Hotel Skaftafell

Hotel Skaftafell descritpion

The amazing location of Hotel Skaftafell provides guests with stunning views of Iceland's highest mountain, Hvannadalshnjukur and the largest glacier in Europe, Vatnajökull.
All rooms at Hotel Skaftafell have a work desk, satellite TV and a private bathroom with a shower. WiFi internet access is available.
Staff can help arrange excursions to the beautiful surroundings with volcanoes, glaciers and a rich wildlife.
À la carte dishes, as well as a buffet breakfast, are available in the hotel restaurant. The hotel has a fully licensed bar on the 2nd floor with magnificent glacier views.
The glacier lagoon Jökulsárlón is only 40 minutes drive from Hotel Skaftafell. The hotel is located by the Route 1 road.

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The staff speaks English——Hotel Skaftafell's staff speaks:Icelandic,French,Spanish,English,German
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Facilities of Hotel Skaftafell

Pets ：Pets are not allowed.

Food & Drink ：Restaurant | Bar | Restaurant with Dining Menu

Internet ：Free!WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

Parking ：Free!Free public parking is available on site (reservation is not needed).

General ：Non-smoking Rooms | Heating | All Spaces Non-Smoking (public and private)

Languages Spoken ：Icelandic | French | Spanish | English | German

Reviews for Hotel Skaftafell

Review 1：Unfortunately, the mattress did not have a protective covering so the sheets laid directly over the mattress. Also the sheets were very thin (almost transparent), very COARSE and itchy. The bathroom was very small so after showering most of the floor area gets entirely wet. The WiFi connection is terrible with needing to log-in constantly. Breakfast was average and the same everyday. We did not like the bright lights outside. Not worth staying here again.

Review 2：The mattress was good at medium firmness.

Review 3：The wifi had a usage limit although they gave us another code to use once we reached it that allowed us to use more.

Review 4：Breakfast was included, the rooms were clean and had enough amenities to make it a nice stay in the area.

Review 5：Restaurant was a bit pricey so we went to the restaurant in the petrol station opposite where the food was delicious and great value

Review 6：Nice enough hotel, was in an annex away from the main part of the hotel which we were really happy about when we saw the coach tour pull up. Great view out the window. Nice buffet breakfast

Review 7：You can go the shop that next to the oil station to buy thing in 5mins walk

Review 8：You can see the northern light just outside the hotel Coz outside is very dark

Review 9：We liked everything - great location for going on tours or hikes in the Vatnajökull National Park (about 5 mins drive from the Visitor Centre which is a common pick-up point for tours).

Review 10：The free breakfast was a bit disappointing. Limited hot food aside from toast and coffee.

Review 11：Simple, no-frills accommodations next to the glacier. Motel style. Restaurant pretty good for dinner.

Review 12：Great proximity to glaciers and good stop between Hofn and Vik. Beautiful walking path in back of hotel. Happy hour in upstairs bar area was nice. Breakfast being included was nice, for price would've loved a few warm items though. Staff friendly.

Review 13：Somewhat pricey and it's not recommend to arive at dark cause the way to the hotel (keep driving past the skftafell site) and the room (if it's not in the main building) is a bit tricky.

Review 14：Attitude of the night shift staff was bad and we couldnt use hot water! They said we should wait around 30mins after having shower for another(how ridiculous!). However, after over an hour and a half, i still couldnt get hot water! In the end, I had a shower with super cold water around 12am! Didnt expect that i could have glacier experience at the hotel. For a tiny room with glacier experience...maybe im not allowed to complain about the price.

Review 15：The location was good and i had nice mountain veiw.

Review 16：The curtain cannot be closed completely and the flashlight outside can get into the room.

Review 17：the staff is helpful. The hotel is only 5 km from the Skaftafell national park and therefore very convenient.

Review 18：The hotel was quite old and tired. It needs a lot of renovation especially charging the high price. We didn't sleep to well in the hotel as we felt itchy (perhaps the bed had bugs ? We're unsure)

Review 19：It has a good location next to the national park. Staff were friendly

Review 20：IMO, expensive for small room (3 single beds, maybe14ft square), no room to open suitcase. Clean but uncomfortable beds/linen, minimalism was the key concept. Corner bathroom maybe 3foot square, always a challenge for 3 women. Note, not complaining, just a comparison observation. This property served us well for many other reasons.

