Name: Hotel Skaftafell
Address: Freysnesi, Skaftafell, Iceland, Skaftafell, Eastern Region, IS
Price range: $224–$786 per night
Rating: 8.35

What guests think

Hotel Skaftafell offers a simple base with standout glacier-side location and friendly service, drawing guests for easy hikes, aurora wake-up calls, and hearty breakfasts, though small dated rooms, thin walls, and high prices temper enthusiasm.

The restaurant and upstairs bar are well liked, and some guests opt for the cafe at the gas station opposite for a simpler meal. Cleanliness draws praise overall, with isolated reports of dated bathrooms or lingering odors. Overall, it suits a short, no-frills stop close to major sights.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

On-site restaurant and an upstairs bar are appreciated, and parking is straightforward. In this remote spot, many mention the gas-station cafe across the road as a simple alternative.

Related guest reviews

10

Diane

Nov 12, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Easy check in. Room was spacious and clean. Breakfast had lots of options. Easy access via car to many wondeful locations. Some great hikes from the hotel. Bar had a happy hour ☺️

10

Verna

Aug 5, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

A great hotel within walking distance to the glaciers. The overall hotel is peaceful and surrounded by raw beauty. All the staff were very helpful and welcoming. The rooms comfortable and clean. The restaurant was outstanding and we had a great dinner and breakfast during our visit. Ample parking available. My only regret is we didn't stay for an extra night at the hotel. Would highly recommend visiting Hotel Skaftafell!

10

james

Oct 3, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Location and access to parking. The restaurant was excellent for dinner as well as buffet breakfast.

10

Ritesh

Oct 7, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

This area doesn’t have a lot of choices but this is a great choice. Lots of parking, excellent breakfast and friendly staff. They offer a Northern Lights wake up call so you don’t miss out, a nice touch! Would definitely recommend this hotel.

10

Rita

Dec 2, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Restaurant food was good and convenient! Breakfast was nice. Location was great! Staff was friendly. Room was a little crowded for 3 adults but staff was able to provide an extra room at the last minute.

10

Philipp

Apr 24, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Friendly staff and nice bar! Beautiful landscape!

8

Marcin

May 17, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Good location to stay if visiting iceberg lagoon. Right at the bottom of the glacier in pretty remote area. Rooms comfortable if rather basic, quick and efficient check in. Good breakfast as part of the deal. Negative for restaurant closing early and the bar upstairs, with empty basic room with no decor, charging more than bars downtown Reykjavik, lol. Good alternative is a gas station across the road. Altogether seemed pricey for what one gets, but I guess being one of few options in the area allows that.

10

Natalie

Apr 9, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Stayed for one night during vacation in March. Was a perfect stop on the drive along the ring road. Nice staff, easy check in, free parking, safe and clean. The rooms have lots of beds (perfect if you have a family with you), and it was super comfy. The hotel even offered to call our room if they saw the northern lights, and THEY DID! Our phone rang at 11PM to alert us so we could go outside! It was the only time we got to see them so we were so appreciative, what a kind gesture! Would stay again. Has a small upstairs area with a patio that looks back out at the mountain behind the property, perfect for happy hour. Has a restaurant with a lovely menu. Perfect stay!

10

Shiyu

Oct 28, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Very good location, good service, in-house and nearby restaurant and gas station.

10

Robert

Jun 11, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Clean room with comfortable beds. Walking distance to view glaciers. Fantastic breakfast and nice bar with rooftop patio. Highly recommend.

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Cleanliness

Rooms and common areas are generally clean. A few guests reported dated bathrooms or occasional odors such as smoke or damp.

Related guest reviews

10

Kelly

Apr 9, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Clean and convenient

10

TJ

May 29, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Very clean, comfy, charming and has the best backyard where you are 20 min (walk) from the glacier. The food at the restaurant was excellent. Didn’t have their breakfast. Enjoy this stay as a one night stay passing through the area

10

Melissa E

Jun 26, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Clean and enjoyable

8

Michelle

Sep 27, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Our overall stay was pretty good, however, our room had a very strong mold odor. We kept the window open to help, but it was pretty bad. We informed the wonderful and friendly desk attendant. Breakfast was included, and was good with lots to chose from. I would stay here again.

