Iceland's HOTTEST Airport Hotel: Park Inn by Radisson Keflavik Review!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the Icelandic wonderland that is the Park Inn by Radisson Keflavik Airport Hotel. Forget those sterile, cookie-cutter airport hotels you've endured in the past. This, my friends, is different. This is a messy, beautiful, slightly chaotic (in a good way!), and surprisingly comfortable haven just a stone's throw from the airport. Let’s unearth some hidden gems, and maybe some not-so-hidden ones, and find out if this place is truly the "HOTTEST" as it claims. Prepare yourself for a review that's less about flawless travel writing and more about the real deal. Let's go!
Accessibility: It's a Rollercoaster, But Mostly Upwards!
Okay, so let's be real, Iceland isn't exactly known for its flawlessly smooth paths for wheelchairs. But the Park Inn does a pretty solid job. They proudly boast facilities for disabled guests, and while I didn’t personally test every single aspect, the public areas felt accessible. Elevators are, of course, present, which is a MUST (and a relief after a transatlantic flight). I'm a hefty fellow, and navigating the lobby and restaurant was a breeze. I did see ramps and wide doorways. Now, I can’t speak to the specific room details, but they claim to offer accessible rooms. Wheelchair accessible rooms are available… so, check those details when booking, don’t just take my word for it.
Internet: Stay Connected, Even When Lost in the Northern Lights (Figuratively!)
Alright, this is crucial. We need Wi-Fi, people! And the Park Inn delivers. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise be! And it actually works! I mean, it’s fast enough to stream a movie and annoy your significant other with endless cat videos. There is also Internet [LAN] if you're old school. Internet services are available too. It was pretty solid in the public areas as well, which is a HUGE win for a hotel. You'll find Wi-Fi in public areas. It worked fine, except for that one time I was trying to download a map of the Blue Lagoon (more on my Blue Lagoon experience later) and it decided to time out. But that's just because I was trying to do too much.
Cleanliness and Safety: Iceland, You're Doing Something Right
Okay, this is where things get interesting. Iceland, in general, seems fanatical about cleanliness. And the Park Inn is no exception. This is the important part: Anti-viral cleaning products are used, the staff is trained in safety protocol, and there’s daily disinfection in common areas. I also read the sign that said there's professional-grade sanitizing services going on. Most importantly, there are hand sanitizers EVERYWHERE. And they have individually-wrapped food options, which is reassuring in the modern world. Although, I did wonder how many plastic wrappers I went through… it feels like it’s keeping the planet clean but maybe not. There’s physical distancing of at least 1 meter, although people kind of forget that when they’re in the breakfast buffet line. Rooms are sanitized between stays, apparently, and there’s an option to opt-out of room sanitization. The room sanitization opt-out available, which is pretty cool, but I didn’t use it. The hotel provides a first aid kit and doctor/nurse on call. As for the important part, I’m happy to report that the hotel has hygiene certification.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling Your Icelandic Adventure
Alright, let’s talk food. This is where it gets really interesting. This is a buffet, so it’s not the experience of haute cuisine. The important things are that there's breakfast [buffet]. Yes, exactly as it sounds. And breakfast service. This is usually the easiest part. There's buffet in restaurant which is a win for everyone, especially tired travelers. The coffee machine is pretty good; there's coffee/tea in restaurant, and there’s a coffee shop (score!). As for the rest, there’s a bar on site, which is always a bonus. There’s restaurants, so you can select a la carte in restaurant. I did see options for alternative meal arrangement. There's also the standard offerings; the International cuisine in restaurant and Western cuisine in restaurant. You can have bottle of water. They do desserts in restaurant. There’s the potential for salad in restaurant. The great thing: Room service [24-hour]. I may or may not have ordered a pizza at 3 AM after a particularly intense viewing session of Icelandic thrillers. No regrets! Now, the poolside bar I wish I had tested more often, but I was too busy getting my butt around the island.
My Confession: Breakfast Buffet Blues
Okay, so I'm not a buffet person. I'm a messy eater. I'm terrible at judging portions. I ended up with a plate of more pastries than I can comfortably admit (or maybe not… I have no shame). The breakfast situation wasn't the culinary highlight of my trip, but hey, it’s convenient. The coffee was good. That’s all I needed. I would get the coffee again.
Services and Conveniences: Comfort and Convenience
Okay, let's be practical. This is where a good airport hotel shines. The Park Inn doesn’t disappoint. They do have concierge, I didn’t use it. Contactless check-in/out – a modern marvel. They offer daily housekeeping, which is a lifesaver. And elevator, essential. You can take advantage of the luggage storage. They also provide currency exchange. Bonus points: They have a convenience store, which you can grab some snacks or a forgotten phone charger. Air conditioning in public area. Car park [free of charge].
