While you’ll find a fair number of points hotels in Reykjavik and the surrounding area, there aren’t many points hotels in other parts of Iceland. That’s why I’m excited to see this latest development, as there’s a new property opening in 2025, which I look forward to staying at.
In this post:
Akureyri “Skáld” Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton
Hilton has just announced plans to open two new hotels in Iceland, thanks to a new franchise agreement with Bohemian Hotels. While one hotel is in Reykjavik, the one planned for the north of Iceland is much more interesting to me.
Akureyri Skáld Hotel, a Curio Collection by Hilton property, is expected to open in the summer of 2025. It will be on the Hafnarstræti street, in the heart of Akureyri, in the very north of the country. The property will feature 70 guest rooms, “blending modern comforts with a nod to Iceland’s rich cultural heritage.”
The hotel is expected to feature a lounge and lobby bar, an all-day dining restaurant with an outdoor courtyard, and a social club concept. The north of Iceland is popular for its proximity to the Diamond Circle and Arctic Circle, including for whale watching and observing the Northern Lights.
Admittedly this isn’t some luxury property that’s a destination in and of itself, but instead it should be a good option for those in the Hilton Honors ecosystem who want to explore Iceland.
It’s great to see more points hotels in Iceland!
I’ve been wanting to return to Iceland for another trip, and some time back was plotting out an itinerary. I was going to drive around the entire country, including a stop in Akureyri, and noticed how few hotels there were. So it’s always exciting to have more options.
Akureyri even has an airport, with flights from EasyJet, Edelweiss, Icelandair, Transavia, and more. There was even an airline startup that was going to be based here, but that didn’t end up being successful.
More generally speaking, it sure would be nice to see more luxury and/or points properties outside of the Reykjavik area. Of course Iceland is a destination you visit for the natural beauty, and not because there’s a St. Regis or Four Seasons.
However, you’d still think that there would be demand for something like a Six Senses property, since it’s a brand that’s very much about nature. The only real luxury property I know of outside of the Reykjavik area is Deplar Farm, and that’s painfully expensive.
So while this new Curio Collection property likely won’t be particularly luxurious, I’m still delighted to have another points property that’s ideal if exploring Iceland.
Bottom line
In the summer of 2025, we should see the opening of a new Hilton Curio Collection property in Akureyri, in northern Iceland. It’s always nice to have more properties where you can redeem points, and I’m excited to check this out.
What do you make of Hilton’s plans to open a new property in Iceland?
In Akureyri apart from said Airlines, their is also the Local Airline “Norlandair” with a really cool route to Constable Point in Greenland, flown on Twin Otters or Kingairs
The Icelandic Aviation Museum is at the Akureyri aiport and really worth a visit - https://www.flugsafn.is/
Great news indeed... my family and I have wonderful memories of our stay at the Canopy by Hilton in Reykjavik (I believe it was, at the time we visited, the only "Canopy" location). If the staff at this new hotel is only half as great as the Canopy staff were, this will still be a must visit property.
Have a soak at the beer spa just up the road. Bring a designated driver since there are taps next to the individual soaking tubs.
That sounds awesome
Great hotel but for the possibility of running into a
Delusional
Commenting
Shill
Separately I wonder what my associates would think of me at a Hilton instead of a Rosewood, Aman, or Four Seasons
Probably the same as they do now, that you’re a pompous wannabe that spends his day trolling in the comments about a life he wishes he led…
Wow @Biglaw V10 Partner, you've been on a roll today with stupid (don't by those chargers), obnoxious (incoherent comments insulting someone who hasn't commented and making sure that we all know you're rich and successful and downright rude (to @Julie).
Thou clearly doth protest too much. You probably make next to nothing as a paralegal in a third-rate firm. Please either be nice or find another sandbox.
Well said Julie