10

Catriona

Jun 19, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The location is unparalleled-vistas looking out at mountains and glaciers. We took an evening walk to the glacier, on a path just behind our room. The rooms were clean, if a bit tight. The second bed next to the window had no space around it for a suitcase or personal belongings or space to change. Although they were new rooms they did not have electrical access for charging phones near the beds. A fairly “awkward room” but the location made up for any inconveniences.

10

Patricia

Sep 29, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Room was perfect and the food in the restaurant was wonderful.

10

Ruth

Sep 20, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Clean room, excellent breakfast buffet included with gluten free options

10

Aitor

Oct 20, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Habitación limpia y desayuno completo.

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6

Jovy

Nov 22, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Standard hotel with clean bed but room and carpet are definitely outdated. Seemed like the room, hallways and quite frankly the entire building smelled like old cigarette smoke despite being in a smoke free room. Not sure if the entire hotel is smoke free or not but everwhere smelled like old smoke. Front desk agent was polite during check in and had a smile anytime we stopped by with qestions. The free breakfast buffet was the nicest part of the hotel with lots of options both hot and cold food plus various beverages. I think it's pretty expensive for the condition of the hotel.

6

Shalyn

Sep 25, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The hotel was very clean.The breakfast was great. The staff was pleasant. Our room smelled like a campfire and we could here the whole conversation for a couple of hours of the couple above us.

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Rooms

Rooms are basic and often small, with compact showers, limited storage, thin walls, and dated decor in places. Bed comfort is mixed, from comfy to very soft or worn, and some rooms lack convenient outlets or a fridge.

Related guest reviews

6

alisha

May 31, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Descent property. Can walk to the glacier in the back. Shower is really small especially if you are taller or bigger. Mattress was pretty uncomfortable. Front desk was nice. Breakfast was pretty good.

8

Pedro

Aug 28, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Convenient location for Skaftafell area attractions. Offers breakfast, and there is a diner across the street. Rooms are small and have no amenities such as fridge, cooking, etc

4

Yin Yen

Sep 11, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The rooms are very cramped and the walls are paper thin. You can hear your neighbours murmuring. The most disappointing was the service from the old lady at the front desk. She gave the worst instructions as to how to get to the glaciers behind the property. She also claimed that there was no way to drive to the glacier for a quicker walk when Google Map said otherwise. We lost about an hour of our precious travel time because we took the wrong turn at the fork behind the property. If you want to see the glaciers, take the left turn. But it is faster to drive.

6

Catherine

Jul 23, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

bed really soft, room smallish and breakfast just ok.

4

Jodie

Sep 30, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Tiniest room ever to sleep 3 people. Barely fit 3 twin beds.

6

Zenon

Oct 25, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Clean but very dated. Welcome to 1976. Food at gas station/grocery store was good burger and fish were great! Matters was awful. The springs were coming thru the mattress. So painful!!

10

Catriona

Jun 19, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The location is unparalleled-vistas looking out at mountains and glaciers. We took an evening walk to the glacier, on a path just behind our room. The rooms were clean, if a bit tight. The second bed next to the window had no space around it for a suitcase or personal belongings or space to change. Although they were new rooms they did not have electrical access for charging phones near the beds. A fairly “awkward room” but the location made up for any inconveniences.

8

Myrna

May 28, 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

The hotel is fantastic. We enjoy the breakfast and the staff. The hiking on the back of the hotel to the glacier is fantastic. We stayed 4 nights in a triple room and the only con is that there was not room for anything. The room has not one hook for the towels or almost not shelving at all. It has a hanger for clothing but not space for luggage. It has a desk with 2 chairs but the desk is not enough. We felt cramped but safe and content.

