‹›
143 USD
Downtown Guesthouse in Reykjavik
🌍 Iceland, Reykjavik, Lækjargata 6a and 6b
● Center: 1.4 km
🌞 Beach - 2.8 km
✅ Very central location with easy access to shopping, restaurants, and public transport ✅ Rooms offer a variety of types including studios and family cottages suitable for different group sizes ✅ Shared kitchen is well-equipped according to some guests ✅ Affordable pricing compared to other options in the city center ❌ Multiple reviews report unclean rooms and common areas, including dirty bathrooms and shared kitchens ❌ Guests frequently experienced poor communication and unresponsive staff, especially at check-in ❌ Noise from street, nearby pub, and pigeons outside rooms disturbed sleep ❌ Heating issues reported, including some rooms and common areas being cold during winter ❌ Security concerns about luggage storage area being unlocked and accessible to anyone
Book now!
Rooms and prices
2 guests
Check availability on Booking
Standard room
Shared bathroom
Beds:
180 USD
Booking
View more
deals
deals
ZenHotels
Agoda
Double Studio
Private bathroom
Beds:
257 USD
Booking
View more
deals
deals
ZenHotels
Agoda
Deluxe Double room
Private bathroom
Beds:
282 USD
Booking
View more
deals
deals
ZenHotels
Agoda
Run of House
Booking
View more
deals
deals
ZenHotels
Agoda
Economy room
Wireless internet and shower
Booking
View more
deals
deals
ZenHotels
Agoda
Economy Single room
Wireless internet and shower
Beds:
Booking
View more
deals
deals
ZenHotels
Agoda
Standard Single room
Shared bathroom
Beds:
Booking
View more
deals
deals
ZenHotels
Agoda
Standard Double room
Wireless internet and shower
Beds:
Booking
View more
deals
deals
ZenHotels
Agoda
4 x
Standard Quadruple room
Shared bathroom
Booking
View more
deals
deals
ZenHotels
Agoda
Standard room with city view
Wireless internet, shower and private bathroom
Booking
View more
deals
deals
ZenHotels
Agoda
3 x
Standard Triple room
Private bathroom
Beds:
Booking
View more
deals
deals
ZenHotels
Agoda
Standard Double room with balcony and with city view
Private bathroom
Beds:
Booking
View more
deals
deals
ZenHotels
Agoda
1 Bedroom Standard Double room with balcony and with city view
Private bathroom
Beds:
Booking
View more
deals
deals
ZenHotels
Agoda
Deluxe room
Private bathroom
Booking
View more
deals
deals
ZenHotels
Agoda
Deluxe room with city view
Private bathroom
Booking
View more
deals
deals
ZenHotels
Agoda
Deluxe Single room
Private bathroom
Beds:
Booking
View more
deals
deals
ZenHotels
Agoda
Deluxe Single room with city view
Private bathroom
Beds:
Booking
View more
deals
deals
ZenHotels
Agoda
Deluxe Double room with city view
Private bathroom
Beds:
Booking
View more
deals
deals
ZenHotels
Agoda
Deluxe Double room with balcony and with city view
Wireless internet, shower and private bathroom
Beds:
Booking
View more
deals
deals
ZenHotels
Agoda
1 Bedroom Deluxe Double room with balcony
Private bathroom
Beds:
Booking
View more
deals
deals
ZenHotels
Agoda
1 Bedroom Deluxe Double room with balcony and with city view
Private bathroom
Beds:
Booking
View more
deals
deals
ZenHotels
Agoda
Apartment
Wireless internet, shower and private bathroom
Beds:
Booking
View more
deals
deals
ZenHotels
Agoda
2 Bedrooms Apartment
Wireless internet, shower and private bathroom
Beds:
Booking
View more
deals
deals
ZenHotels
Agoda
2 Bedrooms Double Apartment
Private bathroom
Beds:
Booking
View more
deals
deals
ZenHotels
Agoda
Studio
Wireless internet, shower and private bathroom
Beds:
Booking
View more
deals
deals
ZenHotels
Agoda
Family Studio
Family room with bathroom
Beds:
Booking
View more
deals
deals
ZenHotels
Agoda
Double Family Studio
Family room with bathroom
Beds:
Booking
View more
deals
deals
ZenHotels
Agoda
Family Cottage
Family room with bathroom
Beds:
Booking
View more
deals
deals
ZenHotels
Agoda
Description
Downtown Guesthouse in Reykjavik is a budget-friendly two-star accommodation established in 1905, offering a wide variety of room types from Economy Single rooms to Family Cottages and Apartments. It provides essential services including a shared kitchen, free WiFi, and a restaurant onsite. The property is non-smoking throughout and allows pets according to listed services, however, the official policy states pets and service animals are not allowed. Heating is available throughout the building, and luggage storage is offered, though some reviews mention concerns about its security. The guesthouse operates with express check-in and check-out, but guests should be prepared for limited staff presence and self-service check-in via emailed door codes. Cleanliness and amenities are rated 8/10, but guest feedback highlights issues with noise, maintenance, and cleanliness in some areas.
