You’re standing on the corner of Austurstræti and Pósthússtræti, right in the beating heart of Reykjavik. The wind is biting—because, well, it’s Iceland—and you’re looking at this massive, dignified building that looks like it’s seen a century of secrets. This is the Apotek Hotel in Reykjavik. It’s not just some place to crash after a day of chasing waterfalls. Honestly, it’s a piece of history that somehow feels more hip than the minimalist glass boxes popping up around the harbor.
The building is known as "Apótekið," and it’s a landmark. Designed by the former State Architect Guðjón Samúelsson back in 1917, it originally housed the Reykjavik Pharmacy. You can still feel that medicinal, old-world vibe, but now it’s mixed with luxury linens and some of the best cocktails in the North Atlantic.
The Weird History of the Reykjavik Pharmacy
Guðjón Samúelsson wasn't just some guy with a drafting board. He’s the architect behind Hallgrímskirkja—that massive church that looks like a space shuttle—and the National Theatre. When he built the Apotek, he was basically trying to define what Icelandic architecture should look like. It’s got these strong, neo-Renaissance lines that make it feel permanent. Solid.
For nearly a century, locals came here for cough syrup and bandages.
When Keahotels took over the space to turn it into the Apotek Hotel in Reykjavik, they didn't just gut the place. They kept the soul. You'll see original woodwork and marble that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back into a time when people actually dressed up for dinner. It’s a four-star boutique spot, but the atmosphere is five-star. There are 45 rooms, ranging from cozy "Standard" rooms to the Tower Suite, which is spread over three floors. If you’re staying in the tower, you’re basically living inside a landmark.
Rooms That Actually Breathe
Most city hotels feel like shoeboxes. You know the ones—you have to jump over your suitcase just to get to the bathroom. The rooms here are different. They have high ceilings. Like, really high. It changes the whole vibe of the stay. You don't feel trapped by the Icelandic winter; you feel like you're in a sanctuary.
The color palette is all "Scandi-cool"—lots of greys, muted creams, and dark wood. It reflects the light outside, which, depending on the season, is either eternal or non-existent.
- The Tower Suite: This is the crown jewel. It’s built into the building's iconic corner tower. You get a 360-degree view of the downtown area.
- Junior Suites: These are great because they offer a sitting area that doesn't feel like an afterthought.
- Standard Rooms: Even the base-level rooms have those high ceilings and parquet floors.
The bathrooms are stocked with high-end toiletries, usually from brands like L'Occitane or local Icelandic labels that smell like birch and moss. The beds? They’re dangerously comfortable. You might miss your 8:00 AM Golden Circle tour because you’re buried under a duvet that feels like a cloud. It happens.
Pharmacy-Themed Mixology is Not a Gimmick
Okay, let’s talk about the restaurant. It’s called Apotek Kitchen + Bar, and it’s arguably more famous than the hotel itself.
They lean hard into the "pharmacy" theme, but in a way that isn't cheesy. The bartenders are called "pharmacists." The drink menu is categorized by the "effect" you're looking for. You’ve got "Painkillers," "Stimulants," and "Placebos."
I’ve had the "Dill Gin" cocktail there. It sounds weird. It tastes like the Icelandic summer.
The food is a mix of Icelandic and European flavors with a heavy emphasis on the charcoal grill. You’ll find things like Icelandic lamb, which is arguably the best lamb on earth because the sheep just roam around eating wild herbs all day. They also do a lot of small plates, which is perfect if you’re like me and can never decide on just one thing. If you're feeling adventurous, look for the minke whale or the puffin on the menu—though many locals and tourists prefer sticking to the incredibly fresh Arctic char or the ribeye.
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Why the Location Wins Every Time
Location is everything in Reykjavik. If you stay too far out, you’re spending a fortune on taxis (and taxis in Iceland are insanely expensive).
