The Best Hotels in Iceland, From Rural Lodges to Reykjavik Boutiques

"ION Adventure Hotel might have one of the most picturesque and otherworldly settings not just Iceland, but the entire Northern Hemisphere. Jutting out from a set of rugged cliffs above a field of jet-black lava, this hotel sits amid swirling sulfurous steam inside the UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park. If the setting is a tad dramatic, the interiors are by contrast an oasis of warmth and tranquillity. The elegant design incorporates driftwood and other natural materials from the surrounding landscapes, creating a blend of high-end luxury with low-key Icelandic sensibilities, an homage to the beauty of the scenery outside. A highlight is the Northern Lights Bar, elevated over the lava field with huge windows for watching the shimmering aurora unfolding across the night sky. The onsite Silfra Restaurant serves up fantastic dishes, from fresh Arctic Char to glazed lamb shank, while a heated plunge pool is artfully exposed to the elements, letting you experience the drama of Iceland’s weather from the warmth of the steamy water. The hotel also acts as a great base for deeper explorations of the Golden Circle. Reception can organize everything from snorkeling between tectonic plates at the nearby Silfra fissure to super-jeep tours on the glaciers and expeditions into nearby lava caves." - James Taylor