Location
Located at Lækjargata 6a and 6b, Downtown Guesthouse sits in central Reykjavik close to important cultural sites. The Icelandic Phallological Museum is just 229 meters away, and the Settlement Exhibition is 270 meters from the property. The guesthouse is a 5-minute walk to Harpa Concert Hall and a 2-minute stroll to the main shopping street. The Nautholsvik Geothermal Beach is 2.8 km away for those interested in coastal visits, and Reykjavik Domestic Airport is only 2 km distant. There are several highly-rated restaurants within 300 to 320 meters, including Matarkjallarinn (10/10) and Fish Company (9/10). Bus stop 3 for airport and city tours is located right outside the guesthouse entrance.
Tips
- Make sure to receive and save the emailed door code before arrival to avoid check-in difficulties.
- If you are sensitive to noise, request a room away from the street or the pub downstairs.
- Consider bringing your own cups for the kettle as these are not provided.
- Be cautious about storing valuables in the luggage storage as it is reported to be unsecured.
Policies and conditions
- Child policies: Children of all ages are welcome at this property. Additional fees may be charged for children using existing beds. Add the number of children to get a more accurate price.
- Cribs and Extra Beds: For all room types, cribs can be added, but extra beds cannot be added. Fees for cribs are not included in the total price. For details, please contact the property.
- Pets: Pets are not allowed
- Service animals: Service animals are not allowed
- Age Requirements: The main guest checking in must be at least 18 years old
- Paying at the hotel: Visa, AmericanExpress, DinersClub, JSB, UnionPay, MasterCard
- Check in time: 14:00. Check out time: 11:00.
official partner of
Booking.com
Services and facilities
General
- Smoke-free property
- Heating
- Ticket assistance
- Garden
- Express check-in
- All Spaces Non-Smoking (public and private)
- No elevators
Rooms
- Non-smoking rooms
- Linens
Services and amenities
- Luggage storage
Meals
- Common kitchen
- Restaurant
- Kettle
Internet
- Free Wi-Fi
Transfer
- Airport transportation
Languages Spoken
- English
Tourist services
- Tour assistance
Pool and beach
- Beach/pool towels
Pets
- Pets Not Allowed
The nearest beach is located on the distance of 2840 m. It takes 43 minutes To the beach!
Hotel view
Video: Downtown Reykjavik Apartments
Map
Reviews
08.05.2026
Do yourself a favour, avoid this place.
The room appeared nice at first sight but turned out terrible when we realised no blindings and insufficient curtains. Not only the external light was a problem (say, in August there is always light outside in Iceland) but also the noise coming from the street made it like it was inside the room. When it went a bit more quiet by night, we discovered pigeons living (and dirting) just outside the windows. Property replied just at our arrival, then disappeared. Didn’t show up neither when alarm went on in the earth of the night. Ignored me when I ask to reply a mulfunctioning and unsafe hair dryer. Terrible fish smell in the halls. Dirty shared kitchen. Booked here through Booking, they didn’t reply to Booking either. Really, Do yourself a favour, book somewhere else.