Review 21：Excellent convenient location for Skaftafell National Park, excursions to nearby glaciers, and glacier lagoon. Great and extensive buffet breakfast, but at extra cost. Friendly attentive staff.

Review 22：kitchen not very flexible as we had a member of our party with an allergy

Review 23：great breakfast (waffles), good location (saw the northern lights). felt quite posh

Review 24：Very expensive (not much competition in the area), very small bedroom, beds were hard, tiny TV, had to go outside to get to room

Review 25：Great location and good breakfast

Review 26：There simply weren't enough staff at breakfast, tables were not cleared, entire portions of the buffet were left empty for the whole time we were there, bad luck if you wanted fruit etc.

Review 27：Reception staff very friendly and the room was comfortable and welcoming after a long day. There was also the widest variety of TV channels I've come across in our time in Iceland.

Review 28：It was the most expensive hotel we stayed at and it was not worth it. We choose this restaurant because it had a restaurant, but the night we were there, there was a very expensive buffet dinner and you could not order off the menu. We ended up eating at a gas station which we think is also owned by Hotel S. The other closest restaurant was half an hour away.

Review 29：The location was great.

Review 30：Expensive for what it offers: American motel-type accommodations at 4star prices

Review 31：Location location location! Views of glacier from our window and the bar. Friendly staff. Delicious lamb.

Review 32：Could not adjust shower water to warmer then tepid. Room had little to no ventilation without propping open window.

Review 33：The young evening staff was ver charming and helpful.

Review 34：Lazy kitchen, food very average by Iceland standards and overpriced, no authority in the staff, young casual staff for the most part-not their fault, poorly trained. The hotel overlooks one of the most unique sights in Iceland and we are seated for dinner overlooking the carpark-lazy.....

Review 35：Unique location, clean and comfortable

Review 36：Wifi poor, continually having to put in password, even if not used for 5 min. Room very small, no decent communal facilities and price too high, even for Iceland.

Review 37：Location

Review 38：The room was really tiny with no view. It would be nice to have broader options for dinner. The hotel only offers an expensive buffet at dinnertime. We ate at the gas station across the street a lot. The breakfast buffet, which is included in the hotel rate, is very nice, though.

Review 39：It is one of the few hotels near the national park. The people who work there are very friendly.

Review 40：1. Wifi didn't work in my room. I was offered a different room, but that room was even less appealing than the one I had, so I just used the bar for wifi. 2. Attitude of SOME staff not especially welcoming or friendly. Does not apply to all. 3. Main negative is GREATLY OVERPRICED for what you get, even by Icelandic expensive standards. 4. Only dinner choice was an expensive buffet which, again, was far overpriced. Lots of food but only of mediocre quality, not nearly as good as I had had at restaurants in other places for less money.

Review 41：Location Good breakfast

Review 42：Too too expensive, poorly equipped. No hot water from sink tap. Shower water not hot enough, very uncomfortable. No hair drier. No fridge. Small kettle, onle 500 ml. Provide disposal cups only, environmental unfriendly. Room small in size. Restaurant very expensive. Triple room same size as a double room but EUR50 dearer even we only accommodate 2 persons.

Review 43：the room is very small and is not cleaned thoroughly. The room is not worth the price.

Review 44：The location is good and the staff is very friendly and willing to help.

Review 45：I had trouble booking accommodation during August in the Skaftafell region and think I probably paid over the odds for these last rooms. The location is great, the rooms like a Travelodge and the staff are friendly (even suggested we might like to eat in the grill over the road rather than the restaurant which was a good choice with two teenage boys). The breakfast buffet was great!

Review 46：Wifi stopped working after 3 hours. Next morning I received a new password. I believe there is a limit on the wifi usage which should be stated on their "small print".

Review 47：Comfortable bed. Nice location. Friendly staff.

Review 48：Service in general was not up to the price. Dinner in the restaurant was overpriced for average dishes. Rooms seem to be Only twins and not doubles. Having to dash between buildings in the cold win and rain.

