Grand Hotel Reykjavik

Not very accommodating

Prós: They were very Eco-friendly and "green." Pretty clean and modern.

Contras: The staff was not very accommodating at all. I reserved a superior room with a double bed, and they gave us 2 twin beds. After speaking with the front desk, all they could tell us was that they are fully booked, and that you're never guaranteed the type of bed you want, but we could push the 2 twin beds together if we'd like. No, thank you. We were only staying there for one night, so we decided not to push the issue. Checkout is at noon, but after reading the hotel info they provide you with in the room, I saw they offer late checkout at 2pm as an option. So, that evening I called the desk to request late checkout, and the woman I spoke with could not give me a yes or no. She said I have to speak with the day staff. I called at 8am the following morning and the woman informed me again that they are fully booked. Ok, but I'm just asking to check out at 2pm. Check in for any new guests is at 4pm. That still gives cleaning crew 2 hours to get the room ready for any new guests arriving. I even tried to compromise and say can we at least stay until 1pm? We were catching the shuttle to the airport at 2pm from the hotel, and didn't have anywhere to go for 2 hours if we checked out at noon. She told me they could hold our luggage and we could go downtown and shop. No, I'm not risking missing the airport shuttle because you told me to go to town and spend $$. So after me asking the same question in 4 different ways, she finally said ok, you can check out at 1pm. Well wow! Thanks a million, Grand Hotel. We won't be staying with you on our next trip to Iceland.

Okay Stay

Prós: Comfortable bed.

Good 2-star hotel

Prós: They have all the basics. The hotel may be good for large groups/bus loads of people who need a place far from city center to rest for a night.

Contras: Politely rude staff: At 1:45 PM and earlier they say "Checkin is at 2 PM". Service Industry speak for Piss Off. 1:58 PM, "Your room is not ready". 2:02 PM, "We don't know if it is ready" (communication problems with housekeeping?) They sometimes seemed annoyed answering questions people had about how to go somewhere in the city or which day excursions are available. "Here's a brochure." is their typical answer. They never tell you the actual details of where to go or what to expect. Rooms were very basic. Tiny pillows on bed. Two cotton comforters on double bed, each was the size of a large towel. Breakfast and Dinner are very over priced.

Disappointed

Prós: Nice parking lot

Contras: Room was very warn, sheets did not fit the bed and furniture was dirty. Staff was not friendly. The hotel was not inexpensive and was probably the second worst I have ever stayed in. I would NOT recommend staying at this hotel.

Prós: The duvet. Very comfortable. The breakfast is included and very filling, especially to brave the cold of Rekyavik.

Contras: The staff did mess up our tour reservation once and we had to ask management time and again for something to be done about it. The desk in the room had some coffee stains and the shower door does not prevent the water from going all over the bathroom! Plus the hotel was definitely a bit distant from city center.