ALSO BE CAREFUL, they are on Booking with a double name but same address!! So scammers. First name is Downtown Guesthouse Reykjavík, the other is City Guesthouse.
The room appeared nice at first sight but turned out terrible when we realised no blindings and insufficient curtains. Not only the external light was a problem (say, in August there is always light outside in Iceland) but also the noise coming from the street made it like it was inside the room. When it went a bit more quiet by night, we discovered pigeons living (and dirting) just outside the windows. Property replied just at our arrival, then disappeared. Didn’t show up neither when alarm went on in the earth of the night. Ignored me when I ask to reply a mulfunctioning and unsafe hair dryer. Terrible fish smell in the halls. Dirty shared kitchen. Booked here through Booking, they didn’t reply to Booking either. Really, Do yourself a favour, book somewhere else.
ALSO BE CAREFUL, they are on Booking with a double name but same address!! So scammers. First name is Downtown Guesthouse Reykjavík, the other is City Guesthouse.
03.02.2025
On the downside, it's all pretty basic and the owners aren't very responsive - I had to email on the day of arrival to beg for the door code that should have been emailed more than 24 hours ago and despite warning them first when I booked and then again when I asked for the code that I'd be arriving around 2am (having previously stayed here and knowing the system), my room card had been removed from the key safe and the room put up for last minute availability - by pure luck, it hadn't been sold between me not arriving by 10pm and me arriving at 2.30am so I was able to identify my room and move in, and everything was fine. How they knew I hadn't arrived, I don't know - in the week I was there, I never once saw staff at reception.
On the other hand, you're not going to get a better location for the price, the kitchen has everything you could need and it's very warm. Tour/airport bus stop 3 is right outside, it's a five minute walk to Harpa and a two minute walk to the shopping street. You're not going to get any frills or fancies here but I've stayed twice and, knowing exactly what to expect, I'd stay again.
On the other hand, you're not going to get a better location for the price, the kitchen has everything you could need and it's very warm. Tour/airport bus stop 3 is right outside, it's a five minute walk to Harpa and a two minute walk to the shopping street. You're not going to get any frills or fancies here but I've stayed twice and, knowing exactly what to expect, I'd stay again.
03.01.2025
I strongly advise against this. The apartment was without heating, as were the kitchen and bathroom. I think when it feels like -15° outside, you can turn the heating up to at least 1 to welcome guests.
What's more, the kitchen was dirty. I wanted to make myself a coffee and to my great surprise, it was impossible. I enclose a photo. The bathroom leaked, and the tap was broken. In itself, it's not very serious as you can still use it, but it's a lot... to finish, the blind doesn't close all the way down, so all night long you have the lights from the street lamps outside... it's super.... !
Apart from the great location, I wouldn't recommend this accommodation for this price... it's better to pay a bit more but be well accommodated (I guarantee it).
What's more, the kitchen was dirty. I wanted to make myself a coffee and to my great surprise, it was impossible. I enclose a photo. The bathroom leaked, and the tap was broken. In itself, it's not very serious as you can still use it, but it's a lot... to finish, the blind doesn't close all the way down, so all night long you have the lights from the street lamps outside... it's super.... !
Apart from the great location, I wouldn't recommend this accommodation for this price... it's better to pay a bit more but be well accommodated (I guarantee it).
31.12.2024
ABSOLUTELY TERRIBLE. PLEASE DO NOT VISIT THIS EVER. If there was a way i could give it 0.0001, I would
Firstly, I tried to enter the pin they provided and the main doors wouldn't open. I tried multiple times before contacting the owner and the owners took their own time to respond by when I had left. The owners responded saying that I had to push the door hard.
I returned later at night to check in again , there was a key on the key stand with my name on it. I went into the room and to my horror, I found the room uncleaned after the previous set of people left. The mattress was crumpled and there was a slightly wet used towel thrown on the table and used tissues were thrown about in the bathroom.