Review 49：This was good location for us. I'm sure the bar was has an amazing view on a clear day. TV in the rooms was good with plenty of international channels

Review 50：This place is old and feels dirty. The food was so overpriced -- all felt due to taking advantage of their location. Eat at the gas station across the street.

Review 51：Rooms next to exit doors, woken by people entering and exiting early morning. Seemed very expensive for a Travellodge-style room. Didn't try the restaurant as there was an excellent diner across the road at half the price.

Review 52：Excellent location for early start to glacier walk. Good breakfast.

Review 53：This place is very pricey. But they can charge this price because there is only one more hotel in town besides them. If you have time to drive just a couple more hours, I would recommend staying near Skogafoss instead to save some money.

Review 54：The location is great. It's 45 minute drive from the Glacier Lagoon which was perfect. A lot of the glacier walking tours also depart from Skaftafell, so the hotel is well situated. The hotel itself is very nice, the rooms are spacious with their own bathroom and an amazing view of the glaciers.

Review 55：The pre-fab building had little to no character and there was limited hot water (maybe a 10 minute shower between heatings) the food in the restauant was very expensive for the quality.

Review 56：The location was very convenient for our glacier hike. The room was clean and the view of the mountains was beautiful.

Review 57：Wifi connection was not good, room was expensive compared to average rate in the area

Review 58：Staff was very friendly and nice, room was well equipped, we had amazing view from the hotel room's window

Review 59：Place was kind of like a bunker. Way more expensive and cheap construction compared to other properties we visited in Iceland.

Review 60：Location was great. Very nice road up to the glacier right out the door of the hotel

Review 61：C'est la première fois, après des dizaines de nuitées au 4 coins du monde, que nous payons aussi cher pour une qualité somme toute banale : une chambre de taille standard sans frigo, une salle de bain sans sèche-cheveux et un wifi instable, le tout pour 200€la nuitée. Rente de situation!!!

Review 62：L'accueil chaleureux.

Review 63：For the price we paid It's never a 4 star hotel. It's more like a motel. The pillows are spongy and the wifi is too complicated The staff are too relaxed - we eventually got someone to help us in the upstairs bar. The menu - well there's only two choices and it's expensive.

Review 64：That it was close to all the tourist sites.

Review 65：So beautiful countryside with waterfalls and close wildlife. Just 500m behind the hotel, the interstellar movie was filmed on the glacier. Photonic paradise!

Review 66：The bed was too soft for my sore back.

Review 67：Breakfast, location to the park and the friendly helpful lady at the front desk who could read the weather more accurately than the online forecasts.

Review 68：seemed a little expensive but only hotel for some distance.

Review 69：great location. Not the cheapest food in restaurant but good quality. Nice little bar, reasonably priced beer ( for Iceland)

Review 70：Out of all the places we stayed in our week around Iceland this was by far the worst, on top of being the most expensive. Limited internet access, cold shower, cheap furniture, not very clean. Unfortunatly the aren't many alternatives in the area. Avoid if you can.

Review 71：Breakfast

Review 72：Unfortunately the workers were on strike for the second night of our stay, and the menu was limited, but the owners were very accommodating!

Review 73：Fantastic location, friendly staff, basic, but sufficient rooms!

Review 74：Our room was in an outbuilding to the rear -single story - one long corridor with rooms either side - it may well have been something else before being converted - if not, it had that feel about it. Not necessarily a bad point

Review 75：Not that there are any guarantees in this statement but this was where we had our best views of the Northern Lights. We also had a fantastic evening meal and a great breakfast

Review 76：Situated in the middle of nowhere but for me, that added to the surrounding area, the wifi was not as strong in the rooms as it was in the lobby but thats a minor issue.

Review 77：The location of the hotel was ideal for where we wanted to go, the glaciers and national park only 5-10mins drive up the road. Staff were friendly and quite helpful, the food and room were fine.

Review 78：Dinner options are limited: in-house restaurant is so expensive we didn't try it and the gas station next door refused to serve us at 20h. No other restaurants in at least 20km radius Hotel is OK but not more than that: I guess they know they're the only option called "Hotel" in the area and coast on the guaranteed clientele.