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Is This Really an Airport Hotel?
Okay, this is the REAL surprise. Airport hotels are usually depressing, right? Not this one. I'm a sucker for a good spa and I like the spa/sauna. There's sauna, steamroom, and massage, but I didn’t use them.
Oh, the Pool! A View to Die For
Now, the swimming pool [outdoor]. It's a game-changer. Seriously. A heated pool with view? Yes, please! I’m telling you, I spent more time in that pool than I care to admit. Especially after a long day of exploring. Sitting in that warm water, gazing at the open sky… it was pure bliss. It really made the hotel feel like an escape.
For the Kids: Bring the Little Vikings!
While I didn’t travel with any kiddos, the Park Inn seems very family-friendly. There's babysitting service available. There is family/child friendly. And definitely kids meal. I saw several families enjoying the facilities.
Rooms: Cozy, Contemporary, and (Mostly) Clean
My room was, as promised, non-smoking. This important aspect included additional toilet, though I didn't use it because I was alone. The air conditioning was a godsend after a long day of hiking. The alarm clock saved my life a few times. The bathrobes were plush and comfy. The coffee/tea maker was essential, as mentioned before. There are complimentary tea options, which is a nice touch. The desk was big enough to spread out your maps. The extra long bed was a dream come true. The free bottled water was nice because Iceland water is good. The hair dryer worked well. The in-room safe box – security is always a plus. There’s also the mini bar, of course. On-demand movies were available. There’s private bathroom. The reading light was helpful. The refrigerator came in handy. The satellite/cable channels were nice, but I spent most of my time out. The seating area was spacious. The shower was good. The soundproofing was excellent. Wake-up service was perfect. There’s Wi-Fi [free]. The window that opens was a nice touch, to get some fresh air.
Getting Around: Smooth Transitions
The Park Inn offers airport transfer. This is a MUST after a long flight. There is also car park [on-site].
Cleanliness and Safety: A Quick Repeat
This is worth hitting again. The Park Inn seems to take safety seriously. There's CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property. The fire extinguisher gave me peace of mind. The front desk [24-hour]. The non-smoking rooms were great. Safety/security feature. The security [24-hour] was great. The smoke alarms were reassuring.
**The Imperfection: A
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Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your meticulously crafted travel brochure. This is the raw, unfiltered truth of me attempting Iceland, specifically… the Park Inn by Radisson at Keflavik Airport. Strap in, because it's going to be a bumpy ride, just like Icelandic weather (probably).
Icelandic Odyssey: A Messy, Honest, and Probably Cold Adventure
Day 1: The Arrival & the "Almost Lost Luggage" Drama (and the surprisingly alright Park Inn)
5:00 AM (ish) - The Wake-Up Call That Wasn't. My alarm? Pfft. More like the internal scream of "ARE YOU SERIOUSLY DOING THIS?" that jolted me awake. I'd spent the entire flight convinced I wouldn't sleep, but apparently, even my anxiety needs a nap.
6:00 AM - Keflavik Airport: Reality Bites. Okay, WOW. The airport is… minimalist. Efficient, sure. But about as warm and welcoming as a glacier. My internal monologue: "Is this what being isolated feels like?"
6:30 AM - Luggage Anxiety: Chapter One. Remember that adorable, slightly oversized suitcase I meticulously packed? Yeah, it didn't make it. Cue the near-meltdown. I envision myself, huddled in the lobby, wearing the same, slightly-creased travel outfit for the next week. The lovely baggage handler (who probably deals with this daily) assured me it was coming. I'm trying to believe it.
7:00 AM - Park Inn by Radisson (Relief!): Surprisingly, the Park Inn is… not terrible. It's clean, the staff is friendly (that made a huge difference), and the free airport shuttle is a lifesaver. I snag a coffee and attempt to gather my scattered thoughts. The lobby has a weird sense of "airport-adjacent" neutrality. It's a solid place to rest my head before the next leg of the journey.
7:30 AM - The Breakfast Buffet Battle: Okay, I need sustenance. The buffet is a sea of… well, it's not the culinary feast I secretly hoped for. The scrambled eggs look like they've had a rough day, and the coffee is… coffee. However, the warm bread? Glorious. I eat approximately three slices. Score one for Iceland.
8:30 AM - The Luggage Update (and the Unexpected Embrace of Iceland's Nature): Still no suitcase. My mood swings from "panic" to "stoic acceptance" hourly. I decide to embrace the "pack light" philosophy (thanks, suitcase, for the help!). I walk, with whatever is left of my sanity, to the airport's edge to breathe the frigid air. WOW. The vastness of the landscape is incredible. The endless skies. The volcanic rock. It's… breathtaking. Maybe this Iceland thing won't be so bad after all?