There was nobody in the reception and I messaged the owners again but like always, they were unresponsive. I asked for a refund and they didn't care to even respond. I sent photos of the room too
I had to find another apartment at 10:30 PM hoping they will have decency to respond in the morning but they didn't. I messaged again in the morning asking if I could check in and again, no response.
I tried my luck in the afternoon and the same hard door was a problem but somehow managed to get in but surprise, surprise, the state of the room was how it was 18 hours ago and nobody in the reception and the owners are unresponsive.
I booked the room for 3 nights and paid close to 450 euros when I never spent more than a minute in the room.
I don't know if I am going to get a refund from these guys but I hope this review hurts them enough.
Edit: I never got the refund and I see that the owners reek of extreme arrogance and you can see from their responses to all the negative reviews.
Firstly, I tried to enter the pin they provided and the main doors wouldn't open. I tried multiple times before contacting the owner and the owners took their own time to respond by when I had left. The owners responded saying that I had to push the door hard.
I returned later at night to check in again , there was a key on the key stand with my name on it. I went into the room and to my horror, I found the room uncleaned after the previous set of people left. The mattress was crumpled and there was a slightly wet used towel thrown on the table and used tissues were thrown about in the bathroom.
There was nobody in the reception and I messaged the owners again but like always, they were unresponsive. I asked for a refund and they didn't care to even respond. I sent photos of the room too
I had to find another apartment at 10:30 PM hoping they will have decency to respond in the morning but they didn't. I messaged again in the morning asking if I could check in and again, no response.
I tried my luck in the afternoon and the same hard door was a problem but somehow managed to get in but surprise, surprise, the state of the room was how it was 18 hours ago and nobody in the reception and the owners are unresponsive.
I booked the room for 3 nights and paid close to 450 euros when I never spent more than a minute in the room.
I don't know if I am going to get a refund from these guys but I hope this review hurts them enough.
Edit: I never got the refund and I see that the owners reek of extreme arrogance and you can see from their responses to all the negative reviews.
11.10.2024
The negative reviews are true. I booked a room for 1 night here on the day of.
When I arrived at the guesthouse, no one there to assist and owner was extremely slow to respond. Only wanted to communicate via text and not over voice call. The key that was supposed to be left for my room was nowhere to be found.
Had to end up canceling and finding a new spot.
Be aware that if you have issues checking in here then you are on your own. The service is below 1 star.
The guesthouse itself is also very rundown. Just from viewing the lobby and bathrooms I could tell that it would be an unpleasant stay. Very dirty and smelly. Location is the thing it has going for it.
When I arrived at the guesthouse, no one there to assist and owner was extremely slow to respond. Only wanted to communicate via text and not over voice call. The key that was supposed to be left for my room was nowhere to be found.
Had to end up canceling and finding a new spot.
Be aware that if you have issues checking in here then you are on your own. The service is below 1 star.
The guesthouse itself is also very rundown. Just from viewing the lobby and bathrooms I could tell that it would be an unpleasant stay. Very dirty and smelly. Location is the thing it has going for it.
02.10.2024
Entry was a bit rundown and 2 flights of stairs to climb. Facilities clean and quiet. Shared bathroom and kitchen. Check-in instructions clear and easy to follow. Good location for shopping, restaurants and bus pickup.
02.09.2024
The guesthouse is a reasonable option for a short term visitor to central Reykjavik. However, it fails to deliver on its promise to provide safe storage of luggage. The luggage room is unlocked, unsupervised (since there is never anyone at reception) and easily accessible not just to all guests but to anyone on the street who knows the outer door code which appears never to change. For that reason we had to abandon our booking and move to different accommodation.
01.09.2024
The property lobbies were dark, dingy & dirty.
The room was bright but felt unclean. The towels were old and tattered. The restrooms and common areas were straightened but did not feel clean.
The room was bright but felt unclean. The towels were old and tattered. The restrooms and common areas were straightened but did not feel clean.
