After taking the long, two-day journey from Hawaii to Iceland, I was beyond exhausted when I arrived in Reykjavik. How comforting it felt to arrive at Eric the Red Guesthouse, and to be welcomed with the full hospitality of Edda and Runar Sigurdsson.

Photo by Amanda Prock

The wind outside may have chilled us to the bone, but Runnar made us feel right at home, greeting us in his bathrobe, and leading us into the cozy, romantic haven of Eric the Red. Golden light streamed into the dining room, as Edda fed our hungry souls a beautiful breakfast, complete with the best homemade bread I’ve ever had. If you are even doubting about where to stay in Reykjavik, this is the place you should book.

Where To Stay In Reykjavik: Eric The Red Guesthouse Is Where It’s At

Location of Eric The Red Guesthouse

Eric the Red is located in the perfect spot. It’s in the city center, just steps away from the Hallgrímskirkja church, Reykjavík’s main landmark. I loved that you could see the tower from almost everywhere in the city, so I never got lost finding my way back. You can walk to everything, including the bus station. The area is also quiet, which made for a great night’s sleep.

The Rooms

Eric the Red has ten rooms and three apartments. The rooms are comfortable and warm with comfy beds that are European sized. The rooms all have their own heat register, so you can control the temperature. My room had it’s own bathroom with a steaming hot shower and excellent water pressure, a desk, a kettle to make steaming pots of tea with, and a refrigerator. I loved the light that the room got during the days, and the views of the trees from my window. Everything was immaculately clean. It made me feel right at home.

The Breakfast

The intimate dining room was my favorite area at Eric the Red. There was usually beautiful jazz playing in the mornings, books were stacked up in the corners, and lovely art makes this room a work of art itself. Sitting in the dining room was such a lovely way to start the day.

When I was looking at where to stay in Reykjavik, one of the reasons I picked Eric the Red was the fact that it was a bed and breakfast. Iceland prices are expensive and breakfast can easily cost $15 USD for one person.

I was very impressed by the lavish breakfast spread. The coffee was rich and strong. There was also juice, smoked salmon, cheeses, meats (don’t miss the smoked lamb), and the most glorious homemade bread I’ve ever had.

On top of that, there were cereals, porridge (the perfect comfort food), yogurt, and fresh fruit.

There was so much food that if eating isn’t a hobby of yours, like it is mine, you really don’t need to eat again until dinner! Edda and Runar joined us each morning for breakfast, and I really liked hearing their stories and advice on exploring Reykjavik.

The Hospitality

I was most impressed by the hospitality we received from both of our hosts, and even the cat, Raggi, offered us the warmest welcome. We learned a lot about Icelandic culture from both of them, and my favorite, although Yuck!, experience was trying the fermented shark with the Brennivin liquor, and Iceland tradition.

The shark was as bad as it sounds, if not worse, but I am still grateful for the experience of sharing in this rite of passage.

Definitely take the shot of Brennivin after, the caraway liquor, which will help get rid of the taste. Then, go brush your teeth!

When I leave, it will not be just the natural beauty of Iceland, that I will love and miss, but it will also be Edda, Runar, and Raggi and the incredible Eric the Red. My experience of Iceland wouldn’t have been the same, if I hadn’t stayed here. So, if you’re wondering where to stay in Reykjavik, this is a place I fully recommend.

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Disclosure: I received a complimentary stay from Eric the Red, but all opinions are my own.