ACCOMMODATION

Hotels and Guesthouses

Representative of typical Scandinavian charm, Reykjavik hotels include the convenience and services guests expect, along with the unique appeal of a distinct culture and a beautiful land. All the hotels are well-situated for accessing Reykjavik's many restaurants, shops and attractions.

There are hotels and guesthouses to suit all tastes and budgets, from the most luxurious to the simple and sufficient. Several travel agencies and airlines have special accommodation offers that can only be purchased outside Iceland. Children�s discounts are also widely available. Contact your booking office for further information. The Icelandic Hotel and Restaurant Association publishes a yearly brochure with a list of all major hotels and guesthouses in Iceland. Contact the Icelandic Tourist Board for more information.

Prices for hotels and guesthouses vary according to facilities and services offered, but prices for a single room with shower/bath range from US$ 50-170 (breakfast is usually included), and for a double room with shower/bath from US$ 70-230.

Farmhouses

Icelandic Farm Holidays is a chain of farms around Iceland offering travelers accommodation and a variety of services. Some activities offered on the farms are horseback riding, fishing, hunting, rounding up sheep and swimming. For a new brochure or booking, contact a travel agent or Icelandic Farm Holidays: [email protected]

Youth and Family Hostels

There are various youth and family hostels around Iceland and all people are welcome regardless of age.

Camping

There are 125 registered campsites in Iceland. Camping grounds are normally open from the beginning of June until the end of August or middle of September depending on location. The price for camping in the National Parks supervised by the Nature Conservation Council, is US$ 6 for adults, half-price for pensioners and free of charge for children under 16. Other campsites range in price from US $5-7 depending on facilities available. For a special brochure contact the tour operators or Icelandic Tourist Board offices. Please note that camping outside designated campsites is not allowed.

Classification

As of September 1, 2000 all lodging facilities in Iceland have the opportunity to be classified. The Classification is voluntary and is divided into five categories, i.e. 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 stars, and is by no means an all-embracing assessment of the quality of the accommodation in question. It is solely based on factors which can be objectively measured. The grading consists of more than 100 different items, the most important of which are listed below. The Icelandic Tourist Board is in charge of the classification and have appointed a ruling committee consisting of six members:

Three appointed by the Icelandic Tourist Board and three appointed by the Icelandic Travel Industry Association. Look for the blue-red sign placed near the entrance which indicates the present classification of the facility.

One star:
All rooms are equipped with a washbasin and there is at least one bathroom for every 10 rooms. There is access to a public telephone, breakfast is available and guests can come and go any time of the day or night.

Two stars:
In addition to the one-star facilities, there is a telephone booth or a public telephone where the quests can speak in privacy. There is a bar or service counter where it is possible to buy light refreshments, as well as a dining room where breakfast is served, and other meals depending on circumstances. The rooms may be equipped with a private bathroom, but this is not obligatory.

Three stars:
In addition to the class above, all rooms are equipped with private bathroom, telephone, television, radio, and desk. There is a service counter open during the day and it is possible to buy small items, reading material etc. Goods and services can be paid for by credit card. There is a lift in the building, if guest rooms are on three or more levels above the reception.

Four stars:
In addition, there are easy chairs in all rooms, TV with remote control, satellite channels and a movie or video channel. There is room service day and night, or a minibar, and "a la carte" restaurant, and breakfast can be ordered in guest�s rooms. There is also a laundry service. There is a lift in the building, if the guest rooms are two or more levels above the reception.

Five stars:
In addition, the interior decor is luxurious. There are safe compartments in the rooms. There is a lift, if the building has more the one floor. Meals can be ordered in rooms until 23:00. Secretarial services can be provided. There is an indoor swimming pool or an exercise facility with professional staff. There is a shop on location where gifts and souvenirs may be purchased and guests' luggage can be taken to their rooms.