8

Cayla

Nov 12, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We had requested a twin room, but arrived later than expected and got a full size bed. The room was extremely small and difficult to move around in due to the size. It was clean and the staff were lovely. Dinner was on the pricier end, but it was some of the best chicken I’ve possibly ever had!

8

Shirlee

Sep 9, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Room was clean but very cramped. No tissues, no washcloths. Breakfast buffet was adequate but nothing special.

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Service

Staff are frequently friendly and helpful, with thoughtful touches like Northern Lights wake-up calls. However, a few guests reported curt or unhelpful front desk interactions.

Related guest reviews

10

Norm

Aug 30, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The Reception Staff were very friendly and gave us lots of help with a few things, and pointed us in the direction of a couple of wonderful Hikes. They were great

4

Digesh

Jun 12, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Check in lady was not friendly at all. We went little early than check in time, I told her that I was not feeling well if we can check in little early, she said rooms are not ready, and we only went 45 minutes earlier than check in time 4 o’clock, we had two rooms and she could have given us at least one room. Also bathroom shower was very small.

4

Yin Yen

Sep 11, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The rooms are very cramped and the walls are paper thin. You can hear your neighbours murmuring. The most disappointing was the service from the old lady at the front desk. She gave the worst instructions as to how to get to the glaciers behind the property. She also claimed that there was no way to drive to the glacier for a quicker walk when Google Map said otherwise. We lost about an hour of our precious travel time because we took the wrong turn at the fork behind the property. If you want to see the glaciers, take the left turn. But it is faster to drive.

10

Cynthia

Nov 8, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Staff was awesome They gave us a wake-up call when the northern lights were out. Excellent gourmet dinner with wonderful waitresses

10

Anastasia

Jun 7, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The front desk staff told me in detail how to access the trail to the glacier behind the hotel. They also very kindly put my cold food in the restaurant refrigerator overnight as our room had no fridge. They gave me ice the next morning as I was leaving. Excellent service!

8

Julia

Oct 20, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great spot, staff super friendly/helpful. They will even give you a northern lights wake up call. Only down side is there isn’t much in the area so it’s a bit on the pricier side. But still worth it!

2

danni

Sep 18, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We arrived a little earlier than check-in time. No receptionist was there. The old lady receptionist was called to show up. She was not pleased and very rude.

10

Rita

Dec 2, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Restaurant food was good and convenient! Breakfast was nice. Location was great! Staff was friendly. Room was a little crowded for 3 adults but staff was able to provide an extra room at the last minute.

10

Diane

May 27, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The restaurant and breakfast were excellent! The receptionist was super helpful in recommending local attractions. The trail to the glaciers right from their property is magical! A real gem!!

10

Natalie

Apr 9, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Stayed for one night during vacation in March. Was a perfect stop on the drive along the ring road. Nice staff, easy check in, free parking, safe and clean. The rooms have lots of beds (perfect if you have a family with you), and it was super comfy. The hotel even offered to call our room if they saw the northern lights, and THEY DID! Our phone rang at 11PM to alert us so we could go outside! It was the only time we got to see them so we were so appreciative, what a kind gesture! Would stay again. Has a small upstairs area with a patio that looks back out at the mountain behind the property, perfect for happy hour. Has a restaurant with a lovely menu. Perfect stay!

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Location

Outstanding for glacier access, with trails starting behind the property and easy Ring Road reach. The setting is remote with few nearby dining options but expansive views.

Related guest reviews

10

Olga

Jul 15, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Beautiful location, very nice hiking trail to glacier next to hotel.

10

Verna

Aug 5, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

A great hotel within walking distance to the glaciers. The overall hotel is peaceful and surrounded by raw beauty. All the staff were very helpful and welcoming. The rooms comfortable and clean. The restaurant was outstanding and we had a great dinner and breakfast during our visit. Ample parking available. My only regret is we didn't stay for an extra night at the hotel. Would highly recommend visiting Hotel Skaftafell!