19.08.2024
Smelly
It is close to everything, but it is a rather run down guesthouse. The smell from perfumed detergent overwhelms you as you enter the room. Made me wonder what other smells they are trying to hide. The smell was a bit easier when I had stayed a few nights (no cleaning). Otherwise reasonably clean.
In the room the fire alarm were covered with a plastic bag.
It is close to everything, but it is a rather run down guesthouse. The smell from perfumed detergent overwhelms you as you enter the room. Made me wonder what other smells they are trying to hide. The smell was a bit easier when I had stayed a few nights (no cleaning). Otherwise reasonably clean.
In the room the fire alarm were covered with a plastic bag.
18.08.2024
Smelly
It is close to everything, but it is a rather run down guesthouse. The smell from perfumed detergent hit you in the face as you enter the room. Made me wonder what other smells they are trying to hide. The smell was a bit easier when I had stayed a few nights (no cleaning). Otherwise reasonably clean.
In the room the fire alarm were covered with a plastic bag.
It is close to everything, but it is a rather run down guesthouse. The smell from perfumed detergent hit you in the face as you enter the room. Made me wonder what other smells they are trying to hide. The smell was a bit easier when I had stayed a few nights (no cleaning). Otherwise reasonably clean.
In the room the fire alarm were covered with a plastic bag.
Share your experiences, help others make the right choice!
Think about what you would like to know if you were looking for a review about a place to relax. Please describe in detail what you liked and what you didn't. What would you advise to other guests and to the hotel owner. The more fully you tell about the hotel, the easier it will be for other people to make a choice and they will be very grateful to you!
POIs near hotel
The Black Cone, Monument to Civil Disobedience (2 min)
Stone cone in central Reykjavik commemorating Iceland's 1944 independence declaration and protest against Danish sovereignty.
Tickets: Golden Circle & Kerið Crater: Grand Tour from Reykjavik, 76 EUR View
The Icelandic Phallological Museum (3 min)
Reykjavik's unconventional museum houses the world's largest collection of phallic specimens from mammals, featuring over 200 preserved examples across multiple floors.
Tickets: Phallological Museum: Entry Ticket, 24 EUR View
The Settlement Exhibition (4 min)
Archaeological museum displaying Viking-age turf house ruins and artifacts from Reykjavík's 9th-century Norse settlement, established through radiocarbon dating.
Tickets: Reykjavík: Small-Group Northern Lights Tour, 146 EUR View
National Gallery of Iceland (4 min)
Iceland's premier art institution showcasing Nordic and international contemporary works alongside classical Icelandic paintings. Located in central Reykjavik, it spans multiple venues and collections.
Reykjavik Art Museum (5 min)
Iceland's largest art museum showcasing contemporary and historical Icelandic works across multiple downtown locations. Collections span painting, sculpture, and photography reflecting the nation's artistic heritage.
Tickets: Iceland: Perfume Creation Workshop, 174 EUR View
Cafe and Restaurants near hotel
Restaurant «Hlöllabátar» (4 min)
Ingólfstorgi 1
Restaurant «Matarkjallarinn» (5 min)
Aðalstræti 2
Restaurant «Fish Company» (5 min)
Vesturgata 2a, Grófartorg
Restaurant «Tapas barinn» (5 min)
Vesturgata 3b
Frequently asked questions about Downtown Guesthouse
What types of rooms does Downtown Guesthouse offer?
Downtown Guesthouse offers a wide range of room types including Economy room, Standard room, Deluxe room, various apartments, studios, and family cottages.
Is Downtown Guesthouse located close to public transportation?
Yes, bus stop 3 for airport and city tours is located right outside the guesthouse.
Are pets allowed at Downtown Guesthouse?
Despite the services listing pets allowed, the official policy states that pets and service animals are not permitted.
Does the guesthouse provide on-site parking?
Contact the hotel directly for current parking details.
How is check-in handled at Downtown Guesthouse?
Check-in is self-service with door codes emailed to guests before arrival; there is no staffed reception.
Hotels you might also like
Wrong hotel description? Tell us.