So, you’re looking at Iceland. You’ve probably seen the photos of the Blue Lagoon or those neon-green Northern Lights dancing over a black sand beach. But when you actually land in Reykjavik, the logistics hit you. Where do you stay that isn't a billion dollars but doesn't feel like a sterile dorm room? Most people end up looking at CenterHotel Klopp Reykjavik, and honestly, it’s one of those spots that’s a bit of a chameleon.
People get it wrong. They think because it’s a "3-star hotel" in the middle of a capital city, it’s going to be noisy, cramped, or just a place to crash.
It's actually way more interesting than that.
The Old Radio House Vibe
Here is a bit of trivia for your next dinner party: the building that houses CenterHotel Klopp Reykjavik wasn't always a hotel. Back in the day, it was the headquarters for RÚV, Iceland’s National Public-Service Broadcasting Organization. Basically, the news of the nation was piped out of these walls for years. When the owners, Kristófer and Svanfríður, took it over in 2001, they turned a literal broadcasting hub into a sanctuary for travelers.
You can still feel that sturdy, mid-century utility in the bones of the place. It’s located at Klapparstígur 26, which is basically half a block away from Laugavegur, the main drag where all the shopping and bars live.
It is close. Like, "I forgot my gloves and can run back in three minutes" close.
But because it’s tucked one street over, you aren’t sleeping directly on top of a thumping nightclub. Mostly. There is an Irish pub across the street that gets pretty rowdy with karaoke on weekends, so if you’re a light sleeper, ask for a room on a higher floor or facing the inner courtyard. Trust me on that one.
The Room Situation: Not Your Average Box
There are 46 rooms here. That’s small enough that the staff actually knows who you are but large enough that you don't feel like you’re staying in someone’s spare bedroom.
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The decor is very Nordic. Think hardwood floors, clean lines, and those impossibly crisp white linens that make you want to stay in bed until noon. If you’re traveling solo, the superior single rooms are actually decent—they don't feel like a broom closet. But if you’re doing the "once in a lifetime" trip, you have to try and snag a corner room on the top floor.
Why? The views.
Some of these rooms look right out over the bay and toward the mountains. Watching the Icelandic sun go down (or just hover there in the summer) over the water from your own window is worth the extra few bucks. Every room comes with a minibar, coffee maker, and free Wi-Fi that actually works.
What You Get Inside
- The Floors: Real wood. It feels way cleaner than carpet.
- The Bathroom: Compact but modern. The showers have decent pressure, which is a godsend after hiking a glacier.
- The Extras: They provide eco-friendly toiletries and have a Green Key certification, which is a big deal in Iceland. They actually care about the footprint they’re leaving.
Breakfast and the "Early Bird" Perk
Let’s talk about the breakfast because everyone talks about the breakfast. It’s served in the lobby lounge, and it’s a solid spread. You’ve got your Icelandic skyr (obviously), cold cuts, cheeses, fruits, and bread.
But the real MVP move is the early breakfast.
In Iceland, tours leave early. If you’re heading out at 4:00 AM to catch a bus to the South Coast, most hotels will just tell you "tough luck" on the breakfast front. Not here. At CenterHotel Klopp Reykjavik, they do a "light" breakfast for the early birds starting as early as 3:30 AM. It’s usually coffee and croissants, but when it’s pitch black and freezing outside, that warm pastry is a lifesaver.
If you’re hanging around later, they have a bar in the lobby. Happy Hour is usually from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. It’s a great way to meet other travelers without the intense "party hostel" vibe. It’s more of a "where did you go today?" kind of atmosphere.
Location: The 101 Reykjavik Experience
If you stay at Klopp, you are in the 101 zip code. This is the heart of the city.
You are a 10-minute walk from Hallgrímskirkja, that massive concrete church that looks like a space shuttle. You’re also about 9 minutes from Harpa, the glass concert hall by the water.
One thing that confuses people: the "Bus Stop" situation. Reykjavik has strict rules about where big tour buses can go. They can’t pull up to the front door of Klopp because the streets are too narrow. You’ll be using Bus Stop 14, which is a very short walk away. Don't be that person waiting in the lobby for a giant bus that isn't allowed to turn the corner.
Is It Worth It?
Honestly, Iceland is expensive. There’s no way around it. CenterHotel Klopp Reykjavik sits in that "middle ground" that is actually quite hard to find. It’s more stylish than a budget hotel but way cheaper than the luxury spots down by the harbor.
It’s perfect for the person who wants to be in the middle of the action but wants a quiet, clean place to retreat to. It’s for the traveler who cares about local history—knowing you're sleeping in the old national radio building is just cool.
Practical Next Steps for Your Stay:
- Check the Floor: When booking, request a room on the 4th or 5th floor for better views and less street noise.
- Book Direct: They often throw in the breakfast for free if you book through the Center Hotels website rather than a third-party site.
- Grab a Discount: Guests at Klopp usually get a 10% discount at their "sister" restaurants nearby, like Jörgensen Kitchen or Lóa. Use it. Food in Reykjavik adds up fast.
- Early Tour? Mention it to the front desk the night before so they know you’ll be hitting the early coffee station.
Iceland is wild. Your hotel shouldn't be. Klopp is basically the reliable, stylish friend who knows all the best spots in town and makes sure you’re fed before you go exploring.
Beyond the Front Door
If you have a free afternoon, walk three blocks to the Icelandic Punk Museum. It’s located in an old underground public toilet (seriously) and perfectly captures the quirky, gritty soul of the city that exists just steps away from the hotel's front door. Or, if you need a soak, Sundhöllin is the oldest public pool in the city and it's less than 10 minutes away on foot. It’s where the locals actually go, and it’s a much more "real" experience than the big tourist lagoons.
Pack your layers, bring your good camera, and maybe some earplugs just in case that Irish pub gets particularly loud on a Saturday night. You’re going to love it.