10

Richard

May 21, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Close to main attraction, even has their own trail to glacier, only 20 min walking

8

Will

Aug 7, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The hotel is kinda pricey for a simple hotel room. You're definitely paying for the location which is very convenient. To make it worth it, do the hike behind the hotel and stuff yourself at breakfast:)

10

Cindy

Jul 29, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The location of the hotel is phenomenal providing easy access to the national park. The hotel also has a couple of walking/hiking paths that allow for an enjoyable evening walk. The dining room provided excellent dinner options along with breakfast.

10

Daryl

Sep 4, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Stayed one night. Enjoyed walking right out of the back of the hotel and seeing the beautiful glacier.

10

thomas

May 17, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Location was wonderful. Right at the base of the glacier! Great staff, great food, nice clean room. I would highly suggest this hotel.

10

Diane

May 11, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Excellent location for exploring the glacier region.

10

Shiyu

Oct 28, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Very good location, good service, in-house and nearby restaurant and gas station.

10

Faustino Yanguas

Aug 7, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

La ubicación es extraordinaria. En a parte de atrás tienes un glaciar. Preciosas vistas desde la hajitacion

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Dining

Breakfast is widely praised for variety and quality. The on-site restaurant earns strong reviews for tasty dishes but is often considered expensive, and a couple of guests reported disappointing meals or limited options.

Related guest reviews

8

Alison

Oct 5, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

It’s an older hotel but nice staff and great location. Good breakfast, good dinner but expensive but then again everything is expensive in Iceland. One of the few places around to eat so having a good restaurant at the hotel was appreciated! You can walk from the hotel to the park and glacial lakes within minutes. Rooms and beds were weathered but clean. Expensive overall but location was great.

4

Eric

Dec 10, 2023

·

The staff were nice, but I ate something bad at the restaurant and was puking all night. Avoid the restaurant, which was also pricy.

8

Christine

Jun 2, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

This was a very nice, clean, and basic hotel. Across the street is a well-stocked gas station, convenience store, and cafe. Behind the hotel is a lovely, short hike that overlooks 2 glaciers. This was the most expensive overnight stay that we had in Iceland, but you're paying for the location here as there isn't much available so close to Jokulsarlon and the sights in between. The complimentary breakfast was very nice. Dinner again was the most expensive meal we had, but it was delicious and beautifully presented. Overall, we were very happy with our stay here.

8

Juan

Sep 25, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Good in the restaurant is superb

6

Niccole

Jun 10, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Front desk staff did not speak much or very welcoming. Small shower with a shower curtain. Breakfast was not very good. The oatmeal was super salty and the powder eggs not good. There were other hotels in the area that would be a better choice.

10

Patricia

Sep 29, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Room was perfect and the food in the restaurant was wonderful.

10

Ruth

Sep 20, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Clean room, excellent breakfast buffet included with gluten free options

10

John

Oct 10, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice hotel,great breakfast, highly recommended

10

NEREA

Apr 23, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Un hotel muy agradable, en un paraje precioso. La habitación y la atención estupendas. El desayuno muy bueno. La comida del restaurante riquísima aunque muy caro.

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8

Kate

Sep 4, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great hotel, very large. Breakfast was included and VERY good, amazing selection.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Month	Average price
January	$631
February	$273
March	$231
April	$205
May	$297
June	$378
July	$471
August	$486
September	$389
October	$328
November	$223
December	$536

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16	17	18	19
20	21 $366	22	23 $460	24 $364	25 $403	26 $786
27 $373	28 $625	29 $515	30 $557

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $783	2 $606	3 $606
4 $426	5 $616	6 $566	7 $436	8 $426	9 $272	10 $426
11 $566	12 $248	13 $426	14 $426	15 $226	16 $226	17 $226
18 $289	19 $228	20 $426	21 $226	22 $426	23 $225	24 $224
25 $224	26 $426	27 $228	28 $224	29 $426	30 $228	31 $228

Hotel Skaftafell

Prices for Hotel Skaftafell

Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Twin Room

Triple Room

Guest reviews of Hotel Skaftafell

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property Policies

Check-in instructions

Good to know

Optional extras

FAQs about Hotel Skaftafell

Prices for upcoming dates