A magnetic blend of Reykjavik’s raw, elemental beauty and EDITION’s signature urban sophistication, The Reykjavik EDITION is the Icelandic capital’s first true taste of modern luxury hospitality. Opened in preview on November 9th, 2021, the hotel is already making waves—not just for its location at the city’s cultural heart, adjacent to the Harpa Concert Hall and steps from Reykjavik’s vibrant Laugavegur shopping district—but for its ability to channel the city’s soulful, creative energy into every corner of its design, experience, and service.
The vision of Ian Schrager, the father of boutique hotels and creator of the EDITION brand in partnership with Marriott International, The Reykjavik EDITION is a feat of sophisticated restraint and natural expression. The exterior is a monochrome symphony of shou sugi ban timber and blackened steel—an ode to Iceland’s volcanic terrain—while the interiors, conceived in collaboration with local architecture firm T.ark and NYC-based studio Roman and Williams, balance elemental materials like basalt and ash wood with tactile luxuries, soft lighting, and thoughtful artistry. From the luminous lava-stone sculpture in the lobby to the immersive digital “Northern Lights” installation, the property immerses guests in both place and atmosphere.
The 253 rooms and suites—all with beds facing floor-to-ceiling windows—exude comfort through custom Italian furnishings, locally crafted wool throws, and exclusive in-room art by celebrated Icelandic photographers. The penthouse, perched on the sixth floor, offers panoramic harbor views, a private terrace, and its own fireplace, epitomizing EDITION’s blend of high design and quiet intimacy.
Dining at The Reykjavik EDITION is as much a social affair as it is a culinary journey. Tides, the hotel’s signature restaurant helmed by local star chef Gunnar Gíslason, spotlights Icelandic ingredients with a contemporary touch, from open-fire Arctic char to sea buckthorn-infused desserts. Adjacent is Tides Café, a refined space for daily pastries, fresh sandwiches, and takeaway coffees. The cozy, clandestine bar Tölt—named for the smooth gait of Icelandic horses—offers fireplace warmth and cocktails crafted with native spirits, while The Roof, a sleek all-black venue on the 7th floor, delivers wraparound views of the ocean, Harpa, and the jagged mountain ranges beyond.
Beneath the surface, the hotel’s spa breaks ground with a social wellness concept unlike any in the country. In addition to the expected hammam, sauna, and plunge pool, guests can sip moss vodka cocktails or Viking protein shakes in the spa lounge before soaking in geothermal waters. The Sundown Spa treatment—blending massage, scalp therapy, and hydrotherapy—is a uniquely Icelandic indulgence, further proving that at EDITION, wellness is more than ritual; it’s an experience.
Whether relaxing in the cozy lounges, meeting in the light-filled ballroom, or watching Reykjavik’s famed Northern Lights dance from the rooftop terrace, The Reykjavik EDITION captures the elemental power of Iceland with the polish of an international design house. In Schrager’s words, “More than any place in the world, Iceland helps you connect with nature. This hotel gives you that feeling—but with champagne and firelight.”
This is Reykjavik’s moment—and The Reykjavik EDITION is where it all comes together.
With its seamless fusion of Icelandic authenticity and global sophistication, The Reykjavik EDITION is more than a hotel—it’s a cultural landmark redefining what luxury means in the north. Here, tradition meets innovation, and nature-inspired serenity coexists with cosmopolitan energy, creating a sanctuary for explorers, creatives, and design lovers alike. Whether drawn by the magnetic pull of the aurora, the flavors of Icelandic cuisine, or the allure of EDITION’s inimitable aesthetic, guests leave not just with memories, but with a deeper connection to the soul of Reykjavik.
