Planning where to stay is one of the biggest parts of organising an Iceland Ring Road adventure.
The Ring Road stretches for around 1,330 km (825 miles), so choosing the right hotels can make your trip far more enjoyable. Rather than driving huge distances every day, staying in the right locations lets you explore at a relaxed pace and spend more time enjoying Iceland’s incredible scenery.
We’ve travelled the Ring Road ourselves and found that splitting the journey into overnight stops makes the experience much more enjoyable.
Here’s our guide to some of the best hotels around Iceland’s Ring Road.
Our Favourite Ring Road Stops
For a typical 10-day Ring Road itinerary, we’d recommend staying in:
- Reykjavík
- Vík
- Höfn
- Egilsstaðir
- Lake Mývatn
- Akureyri
- Snæfellsnes or Borgarnes
- Reykjavík
These locations break up the driving nicely while keeping you close to Iceland’s biggest attractions.
Reykjavík
Best Luxury
The Reykjavík EDITION
A stunning waterfront hotel close to Harpa Concert Hall and the Old Harbour.
Perfect for celebrating the start (or end) of your Iceland adventure.
Best Mid-Range
Fosshotel Reykjavík
Modern rooms, private parking and an excellent location for collecting your rental car before heading onto the Ring Road.
Best Boutique
Sand Hotel
One of Reykjavík’s most popular boutique hotels, right on Laugavegur shopping street.
Vík
The South Coast is one of the busiest parts of Iceland, so accommodation often books up months in advance.
Our Pick
Hótel Kría
Located just outside central Vík, this modern hotel offers fantastic mountain views and easy access to:
- Reynisfjara
- Dyrhólaey
- Skógafoss
- Seljalandsfoss
It’s an ideal base for exploring Iceland’s South Coast.
Glacier Lagoon & Höfn
This area is perfect for visiting:
- Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
- Diamond Beach
- Vatnajökull National Park
Best Luxury
Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon
One of Iceland’s most impressive countryside hotels, located between Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón.
The views alone make it worth considering.
Best Value
Milk Factory
Located in Höfn, this converted dairy building has become one of the town’s best-rated boutique hotels.
It’s a great base for exploring southeast Iceland.
Egilsstaðir
East Iceland is quieter than the South Coast, making it the perfect place to relax after several busy days of sightseeing.
Popular choices include:
- Lake-side hotels
- Family-run guesthouses
- Countryside lodges
If you’re visiting during summer, book early, as accommodation options are more limited than elsewhere along the Ring Road.
Lake Mývatn
If you’re exploring North Iceland, spending a night near Lake Mývatn is well worth it.
Our Recommendation
Vogafjós Farm Resort
One of the area’s most popular places to stay.
Highlights include:
- Beautiful countryside setting
- Excellent restaurant
- Views across Lake Mývatn
- Close to geothermal attractions
It’s one of the most unique overnight stops on the Ring Road.
Akureyri
Often called the Capital of North Iceland, Akureyri has accommodation to suit every budget.
Boutique Choice
K16 Apartments
Ideal if you prefer self-catering accommodation with plenty of space.
It’s located within walking distance of cafés, restaurants and the harbour.
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
If you’re extending your trip beyond the Ring Road, Snæfellsnes is one of Iceland’s most beautiful regions.
Luxury Choice
Hótel Búðir
Famous for:
- The nearby Black Church
- Incredible glacier views
- Fine dining
- Peaceful surroundings
A fantastic place for a final relaxing night before returning to Reykjavík.
How Far in Advance Should You Book?
As early as possible.
Hotels in:
- Vík
- Höfn
- Lake Mývatn
- Snæfellsnes
often sell out months in advance during summer.
If you’re travelling between June and August, we’d recommend booking accommodation as soon as you’ve confirmed your flights.
Hotel or Campervan?
Hotels are perfect if you:
- Prefer comfort.
- Want private bathrooms.
- Enjoy restaurant breakfasts.
- Don’t mind sticking to a schedule.
However…
Our favourite way to explore Iceland is still by campervan.
Travelling with CampEasy gave us complete flexibility to stop wherever we wanted, wake up somewhere different each morning and experience Iceland at our own pace.
If you’re considering a campervan, our readers also receive an exclusive FREE Easy Start Pack.
🚐 Book your CampEasy campervan here:
https://campeasy.com/?tap_a=107011-a856e5&tap_s=8902128-1989f0
Getting Between Hotels
The easiest way to complete the Ring Road is by hiring your own car.
We’ve always had excellent experiences with Blue Car Rental, and it’s the company we recommend for Iceland road trips.
🚗 Hire your car here:
https://www.bluecarrental.is/?affiliate=IcelandicAdventure
Stay Connected
Having reliable mobile data makes finding your next hotel, checking in online and navigating Iceland much easier.
We always use Saily eSIM, which activates before we land.
📱 Save 10% with Saily here:
https://go.saily.site/aff_c?offer_id=101&aff_id=15717
Our Hotel Booking Tips
- Book early for summer travel.
- Choose accommodation with free parking if you’re hiring a car.
- Look for breakfast-inclusive rates.
- Stay outside busy towns if you want quieter surroundings.
- Read recent reviews before booking.
- Don’t try to drive too far each day—it’s better to enjoy the journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hotels do I need for the Ring Road?
Most travellers complete the Ring Road in 7–10 days, staying in a different hotel each night or every couple of nights.
Which area is hardest to book?
Vík and the Glacier Lagoon area are usually among the first places to sell out during summer.
Is it better to stay in hotels or guesthouses?
Both are excellent.
Guesthouses often provide a more personal experience and can be better value, while hotels usually offer more facilities and services.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right hotels can transform your Iceland Ring Road adventure.
Whether you stay in stylish boutique hotels in Reykjavík, countryside lodges near Mývatn or glacier-view hotels close to Jökulsárlón, every overnight stop becomes part of the experience.
If you prefer flexibility, we’d still recommend a campervan—but if hotels are more your style, planning your route carefully and booking early will help you get the most out of one of the world’s greatest road trips.
Happy travels!
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