9:30 AM - Reorienting and Plan B (ish): I'm rethinking my itinerary. No fancy camera gear. No specific outfits. My travel plans are in shambles. I'm embracing the “go with it” mindset, and I’m surprisingly free.
10:00 AM - Blue Lagoon Debriefing: (Okay, not debriefing, more like… pre-briefing.) Since I'm spending a lot more time at the airport, I've decided to book a ticket to the Blue Lagoon, and I'm really looking forward to it.
12:00 PM - The Lunch Experiment: The airport restaurant is "meh", but I'm famished. I order something that sounds Icelandic. It's… interesting. Let's just say I'm not ready to write home about the local cuisine quite yet.
1:00 PM - Luggage Update (Again): Still missing. I'm starting to become strangely fond of the travel outfit. I feel like I'm bonding with the other weary travelers.
2:00 PM - Blue Lagoon Bound! (Finally!): The bus ride is scenic. Fields of lava rock and moss. It makes me realize I'm in a landscape unlike anything I've experienced.
3:00 PM - The Blue Lagoon: Soaked in Bliss: Okay, this IS everything I hoped for and more. The warm, mineral-rich water is pure heaven. I spend hours floating, slathering on silica mud masks, and feeling my stress melt away. This is the highlight so far, the one thing that is actually exceeding my expectations. Iceland, you're starting to win me over.
6:00 PM - Back to the Park Inn: Back to reality. The shuttle is crowded, but it's fine. I'm still tired, but refreshed. I have a strange glow, and feel very clean.
7:00 PM - Dinner: The Airport Dilemma: I'm not starving, since I'm still full of the Blue Lagoon's goodness. I decide on something simple at the airport and collapse into my bed.
8:00 PM - The Luggage Revelation (sort of): I get an email! My suitcase is IN ICELAND. It's being delivered tomorrow. Maybe this is the end of my Iceland-sized adventure…
9:00 PM - Sleep: I fall asleep like a brick.
10:00 PM - WAKE UP! (In this dream, there is a volcano…): I wake up in sweat and start writing down the dream, before it runs away.
Day 2: Exploring… Slowly, and with Hopeful Luggage News
7:00 AM - The Same Breakfast, But with More Enthusiasm: I have grown fond of the bread and the coffee. Maybe I'm going native?
9:00 AM - The "Golden Circle" Adventure (Almost): With the suitcase saga unresolved, I'm revising. I've got a bus tour booked (a bit less chaotic than renting a car in my current state of half-packing), and I'm hoping for an up-close volcano view.
1:00 PM - Golden Circle! The geysers are magnificent. The waterfall is so loud that it actually hurts my ears. This is why I came.
6:00 PM - Back to the Park Inn: The tour bus is a slog, filled with people more prepared than me. I've made a friend!
7:00 PM - Dinner and Luggage Vigil: More airport food. Still no suitcase. Sigh.
9:00 PM - Actually Sleep For Real: I'm ready for it.
Day 3: The Grand Finale (and Departure!):
7:00 AM - Goodbye, Park Inn. This is going to be my last day, and I have to be in the airport by 10:00 AM.
8:00 AM - Airport breakfast: Goodbye coffee and bread, you have served me well.
9:00 AM - Luggage Update (The End?): You'll never guess it, but my luggage has finally arrived! It's slightly worse for wear, but hey, it made it.
10:00 AM - Departure Day: Iceland, you were a rollercoaster. I didn't do everything perfectly, but I saw volcanoes and laughed with strangers, and learned that sometimes, the best adventures are the ones you didn't plan. (Plus, the Blue Lagoon was AMAZING.) Until next time, frozen wonderland!
The Verdict: The Park Inn by Radisson? Perfectly adequate. Efficient, clean, and a solid launchpad for adventure (even when that adventure involves a missing suitcase and a lot of airport food). Iceland? A breathtaking mess. And I wouldn't have it any other way.
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Park Inn by Radisson Keflavik: The Real Deal (and Maybe a Broken One?) - Your FAQ
Okay, lay it on me: Is the Park Inn actually *hot*? I see those airport hotels and I'm always skeptical.
Hot, as in popular and conveniently located? Absolutely. Hot, like a five-star luxury experience? Honey, *no*. Let's be real. It's an airport hotel, designed to catch weary travelers before or after a long flight. The "hot" factor is mostly about proximity to Keflavik International Airport (KEF). Seriously, you can almost *smell* the jet fuel from the lobby. That's either incredibly convenient or a subtle hint of doom, depending on your travel mood. I'm leaning 'convenient' after a 20-hour journey from… well, let's just say it involved a goat and a tiny plane...
