Reykjavik's most art-filled hotel houses Iceland's largest private art collection with over 500 works by Icelandic masters lining its walls. The Gallery Restaurant serves outstanding Icelandic cuisine and the comfortable, classically furnished rooms offer a sense of cultured calm in the center of the city.
Holt Hotel, located at Bergstaðastræti 37 in the western part of central Reykjavik, is widely recognised as the Capital Region's foremost arts hotel. Established in 1965 and operating continuously since then, the hotel houses what is believed to be Iceland's largest private art collection — more than 500 original works by major figures in Icelandic visual art, including paintings, sculptures, and works on paper displayed throughout the public rooms, corridors, and guest rooms of the property. The building's architecture is understated, its importance lying within rather than in any dramatic facade. The 42 classically furnished rooms and suites combine traditional hotel comfort — plush furnishings, marble bathrooms, heavy drapes — with the aesthetic richness that comes from living alongside important artworks. Many rooms overlook the Hallgrímskirkja church, one of the Capital Region's most iconic structures, just a short walk from the hotel. Dining at the Holt is anchored by the Gallery Restaurant, consistently regarded as one of Reykjavik's finest tables. The kitchen focuses on ambitious Icelandic cuisine — ingredients sourced from Icelandic farms, rivers, and coastal waters, prepared with classical technique and seasonal intelligence. The adjacent Gallery Bar is a quiet, cultivated space for aperitifs and digestifs, and the hotel's wine list is among the most carefully curated in the city. There are no spa or pool facilities at the Holt, which positions itself as an unusually intimate, culture-forward alternative to the city's larger luxury hotels. Service is personal and attentive, and the team is experienced in assisting guests with gallery visits, art purchases, and introductions to Icelandic artists and curators. Bergstaðastræti is a quiet residential-commercial street and the hotel has a calm, slightly removed feel from the busiest tourist thoroughfares while remaining central. Laugavegur shopping street is five minutes on foot; Keflavík Airport is approximately 45 minutes by road.
Amenities
- restaurant
- bar
- wifi
- art collection
- room service
- concierge
Location
Bergstaðastræti 37, 101 Reykjavik
64.1427, -21.9326 View on map
Highlights
- Houses Iceland's largest private art collection — over 500 works by major Icelandic artists displayed throughout the hotel.
- Gallery Restaurant is consistently regarded as one of Reykjavik's finest dining venues, specialising in modern Icelandic cuisine.
- 42 classically furnished rooms and suites, many with direct views of the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church.
- Gallery Bar offers a quiet, cultured atmosphere with an exceptionally curated wine list and premium spirits selection.
- Established in 1965, the Holt is one of the Capital Region's most historically continuous luxury hotels.
Tips for visiting
- Visit the art collection during quieter daytime hours to spend time with individual works — staff can provide context on the Icelandic artists represented.
- Gallery Restaurant reservations are essential — it is a dining destination in its own right and tables fill well in advance.
- Bergstaðastræti offers a calmer, more residential feel than the busiest tourist streets while remaining very central — ideal for light sleepers.
- The Hallgrímskirkja church and its observation tower are a five-minute walk and offer the best elevated views over central Reykjavik.
- Rooms at the front of the hotel provide the best views of the church — request a church-facing room when booking.
Accessibility
Holt Hotel is a mid-century building with lift access to upper floors. Some areas of the property retain original period features. Guests with wheelchair or mobility requirements should contact the hotel directly to discuss accessibility arrangements before arrival.
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Frequently asked questions
What makes Holt Hotel distinctive?
Holt Hotel is known above all for its art collection — more than 500 works by Icelandic masters displayed throughout the property. It is widely considered the Capital Region's most culturally significant hotel interior.
Does Holt Hotel have a spa or swimming pool?
The hotel does not have a spa or pool on site. The nearest public geothermal pool, Sundhöllin, is a short walk away and provides an authentic Icelandic bathing experience.
How many rooms does Holt Hotel have?
The hotel has 42 rooms and suites, classically furnished and individually decorated with works from the hotel's private Icelandic art collection.
What is the Gallery Restaurant known for?
The Gallery Restaurant at Holt is one of Reykjavik's most respected fine-dining venues, known for its modern Icelandic menu, seasonal produce sourcing from Icelandic farms and waters, and an extensive curated wine list.