The Reykjavik EDITION - Reykjavik, Iceland
The EDITION’s first outpost in Iceland marries all that’s best about the winter wonderland with everything that’s beloved about the Nordics
Ian Schrager has a knack for being on the cutting edge of what the people want. He proved this back in the late 1970s when he and Steve Rubell created the Big Apple’s iconic Studio 54. And again in the mid-1990s, when he revamped the classic Delano hotel on South Beach, transforming Miami into one of the world’s chicest beach spots. For the latest trick, Schrager created a micro-city in the newest member of the EDITION family, The Reykjavik EDITION.
Entrance to The Reykjavik EDITION
For those that have been following my globe trots for a while, you’ll know that I’m a bit of an EDITION aficionado. Having stayed at the properties in WeHo, South Beach, New York, Times Square and of course the London property, I cannot get enough - and so I leaped at the chance to experience the group’s Nordic member for my birthday weekend. Lucky girl I am.
Cruise into the lobby and you’re immediately hit with that exhilarating and ‘oh-so’ familiar EDITION scent - you know, the one that makes you feel part of the cool crowd? The space exudes an air of calm, with the soft glow of the Aurora Borealis light installation beaming brilliantly against the wall behind the soft chatter of guests. A jet black maxi-couch takes centre stage made entirely from volcanic rocks with fur rugs thrown over, and a fireplace sitting opposite the amber lobby bar. The lobby of every EDITION is really the beating heart of the property; daytime offers a cozy refuge, whilst at night it comes to life, drawing in a different crowd. You’ll be handed a welcome bubbly as you proceed to check-in. What a treat.
The location really sets this hotel apart from the rest. Set right on the water, it overlooks the honeycomb facade of Harpa music hall, and beyond that, across the water, the Snæfellsjökull glacier and dramatic peaks of Mount Esja. Only a short 10-minute walk from the iconic Sun Voyager and the rest of Reykjavik, the property’s address really could not get much more idyllic than this. The Reykjavik EDITION is also the the first 5-star luxury hotel to land in the Icelandic capital.
The Rooms
There’s no detail spared in an attempt to exceed every guest’s expectation, and the heavenly bed—which sits atop a light oak frame that blends in with the grey walls which is just begging to be used, and is topped with a fluffy throw and pillows—is no exception. A gloriously plush bed and linens make it so you never want to leave; although I suggest you do to see the Northern lights at 4AM like we did - the hotel offers an Aurora alert where you can request a call from reception whenever a sighting is seen.
This bed doesn’t necessarily look like a fur-lined burrito, but that’s how it feels.
The rooms come with a Nespresso machine with fresh pods topped up daily, perfect for caffeine dependents such as myself. Other sound touches include the scandi mugs and jugs for tap water (which is 100% drinkable in Iceland, it doesn’t get fresher than this), a well-stocked mini bar full of locally-sourced products, and twice-daily cleaning services.
The bathrooms offer a walk-in rainfall shower, and Le Labo bath products are customized with their very own EDITION scent. Most of the 253 rooms have their beds facing floor-to-ceiling windows that look over the surrounding neighborhood, and some have terraces. The curtains are 100% blackout, which is helpful for light sleepers during summertime. It reaches dusk during the summertime in Iceland.
Peggy Gou is a great backdrop
Dining
The main dining offering TIDES is the latest offering from Michel-star chef Gunnar Karl Gíslason sitting on the ground floor next to the harbour. The restaurant is focused on modern Icelandic cuisine using local seasonal produce. If you’re in the mood for something more casual, the adjacent cafe serves up a selection of sensational Nordic pastries and coffees.
The stunning dining room at TIDES
And what about breakfast? The most important meal of the day is served here too, with both a la carte and buffet options. The menu includes the universal favourites of pancakes, bacon and eggs, as well as various combinations of avocado, rye bread and acai bowls. The breakfast buffet comes suit with a SKYR (Icelandic yoghurt) table - what a time to be alive. I polished off 3 bowls of various different flavours daily no fuss - this needs to become a regular feature at more breakfast buffet’s worldwide. Shangri-la, take notes.
Dinner is a more fine-dine affair, with a sensational array of surf and turf with a Nordic twist. Each dish is served using top ingredients, all luxuriously simple but also delicious. The wine list is decadent, with a well-informed selection of some classic options, but also offering a fun selection of my personal favourite natty wines with Gabrio Bini and Gut Oggau amongst them - I give TIDES 5/5 for this touch.
The ROOF bar and terrace on the hotel’s 7th floor boasts a panoramic view of the city’s stunning mountain landscape and oceans. Used both for private events and public, we enjoyed the fireworks for Reykjavik’s Culture Night here. Think lots of large fluffy blankets, warm heaters, great barbecued skewers all with some great melodic house in the background. Winter in August is paradise.
The Spa
The spa is the perfect place to tuck yourself away for a few blissful hours, away from the glaring cold outside (even in summer!). Located in the basement of the property, the spa features a lounge with a bar that by day serves a selection of healthy smoothies and treats, come evening, it transforms into the ultimate social pre-party pamper spot. I experienced the hot and cold stone massage which was sensational - Steve, I’ve never slept better.
The hotel also houses a state-of-the-art gym, with a great selection of free weights, exercise balls and a variety of equipment by Matrix.
And so?
The Reykjavik EDITION is sleek and cosy-chic, giving you very little reason to leave. Even though it’s just a quick walk to so many of Reykjavik’s centre, the hotel's "world's away" atmosphere makes it a wonderful place for a romantic getaway. As EDITION is part of the Marriott family, booking a room here is much simpler than at other boutique hotels of its ilk. The hotel is totally self-contained, with everything you might need right at your fingertips.
Tips for Reykjavik
Summer and winter offer two very different experiences. In the height of winter you have one or two hours of daylight to enjoy the snow-filled wonderland and the famous northern lights - but this is quintessential Iceland in its purest form. Summer is the better time to visit if you’re afraid of the dark; you can fully experience the hiking and array of outdoor activities – and you will still find snow somewhere in the highlands at any time of the year.
Reykjavik itself holds a unique charm, and whilst not too big, you can get lost in the cozy nooks of the little city. The city has transformed itself into a little cosmopolitan hub over the last 20 years, and we saw the city come to life for the weekend of Culture Night. British Airways, easyJet and Icelandair fly to Reykjavik from a range of British cities, from around £300 return.
The iconic sauna at the Sky Lagoon
The Sun Voyager