The Apotek Hotel in Reykjavik is located right at Austurvöllur square. This is where the Parliament building is. It’s where people gather for protests or to tan during the three days of sun they get in July. You are steps away from the main shopping street, Laugavegur. You’re a five-minute walk from Harpa Concert Hall. You’re right there.
If you’re planning on doing tours, most of the bus pickups are at designated stops nearby. Stop #1 (Ráðhúsið - City Hall) is just a short walk away. It makes the logistics of an Icelandic holiday so much easier.
The Nuance of Icelandic Hospitality
People sometimes think Nordics are cold. They aren't. They’re just efficient.
The staff at the Apotek have that classic Icelandic "can-do" attitude. Need a reservation at a restaurant that's been booked for months? They might know someone. Need to check the aurora forecast at 2:00 AM? They’re on it. There’s a level of professionalism here that feels personal. It’s not that scripted, corporate friendliness you get in big American chains. It’s real.
One thing to keep in mind: because it’s a historic building, some of the layouts are a bit unique. It’s not a cookie-cutter layout. Some hallways have little steps; some corners are tighter than others. It adds to the charm, but if you have specific mobility needs, it’s always worth messaging them ahead of time. They are incredibly accommodating.
What People Get Wrong About Luxury in Reykjavik
There’s this misconception that luxury in Iceland means being isolated in a glass pod in the middle of a lava field.
While that’s cool for a night, the real luxury is being able to walk out of your hotel lobby and be in a world-class bakery (like Sandholt or Brauð & Co) within three minutes. It’s being able to stumble back to your room after a late night at a jazz bar without needing a GPS.
The Apotek offers a "metropolitan" luxury. It’s for the traveler who wants to see the Northern Lights at night but wants to be near a high-end espresso machine and a vibrant art scene during the day.
Practical Tips for Your Stay
If you’re actually going to book a room at the Apotek Hotel in Reykjavik, here is some boots-on-the-ground advice.
First, don't skip the breakfast. Icelandic breakfasts often include skyr (the local yogurt-adjacent superfood), fresh sourdough, and high-quality smoked fish. It’s the fuel you need for a day of hiking on glaciers.
Second, check the events calendar for the bar. Sometimes they have live music or "Happy Hour" specials that are actually reasonable. "Reasonable" is a relative term in Iceland—expect to pay about 1,200 to 1,500 ISK for a beer during Happy Hour, which is a steal in Reykjavik.
Third, ask for a room on a higher floor if you’re a light sleeper. The hotel is in the center of the nightlife district. While the windows are double-glazed and very high quality, Reykjavik can get rowdy on Friday and Saturday nights (the legendary runtur). Higher floors generally stay quieter.
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Final Actionable Insights
If you are planning a trip to Iceland’s capital, you need to decide if you want a "base camp" or an "experience." Most hotels are just base camps. The Apotek is an experience.
- Book the Restaurant in Advance: Even if you aren't staying at the hotel, Apotek Kitchen + Bar fills up fast. Book at least a week out for weekend dinners.
- Look for Mid-Week Deals: Like most city hotels, rates drop significantly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. If your schedule is flexible, you can snag a Junior Suite for the price of a Standard room.
- Use the Concierge for "Hidden" Spots: Don't just go where the TikTok influencers go. Ask the front desk where they eat. They'll likely point you toward a small noodle shop or a specific hot dog stand (Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur is the famous one, but there are others) that offers a more authentic taste of the city.
- Check the Weather via Vedur.is: Never trust your phone's default weather app in Iceland. Use the local site. The staff can help you interpret the wind warnings, which are way more important than the temperature.
Staying at the Apotek is about embracing the history of Reykjavik while enjoying the modern comforts of a world-class city. It's solid. It's stylish. And honestly, it’s just a cool place to say you’ve been. Grab a "Painkiller" at the bar, watch the snow fall on the square outside, and soak in the fact that you're staying in what used to be the city's most important pharmacy. It’s the best kind of medicine.