Review 79：The staff was nice enough to change us to a double room when we had twin beds confirmed. The wi-fi is fine: I don't understand the reviews complaining about "only 1 GB per day". In my opinion you should go to Skaftafell to be outdoors, not using so much wi-fi

Review 80：The room was comfortable and provided exactly what a traveler interested in outdoor exploration at a spectacular outdoor location would need. The complimentary breakfast was fresh and plentiful and the staff was very welcoming and hospitable.

Review 81：The rooms are very basic. No frills.

Review 82：You can walk to the glaciers from the hotel and find spectacular views and trails. The staff was so friendly and helpful to us, we felt like they were thrilled we chose to stay there! Their restaurant is also superb.

Review 83：Rooms are basic and a little pricey. But your not in Iceland for luxury. And to be in such an exquisite location you've gotta pay for it.

Review 84：Super friendly helpful staff, in an amazing location close to everything in Vatnajökull.

Review 85：The closest thing to a complaint I have is that the WiFi was very slow and limited in the number of people in the room who could use it (we had 3...which meant we had to trade off). It's possible the staff would have helped us out, but fortunately we were there for glaciers, not wifi.

Review 86：Small but more than adequate accommodation. This is not a hotel with lots of facilities, but the location gives access to the beautiful southeast of the island. Complimentary breakfast was substantial and staff was very pleasant. Dinner wasn't a bargain but was surprisingly good and interesting.

Review 87：Very nice and helpful staff, definitely went the extra mile. The hotel restaurant décor isn't fantastic but the food and service were absolutely amazing. The arctic char dish in particular was incredible. The rooms also have spectacular views, and the hotel is within walking distance of a glacier, and within a 5 minute drive of a number of hiking trails into the national park. Couldn't have had a better stay.

Review 88：Waited a little bit of time to be served on the reception desk when we arrived, but otherwise friendly. Interiors also need a bit of refreshing. Lack of sockets to plug in electricals!

Review 89：Great to have wifi in the hotel and this worked fine, plus a breakfast available. Food in the evening was tasty (but a little expensive).

Review 90：It was a nice hotel, just a little more expensive due to being the only hotel in the area. They offered the use of a hair dryer at the desk, and the restaurant was open for breakfast and dinner. The dinner was good but nothing amazing. The beer selection was good, one of the few places to get Frozen in Time. They do limit the wifi per device in each room.

Review 91：This hotel is just minutes from the national park visitor center, so it was a great place to stay after a long day of hiking. Loved that breakfast was also included!

Review 92：Signposting to waterfall poor and as a result took twice as long to find the fall.

Review 93：Easy access to Skaftafell visitor centre and walks to glacier and waterfall.

Review 94：Dated furniture and other room facilities - felt like we were in the 70's in a scouts camp. Overpriced room and restaurant.

Review 95：The staff were professional and helpful.Restaurant food was very good.

Review 96：We stayed here with a group of 13 girls and everthing was just perfect. Very Nice and helpfull owner and personel! Great breakfast and the best thing is the wake up call for the northern light, which we saw :)

Review 97：The facility (rooms, beds, furniture, TV) is a bit dated and would benefit from some renovations.

Review 98：We stayed there during a terrible storm forced the road to be closed. The staff there were fantastic in accommodating everyone and they had a fair number of unexpected guests (I would guess easily 20) who had to get rescued by the local people and road assistance. Big kudos to the staff. The rooms are small, but clean.

Review 99：The menu is limited though there is a petrol station opposite which also does food for a bit of variety

Review 100：The staff at this hotel were great. Simple hotel but near all the main sights that you would want to see

Review 101：Had to wait a while for a coffee refill and mini croissants were overcooked. But these are minor things, im being picky.

Review 102：Our room was standard, quite basic but comfortable enough. Breakfast was average but enjoyable. Staff helpful and friendly. Overall the place is fine. Decent value. Would stay here as stopover again.

Review 103：No restaurant choices around this area.

Review 104：If northern lights happened, this hotel is a very good place to view. Even though rooms are small but very comfortable. All staff are very friendly and nice to assist. This location is good for visiting the main scenic spots.

Review 105：Room is too small. Bed is also small for adult. Considering price, It's little bit expansive. Wifi connection is limited to person reserved. So i couldn't use my laptop and phone at the same time.

