Austurey Cottages, set amidst the tranquil Icelandic meadows, offers a picturesque and serene escape with stunning views of lakes, mountains and pastoral scenes. Its strategic location within the Golden Circle allows for easy access to nearby attractions, making it an ideal base for explorers seeking solitude and convenience.
The cottages themselves are well-equipped, featuring modern amenities such as fast induction plates, microwaves and gas grills, which enable guests to prepare their own meals comfortably. The setup includes a convenient self check-in system and the option for barbecuing, ensuring a flexible and enjoyable culinary experience. For those who prefer dining out, the nearby Lindin restaurant comes highly recommended.
Guests repeatedly praise the charm and comfort of the accommodations, highlighting their spacious, well-arranged interiors filled with cozy, modern furnishings. Each cottage is meticulously cleaned and thoughtfully designed, providing everything needed for a self-sufficient stay. The remarkable cleanliness extends throughout the property with spotless kitchens and sleeping areas contributing to the overall hygienic and pleasant environment.
The attentive and responsive hosts, Magndís and Lárus, further enhance the guest experience with their friendly and helpful demeanor, ensuring any questions or requests are promptly addressed. Convenient parking close to the cabins adds to the ease of access, despite minor road repair needs leading to the cottages.
The beds at Austurey Cottages receive significant acclaim for their large size and comfort with many guests affirming they provide the perfect night's sleep. High-quality linens and spectacular sunrise views amplify the restful and serene stay. Although a few guests found the double bed narrow and one noted the mattress was slightly uncomfortable, the overwhelming consensus is that the bedding is exceptional.
Overall, Austurey Cottages offer a delightful blend of comfort, cleanliness and convenience, set against the backdrop of Iceland's natural beauty, making it a highly recommended retreat for travelers.
Héradsskólinn Historic Guesthouse stands out as a favored choice for travelers exploring Iceland's Golden Circle, renowned for its prime location amidst breathtaking scenery and key landmarks such as Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, Gullfoss and Bruarfoss trekking trail. Situated next to Lake Laugarvatn and close to the Laugarvatn Fontana spa, the guesthouse offers enchanting views of the lake and mountains, cementing its appeal for those longing to immerse in Iceland's natural beauty. The historic charm of the building, once a school, adds an extra layer of character to the stay with its beautiful restoration seamlessly blending historical ambiance with modern amenities.
Guests consistently rave about the breakfast experience, which is praised for its variety, quality and delicious offerings. The breakfast buffet, filled with options like smoked salmon and warm bread, caters well to diverse dietary needs, including gluten-free choices and is often considered worth the cost despite minor critiques regarding variety and pricing.
The dining options at the guesthouse receive high commendation as well, particularly the local lamb dishes and pizzas, which are noted for their excellent taste and reasonable pricing. The restaurant's convenience, ambiance and affordable yet high-quality meals make for a delightful dining experience with vegan options available to cater to different preferences.
Rooms at Héradsskólinn Historic Guesthouse are appreciated for their cleanliness, comfort and unique charm, even though they may be simple and modestly equipped. The spaciousness of the rooms, historical furnishings and beautiful views contribute to a pleasant and cozy atmosphere. While some guests mention a desire for more storage space and better sound insulation, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, praising the guesthouse for its cleanliness, comfort and historical character.
The guesthouse's cleanliness is often highlighted with guests using terms like “super clean” and “exceptionally clean” to describe both rooms and shared bathrooms. Despite the occasional minor issue, the standard of hygiene is consistently high, enhancing the overall experience.
Staff at the guesthouse are frequently described as friendly, helpful and attentive, contributing significantly to the positive ambiance and enjoyment of the stay. Their clear communication, willingness to assist and warm hospitality receive strong commendations from guests, even going above and beyond to accommodate late check-ins.
The wifi service is largely praised for its speed and stability, providing a seamless online experience, though there are occasional mentions of weak signals in certain areas. Most guests find the connectivity to be reliable and satisfactory. Similarly, the parking facilities receive positive feedback for their ample, free spaces, ensuring a hassle-free experience for those traveling by car.
The comfort and quality of the beds are a standout feature with many guests highlighting the comfortable mattresses and well-maintained bedding, which significantly enhance the overall comfort of their stay.
In essence, Héradsskólinn Historic Guesthouse provides a unique blend of historic charm and modern comfort, set against a stunning natural backdrop. It offers a memorable experience of Iceland’s Golden Circle with its excellent location, delightful breakfast, praised dining options, comfortable rooms, high cleanliness standards, friendly staff, reliable wifi and convenient parking. The guesthouse's blend of vintage decor and modern amenities makes it an ideal retreat for travelers seeking a unique and charming stay.
Bjork Guesthouse presents a highly favorable accommodation option, particularly lauded for its superb location, which serves as an ideal base for exploring Iceland's iconic Golden Circle. Situated centrally to numerous attractions, including Geysir, Gullfoss and the Fontana thermal baths, guests benefit from easy access to picturesque views, local restaurants, supermarkets and a heated pool. The quiet village atmosphere adds to the charming appeal, making it a perfect stopover for travelers.
Although Bjork Guesthouse does not offer breakfast, convenient alternatives are available nearby. Guests can enjoy satisfying and reasonably priced breakfasts at a hotel or hostel a short distance away, often appreciating the scenic views and welcome treats such as a complimentary chocolate bar.
The guesthouse stands out for its clean, spacious and tastefully decorated rooms, providing a cozy, modern ambiance. Guests frequently commend the immaculate condition of both the rooms and bathrooms, which are well-equipped with amenities like kettles, small fridges and tea/coffee supplies. The attentive and friendly staff, including hosts Kristofer and Alexander, further enrich the experience with their outstanding service and quick communication, often enhancing the stay with valuable local tips.
Parking is hassle-free with ample and accessible spaces right at the door and the comfortable beds, complete with quality bedding, ensure restful nights. Despite the budget-friendly pricing and simplicity of amenities, Bjork Guesthouse excels in providing value, comfort and convenience, making it an excellent choice for travelers looking to explore Iceland without breaking the bank.