbouring pub in online reviews, but it must be said we had an extremely quiet stay, so I can only advise asking for a room not facing the street.
Who goes there?
This hotel is one chic locale, and the youngish, cosmopolitan guests seem to match it, at least on the occasion we visited. Though they welcome families, I’d recommend the 101 Hotel far more to the couples market, or small groups of young travellers who want the convenience of Reykjavik’s nightlife but aren’t put off by its occasionally noisy proximity.
Out & about:
As just mentioned, the best of Reykjavik’s nightlife is moments away. The many excellent bars, restaurants and clubs of the centre are within walking distance, as is the trendy harbourside district. For the more culturally-minded the Harpa concert hall is so close you could practically stroll there in your PJs.
The worst thing:
The small added costs throughout the 101 for things other hotels would throw in for free are perplexing. Not only is breakfast not included, but every usual convenience in the bedrooms incurs a charge of some kind, from slippers to nail files to sewing kits. Other hotel of this class and style would include these for nothing. And the small selection of Aveda products that are provided free don’t quite stretch to two guests.
The best thing:
Other than a prime location, it really can’t be emphasised enough that the 101 Hotel’s strongest asset is in its uber-cool design; so elegant and stunning it’s like staying in the hotel equivalent of Charlize Theron.
