While you’ll find a fair number of points hotels in Reykjavik and the surrounding area, there aren’t many points properties in other parts of Iceland. In 2024, we learned about Hilton’s plans to open a pretty cool new property, and this is now closer to becoming a reality, as the hotel has started accepting reservations for stays as of later this year.
In this post:
Basics of Skald Hotel Akureyri, Curio Collection by Hilton
Skald Hotel Akureyri, Curio Collection by Hilton, is now accepting reservations for stays as of August 1, 2026. This is thanks to a franchise agreement with Bohemian Hotels. The property will be on Hafnarstræti street, in the heart of Akureyri, in the very north of the country. The property will feature 86 guest rooms spread across three floors, “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 terrace, 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. Below are the limited renderings of the property so far.
With the hotel now bookable, what are rates like? Not surprisingly, rates vary significantly based on season, though are definitely on the high side, given how expensive Iceland is.
In summer, I see rates starting at around $450 or 95,000 Hilton Honors points per night, while in winter, I see rates starting at around $250 or 55,000 Hilton Honors points per night. With Hilton increasingly matching award costs to cash costs, it’s harder to get outsized value with points.
It’s great to see more points hotels in Iceland!
Iceland is an incredible country, and I just wrapped up a great trip there, staying at Torfhus Retreat, the Reykjavik EDITION, and the Retreat Hotel at Blue Lagoon.
The country has so much more to offer beyond the Reykjavik area, so it’s fantastic to see a points property that’s ideal for those looking to take a road trip around the country.
Akureyri even has an airport, with flights from EasyJet, Edelweiss, Icelandair, Norlandair, and Transavia. There was even an airline startup that was going to be based there, 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 August 2026, we should see the opening of Skald Hotel Akureyri, part of Curio Collection by Hilton. This will be located in the northern part of Iceland, an area of the country that has virtually no points hotels. I already can’t wait to return to Iceland, so I very much look forward to checking out this hotel during my next visit!
What do you make of Hilton’s plans to open a new property in Iceland?
Akureyri is a great town- one of a handful of small cities in the north. A decent amount to do there and some cruises/expeditions are based from the deep water port there. Very scenic area, like most of the Icelandic coastline.
It takes a surprisingly long time to drive around Iceland, so for the serious explorers you need to move hotel bases. I was in Akureyri last year and loved it, would have stayed in this property if it was open then.
I can't imagine the hotel being good enough to justify the price tag. There's plenty of much more reasonably priced options in that area.
Luckily for Tom Deuce (Also known as "The Delta Dunce", sometimes known as Uncle Tommy "DrunkenD" Dumbass, Delta flies to Reikjavik! Which is of course the capital of the iceland. Which is good otherwise Dumm would have a "very severe case of Delta Deranagement Syndrome' which is symptomized by "excessive nonsensical comments", "blatant stupidity" and "a nasty habit of making totally stupid comments" - All of the are quotes by The Scientists who have it...
Luckily for Tom Deuce (Also known as "The Delta Dunce", sometimes known as Uncle Tommy "DrunkenD" Dumbass, Delta flies to Reikjavik! Which is of course the capital of the iceland. Which is good otherwise Dumm would have a "very severe case of Delta Deranagement Syndrome' which is symptomized by "excessive nonsensical comments", "blatant stupidity" and "a nasty habit of making totally stupid comments" - All of the are quotes by The Scientists who have it "very thoroughly", with Tom being Patient Number One ! Perhaps he's need a vacation and some time to relax !
And you have a case of TDDS. Here's a tip: Don't give him the attention he craves. Ignore him. Don't reply. And certainly don't beclown yourself like this, it's pathetic.
I wouldn’t necessarily call Akureyri “remote Northern Iceland.” It is a major city.
With a population of barely 20k people I wouldn't even call it a city, let alone a major one.
It's not the size that counts... heh.
It's a major city in the sense of having a full set of city things, a downtown, a shopping district, a deep water port, regional airport access, crossroads of area highways, etc. There's other noteworthy towns in northern Iceland but this is the most noteworthy. All small by "mainland" standards, of course.
I would also suggest measuring the size versus the local/national population - Iceland only has ~400K residents.
I’m a little skeptical about the Curio brand in Iceland. I stayed at the Reykjavik Konsulat Curio last summer, and was a bit disappointed. The breakfast spread was basic, no eggs made to order, no one serving coffee, I had already told myself I would never stay here again as I plopped a couple of pieces of smoked salmon on my plate. I’ve been to Iceland three times, staying at Centerhotels, Fosshotels, homes, and hostels....
I’m a little skeptical about the Curio brand in Iceland. I stayed at the Reykjavik Konsulat Curio last summer, and was a bit disappointed. The breakfast spread was basic, no eggs made to order, no one serving coffee, I had already told myself I would never stay here again as I plopped a couple of pieces of smoked salmon on my plate. I’ve been to Iceland three times, staying at Centerhotels, Fosshotels, homes, and hostels. At $600+ a night, The Konsulat just doesn’t cut it.
Location wise, Myvatn is a much better base to explore northern Iceland. Akureyri is a drive by town, though there was one Thai spot that did have beef (a rarity) on the menu. Akureyri Backpackers also has excellent chicken curry nachos.
Too bad the location isn't just perfect to see the solar eclipse coming this summer. It's a few hours drive I think.
I'd've said... 'cold' ...Ben. In all seriousness, the more remote parts of Iceland really do need more accommodations. When we drove around the entire island about a decade ago, the far side was few and far between. Dettifoss is still one of my favorite sites, but, getting there from Reykjavik requires staying somewhere nearby, unless you're insane.
I did 2 days in Northern Iceland back in 2021, flying now defunct Eagle Air to Husavik on a Jetstream 31 there and a Dornier 328 back to Reykjavik city airport (man was that ever a great little trip for a plane enthusiast!).
Akureyri is actually the largest city outside the capital area and has a pleasant downtown. Husavik also a very pleasant town and drivable from Akureyri. Recommended!
I haven't been to Akureyri but in 24' I went to the Westfjords and flew from Reykjavik city airport to Isafjrour(IFJ) in Iceland Air's lil Dash 200s and it was incredible!
Glad to see you make an article about the hotel construction in my home town :)