Review 106：Every staff was very kind. Location is perfect to Enjoy Skaftafel.

Review 107：We stayed here before a glacier hike, the hotel is on Skaftafell's door step. We were concerned that by staying in a hotel we might miss the 'local' experience, however, found the staff to be from a farm just down the road and the whole hotel a very family oriented place. The staff were so lovely, they helped us re-plan our trip when the weather took a turn for the worst and were wonderfully friendly. The rooms were basic but comfy. We liked it so much we stayed an extra night!

Review 108：no real place to hand out except the hallways or lobby. restaurant closed early, and had very limited options. breakfast extremely basic. som

Review 109：location. its a simple place in a great spot to hike and explore. staff friendly and helpful for the most part.

Review 110：The only problem was the wifi, which occasionally cuts out. It has a data limit, which may be a crafty way to get people out of the hotel and into the beautiful nature surrounding them.

Review 111：The staff were amazing, especially since we were travelling in the off season and it was nearly empty. Everyone was helpful and professional.

Review 112：The restaurant is expensive even by Icelandic standards. The decor was a little dated given the price of the hotel.

Review 113：This hotel is so close to the Skaftafell Visitors Centre that it was an easy drive of a few mins.

Review 114：The hotels' restaurant prices and choices was limited and over priced. The wi-fi connection was limited which we were not aware of, so it was soon used up! No refreshment making facilities however staff were willing to provide thermos flasks and milk etc Breakfast was poor and very limited. For the £100.00 per night I feel this could be the one thing they excel at.

Review 115：Loved the view! Staff were friendly and obliging.

Review 116：What i didnt like is more of a general complaint about all the hotel resturants in iceland. First, outside of Reykjavik your only choice of eating out is a resturant at a hotel. Second is they always gotta be fancy, 4 options of things to eat, small portions and expensive. The resturant here was another of these.

Review 117：I read reviews that spoke poorly of this place but i didnt find any of the things mentioned in those at this hotel, i quite liked it. The room was nice and clean. The location is great for hiking in the national park, checking out glaciers and going to svartifoss (black waterfall). I would akso reccommend staying here if you are planning to go to the glacier lagoon because its only 1\2 hour away. Theres a gas station across the street with a small convenience store and a resturant. My wife and i ate there alot becase its not as expensive as the hotel resturant, they have vegetarian options and its just good food. Its pretty much your only choice out there unless youre camping, but it didnt seem like they were taking advantage of that fact, except it is a little expensive for the hotel it is.

Review 118：Restaurant expensive - but what you would expect given that there are not many alternative choices within 50 miles.

Review 119：Great location - close to Skaftafell visitor centre, and with a glacier almost in the back garden!

Review 120：Very friendly and comfortable hotel. Our weather was awful and so we spent one day upstairs in the cozy bar. It was warm and we were welcomed there. Restaurant food was very good and you can also go across the road to the gas station (they have a lunch and dinner buffet for the trucks) and it was good too!!

Review 121：The staff is so friendly and helpful, and the rooms and beds are very, very comfortable. The view is incredible! The hotel isn't fancy but it's very clean and well-maintained. I stayed two nights and wished I could have stayed longer.

Review 122：The WiFi was limited which was a little annoying - you pay much less to stay in backpacker hostels where WiFi us not limited! There were no tea making facilities in the room.

Review 123：This hotel is situated in a really great location, close to glacier walks, Skaftafell national park and the glacier lagoon. Facilities were good and for me it was a welcome break from hostels!

Review 124：Would have preferred a double bed compared to two singles

Review 125：A perfect location; do not miss this place if you go to Iceland!

Review 126：Great location, really helpful staff. Would go back again, ideal position for glacier tours.

Review 127：A bit high price.

Review 128：Good location if go for glacier walk in the morning. Very helpful staff. Snow mountain view nice

Review 129：Room was a bit tired and needs modernising, particularly the bathroom facilities.

Review 130：Fantastic location for the glaciers.

Review 131：Great location for exploring the East of the island.

Review 132：Decor -a bit nursing home like .

The Fine Print

Please note that charges will be made in EUR according to the exchange rate on the day that the charge is made.