A popular guesthouse in a quiet residential neighborhood near Laugardalslaug swimming pool, offering simple but comfortable rooms and studios with kitchenettes. The friendly owners provide excellent local tips and the nearby bus connections make getting around easy.
Guesthouse Butterfly is a small, family-run budget accommodation on Ránargata in the western part of central Reykjavik, offering a relaxed home-away-from-home atmosphere that distinguishes it from larger hostel and hotel options in the Capital Region. The property occupies a traditional Reykjavik residential building and provides a mix of private rooms and self-contained studios with kitchenettes, catering to guests who value independence and home comforts over hotel services. The West Reykjavik location is quieter than the downtown core, sitting in a pleasant residential neighborhood with reliable bus connections to the city center.
The studios and apartments with kitchenettes allow guests to prepare their own meals — a meaningful cost advantage given Iceland's generally high restaurant prices. Even preparing breakfast and one other meal per day can substantially reduce daily travel costs. The shared lounge offers a comfortable common area for guests to relax, exchange travel tips, and plan excursions. Free on-site parking is a genuine benefit in Reykjavik, where parking in the central 101 district is metered and can be difficult to find.
The guesthouse's friendly owners are frequently commended by guests for providing detailed, current local advice on exploring the Capital Region. Public bus connections from stops near the guesthouse link the property to central Reykjavik and the BSÍ coach terminal. The neighborhood is within comfortable cycling or walking distance of Seltjarnarnes Peninsula, the Grótta lighthouse, and the scenic seafront promenade running along Reykjavik's northern coastline.
Guesthouse Butterfly suits independent travelers, couples, and self-catering visitors who want a quieter base in Reykjavik without sacrificing central access. It is especially well-positioned for guests arriving by car or hiring a vehicle for onward exploration of Iceland.
Amenities
- wifi
- kitchenette
- shared lounge
- free parking
Location
Ránargata 8a, 101 Reykjavik
64.1398, -21.9495 View on map
Highlights
- Family-run guesthouse with a welcoming home atmosphere, free on-site parking, and kitchen-equipped studios
- Kitchenettes in studios enable self-catering — a significant cost advantage given Iceland's restaurant prices
- Owners praised for personal local knowledge and practical day-trip recommendations across the Capital Region
- Quiet residential West Reykjavik location, within walking distance of the Seltjarnarnes coastal path and Grótta lighthouse
- Shared guest lounge ideal for meeting fellow travelers and planning excursions
Tips for visiting
- Free parking represents real savings over metered central Reykjavik parking — take full advantage if arriving by car.
- Stock up at Krónan or Bónus supermarkets and use the kitchenette; even preparing one meal per day significantly reduces daily costs in Iceland.
- Bus route 11 stops near the guesthouse and connects to the city center and BSÍ coach terminal within 15 minutes.
- Ask the owners about tide conditions before walking to the Grótta lighthouse — the causeway access depends on tides and should be timed carefully.
Accessibility
Guesthouse Butterfly is a traditional residential building with limited step-free access. Guests with mobility requirements or wheelchair users should contact the property directly before booking to confirm room and facility suitability.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Does Guesthouse Butterfly include breakfast?
Breakfast is not routinely included. Studios with kitchenettes allow guests to prepare their own meals, and supermarkets are within a short bus ride.
Is there free parking at the guesthouse?
Yes. Free on-site parking is available, which is a practical benefit in Reykjavik where central parking is metered and limited during peak season.
What is the best way to reach the city center from the guesthouse?
Public bus routes from stops near the guesthouse connect to central Reykjavik in under 15 minutes. The property is also accessible by bicycle via the coastal path.
Is Guesthouse Butterfly suitable for families?
Yes. The self-contained studios with kitchenettes, quiet residential neighborhood, and free parking make it a practical choice for families. The owners are typically happy to advise on family-friendly activities in the Capital Region.