If you’re planning a weekend getaway in Reykjavík, Iceland’s vibrant capital, you’d be hard pressed to find a better place to stay than the Exeter Hotel. We recently spent a night there to delve into its unique offerings and exceptional hospitality.
Nestled on Tryggvagata, the main thoroughfare leading to Reykjavík’s charming Old Harbour, the Exeter Hotel is a fresh addition to the city’s accommodation landscape. Its prime location allows guests to easily explore the major attractions and amenities of the city center, making it an excellent choice for maximizing your time in this alluring destination.
Exeter Hotel is housed in a renovated 1904 storage unit, echoing the clean lines of Scandinavian minimalist design with its bare concrete walls and stylish interior.
Credit: Keahotels.is
Operated by KEAHOTELS—owners of several other accommodations around the city, including the Apotek Hotel and Hotel Borg—Exeter provides a unique blend of contemporary comfort and local charm.
As part of our journey, Exeter Hotel graciously invited Guide to Iceland to experience an overnight stay, allowing us to provide you with authentic insights.
Here’s a look into what is poised to be one of the city’s most cherished hotels.
Feasting at Deig Bakery, Drinking at Tail Bar
Credit: Keahotels.is
Upon our arrival, we were immediately captivated by Deig, the hotel’s in-house bakery.
With its striking black-and-white signage and playful pop-art aesthetic, Deig is impossible to miss along Tryggvagata. Naturally, sampling some of Deig’s culinary creations became our first priority.
Open daily at 7:00 AM, Deig serves an enticing menu featuring doughnuts, bagels, artisanal breads, and even pizzas. Yes, you read that right—pizza is a specialty here, available from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM (10:00 PM on weekends).
Credit: Keahotels.is
Intriguingly, the menu features whimsical interpretations of classic Italian pizza; the “Boomer,” for example, combines fresh horseradish, maple syrup, and truffle oil in a mouthwatering fusion of flavors.
As we settled in, we were treated to two of Deig’s most eye-catching creations: a maple-glazed, bacon-infused doughnut and a luscious Crème brûlée doughnut.
Savoring these oversized sugary delights, we listened as our hosts shared the joys of keeping a local bakery for hotel guests—comfort food infused with creativity, made even better by public feedback.
Given that guests must pass the bakery on their way to the lobby, it’s no surprise that Deig attracts a steady stream of visitors eager to indulge in its artisan sweets.
Credit: Keahotels.is
Shortly thereafter, we were delighted with a complimentary beer from Tail Bar, an offer I found hard to resist. This beer was served in a captivating manner—poured from the bottom of the glass through a unique upside-down pump that allowed the liquid to flow seamlessly around a sealed magnet.
As the bartender handed me my drink, he offered a playful wink coupled with sage advice: “Just don’t fiddle with the bottom of the glass, okay?”
Well, naturally, my fingers found themselves testing that very advice. Moments later, I watched in horror as the magnet dislodged, showering me in a cascade of cold Gull lager.
Now drenched in both embarrassment and beer, I hurriedly apologized while attempting to mitigate the growing mess around me.
The Rooms, Gymnasium & The Sauna
Credit: Keahotels.is
Having thoroughly embarrassed myself at the bar, I decided it best to retreat for a moment. Yet before I could reach the elevators, our hotel guide reappeared to showcase the range of room options available to potential guests.
The first stop was the striking 51 m² Exeter Hotel suite, outfitted with parquet floors, a writing desk, and a stunning wrap-around balcony.
Once outside, I took a moment to admire the breathtaking views of Faxaflói Bay and Mount Esja, before transitioning back indoors to continue our tour. Next, we explored the regular double rooms—smaller yet equally immaculate and thoughtfully designed.
Credit: Keahotels.is
We also had the chance to check out the gym and sauna, both providing a sense of privacy and were well-equipped. The spacious changing area offered glimpses of the central garden terrace frequently used for events and gatherings throughout the year.
Finally, we arrived at the most important room of the tour: our own. The so-called Superior Room was tastefully decorated with modern art and boasted a stunning panorama of the Reykjavík waterfront.
After setting down my luggage, I began ticking off the myriad of amenities: an en-suite bathroom with a walk-in shower, a smart TV, a Bluetooth speaker, a mini-fridge, and a coffee and tea set. With these comforts, it was tempting to imagine an extended stay.
Street Food at Le Kock Restaurant
Credit: Keahotels.is
As evening approached, we dined at the hotel’s adjoining restaurant, Le Kock.
Captivated by the vividly illustrated menu, I opted for the “Offer of the Last Century,” a classic Le Kock cheeseburger—juicy grilled beef topped with cheddar, accompanied by deep-fried baby potatoes drizzled with a secret sauce.
My dining companion selected the Buffalo fried wings, a plate of 12 succulent chicken pieces served with celery and blue cheese sauce.
The reason potatoes feature so prominently on Le Kock’s menu—over, say, traditional French fries—remains a delightful mystery.
In fact, the menu even dedicates an entire section to the spud: Greek Potatoes with feta, Chipotle Potatoes with guacamole and bacon, or Parmesan Potatoes adorned with pickled chili and garlic sauce are all available for satisfying cravings.
Much of the bread baked at Deig similarly incorporates potatoes, highlighting the tuber as a crucial ingredient in the culinary offerings of these establishments.
A Good Night’s Sleep and the Breakfast Buffet
Credit: Keahotels.is
Comfortably sated, we returned to our room for a refreshing shower and restorative sleep. The walk-in shower was a treat, featuring ample space, a powerful flow, and soft towels awaiting afterward.
As I settled into the crisp linens, the cozy mattress cradled my tired body while I indulged in the gentle flicker of the television screen. I can confidently say it was one of the most satisfying night’s sleeps I’ve had this year; the spacious beds at Exeter Hotel set the standard in an industry often characterized by penny-pinching.
Noteworthy was the innovative bed layout, featuring two single mattresses that could be slid along the bed frame. With their separate yet cohesive design, customizing your sleeping arrangement became a reality at Exeter Hotel.
Awakening the next morning to rays of sunlight streaming through the curtains, I approached the window to embrace the tranquil ambience of a city slowly stirring to life.
After another refreshing shower—when in Rome—we descended to Le Kock for a hearty breakfast buffet. A spread of cold meats, fresh fruits, an assortment of breads and cereals, orange juice, tea, and coffee provided a wholesome start to the day, prompting several return trips to refill my plate.
While traditional eggs, beans, and bacon wouldn’t have gone amiss, it’s clear that a breakfast buffet often deepens the bond between a guest and their hotel. Remarkably, this establishment even offered beer-soaked ham in the morning—making it difficult to find fault!
As my time at Exeter Hotel drew to a close, I found myself contentedly soaking in the ambiance and eager to return once again.
For those interested in learning more about the pricing and availability at Exeter Hotel, click here.
Have you stayed at Exeter Hotel? If so, what were your impressions? Did you indulge at Le Kock or sample the delights of Deig? We’d love to hear your thoughts and questions in the comments below.