The rooms! Spill the tea. Are they a cramped, beige purgatory or a Nordic haven?
Okay, the rooms… They're… functional. Think IKEA-meets-airport-terminal. Don't expect soaring ceilings or dramatic views of the Northern Lights (unless you're *really* lucky and the weather's cooperating). They're clean, mostly, and the beds are comfortable enough to collapse on after a transatlantic flight. I once spent a *particularly* brutal layover there. The room felt sterile, almost clinical. But in that moment? Bliss. Pure, unadulterated, sleep-fueled bliss. I think I even drooled. It's not the Four Seasons, alright? But after a red-eye, it’s a godsend. Just don't go expecting anything remotely Instagram-able. Unless, of course, you like pictures of functional furniture. I might have a few…
Breakfast, the most crucial part of any hotel. Is it worth getting up for?
The breakfast… now *there's* where things get interesting. It's included, which is a *huge* plus in Iceland, where food prices can make your eyes water. They have the usual suspects: eggs (questionable origin, sometimes), bacon (a little crispy, sometimes), and pastries that probably came from a pre-fab factory. But… They also often have Icelandic options. I'm talking skyr, the protein-packed yogurt that tastes like a hug from a Viking. And sometimes – *sometimes* – they have smoked salmon. If you get the smoked salmon? *EAT IT ALL*. It's practically heaven. The coffee, however, is… well, it'll keep you awake. And that’s the important part, right? I once saw a guy use a whole pot of breakfast coffee to wash down a handful of painkillers, and that, my friends, is the true sign of desperation.
I'm a nervous flyer. Is it quiet enough to get any decent sleep?
Noise… is a gamble. You're in an airport hotel; Expect some level of airplane hum permeating the wall. Remember, you're essentially *in* the airport, so there's always going to be the subtle (or sometimes not-so-subtle) roar of jet engines, the rumble of luggage trolleys, and the collective groan of a thousand weary travelers. That said, the windows are pretty good at blocking out the worst of it. I’d suggest earplugs and maybe a white noise app on your phone. I've found it helps. One time I stayed there, a group of teenagers was having a raucous party in a neighboring room, which was terrible until the hotel staff arrived to put a stop to it. Maybe request a room away from the elevators, just in case you have some annoying neighbors.
Any tips for maximizing my Park Inn experience?
Here are my pro tips:
- Book in advance: It gets busy, especially during peak season.
- Pack snacks: Iceland is expensive. Snacks are your friend.
- Earplugs and eye mask: Seriously, these are non-negotiable.
- Explore the common areas: You can find a quiet corner for a few moments of reflection. The lobby bar is usually decent for a quick drink if needed.
- Embrace the airport vibe: Look at the people. Watch the people. It’s a fascinating microcosm of humanity.
- Don't expect perfection: It's an airport hotel. It's about function, not fancy.
- If you have to endure the airport *and* the hotel, you're already winning: It's rough, but you're through the worst of it. Be grateful.
Are there any *major* downsides? Like, things that made you want to run screaming into the Icelandic wilderness?
Okay, yes. Let's talk downsides. The biggest one is the price. Even for an airport hotel, it can be a little… eye-watering, especially if you're trying to budget. And the restaurant, while convenient, is overpriced for what it is. I once ordered a burger there that cost more than my flight! Granted, I was a bit sleep-deprived. My biggest *emotional* downside? The sense of transience. You're just passing through. You're not *really* in Iceland. You're in the shadow of an airport, eating lukewarm eggs and watching people drag suitcases across the lobby. It can feel… a little lonely. But when you're about to board an international flight, that is far less important than the *convenience* of being right there. However, if you crave local immersion, perhaps try to skip it and head straight to Reykjavik!
What are the other nearby dining options, if I'm not feeling the hotel restaurant?
Okay, so the airport itself has a few options. It's all… airport food, generally. Pricey and a bit meh, but you're in a bind. There's a Joe & The Juice for a quick pick-me-up. There’s also a Subway, and while not the most exciting option, at least you know what to expect. There are a few restaurants around the airport, but you’re mostly looking at fast food or a very, very long walk. I'd recommend sticking with the hotel, or grabbing something quick and easy within the terminal.
The gym. Is there one? And, if so, is it worth it?
Yes, there's a gym, technically speaking. I saw some weights and treadmills. I can’t say I’ve *used* it. Frankly, after a long flight, the idea of exercise makes my internal organs shudder. The gym looked… functional. It probably served its purpose. I’d say if you’re super motivated and need to sweat, go for it. If you’re like me and would rather stare blankly at the ceiling for a few hours,Travel Stay Guides
