Apotek Hotel by Keahotels

Apotek Hotel by Keahotels occupies a historic pharmacy building at Austurstræti 16, at the junction of Austurstræti and Pósthússtræti in central Reykjavik, Iceland. The address sits beside Austurvöllur square, the Alþingi parliament building and the cathedral, and a few minutes' walk from the harbour, Harpa and the shops of Laugavegur. The building's former life as the city's old pharmacy is reflected in the hotel's name and boutique character, and its interiors mix preserved architecture with contemporary Nordic design. Keahotels is one of Iceland's largest domestic hotel groups, and Apotek is its upper-end city-centre property, classed as a four-star boutique hotel with indicative double-room rates of about ISK 32,000 to 55,000 per night. Room types include Standard Rooms, Superior Rooms and Suites, generally compact but well fitted with Wi-Fi, comfortable beds and modern bathrooms, which suits short urban stays. The hotel lists a restaurant, a bar, a gym and Wi-Fi among its amenities. The ground-floor restaurant and bar are a draw in their own right for visitors and locals, serving Icelandic-influenced menus and cocktails, and the central square outside hosts events and cafes through the year. Breakfast is a standard part of many stays and is typically served in the dining area. Service is smart but relaxed, with a concierge-style front desk that can arrange tours, restaurant bookings and airport transfers; the style suits couples, business travellers and anyone who wants to be at the centre of the old town. Because the hotel is on one of the busiest corners of central Reykjavik, evenings can be lively, especially on Friday and Saturday. Summer brings long daylight hours and high prices, while the darker months offer aurora tours departing from the city and reduced rates. Visitors typically spend two to four nights here, using the hotel as a base for walking the old town, visiting nearby museums and joining day tours to the Golden Circle, the South Coast or the Reykjanes peninsula, returning each evening to the square.