Eldstó Guesthouse in Hvolsvollur
✅ Fish and chips described as the best in Iceland with clean, tender fish and perfectly seasoned fries ✅ Lamb stew and soups praised for flavor and comforting qualities ✅ Artistic and cozy restaurant atmosphere with handmade pottery and local art displayed ✅ Friendly and attentive staff providing a welcoming experience ✅ Generous portions of soups and hot drinks that satisfy guests ❌ Burger criticized for lack of seasoning and underwhelming presentation ❌ Some inconsistency in food quality noted between different dishes
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Description
Eldstó Guesthouse in Hvolsvollur offers a range of rooms including Standard, Deluxe, and Classic types, with configurations from single to triple occupancy. The guesthouse provides free parking, WiFi, and heating, and features non-smoking rooms throughout. A standout feature is its onsite restaurant, known for a cozy atmosphere decorated with local handmade pottery and art, creating a creative and relaxed dining experience. While the food receives mixed reviews—high praise for dishes like fish and chips, lamb stew, and garlic bread contrasts with some less impressive meals such as the burger—the welcoming and attentive service consistently earns compliments. The guesthouse allows pets but according to policies, pets are not permitted, so plan accordingly. Payment options include major cards like MasterCard, American Express, and Visa. With a solid overall rating of 8.7 and high marks for cleanliness, amenities, location, and service, Eldstó provides a comfortable stop for travelers exploring southern Iceland.
Location
Located at 2 Austurvegur in the town of Hvolsvollur, Eldstó Guesthouse sits conveniently near key attractions like the Lava Centre and several waterfalls, popular with visitors to the region. It is 97 kilometers from Reykjavík Domestic Airport (RKV), making it accessible for travelers flying into Iceland's capital region. The guesthouse is close to local dining options, including the nearby Nesti Grill just 85 meters away, and offers free parking for guests arriving by car. Its position at a main intersection ensures easy access for road travelers exploring Iceland’s southern coast.
Tips
- Ask for the fish and chips even though it’s not on the menu—it’s highly recommended by guests.
- Take advantage of the free parking if you’re driving.
- Visit the restaurant’s art gallery area to enjoy local crafts while dining.
Policies and conditions
- Pets: Pets are not allowed
- Paying at the hotel: MasterCard, AmericanExpress, Visa
Services and facilities
- Shopping on site
- Smoke-free property
- Heating
- Gift shop
- All Spaces Non-Smoking (public and private)
- Non-smoking rooms
- Linens
- Common kitchen
- Restaurant
- Free Wi-Fi
- English
- Polish
- Parking
- Free Parking on Premises
- Garage
- Beach/pool towels
- Pets Not Allowed
Hotel virtual tour
Map
Reviews
The food, however, is a bit of a mixed experience. The lamb soup — a local favorite — was small in portion but flavorful and comforting, clearly made with care. The burger, on the other hand, was underwhelming and could have used more seasoning and better presentation. It’s the kind of meal that fills you up but doesn’t quite leave a lasting impression.
Service was friendly and attentive, with staff who made us feel welcome and never rushed. The café’s laid-back vibe makes it an enjoyable stop for coffee or a light lunch, especially if you appreciate locally made ceramics and a relaxed, homey setting.
Overall, Eldstó is worth a visit for its atmosphere and charm rather than the food alone. It’s a pleasant, artistic café with heart, even if the menu doesn’t fully match the beauty of its surroundings.
We were exhausted, hungry, and worried we wouldn't find dinner before everything closed in Reykjavik. We stopped at Eldstó on a whim, and it ended up being one of the best meals of our entire trip.
We both ordered the Fish and Chips (pro-tip: it's not on the menu, you have to ask for it!), and we were floored. I’ve eaten a lot of fish and chips, and this was, without question, the cleanest and most tender fish I have ever put in my mouth. The fries were perfectly seasoned and you get a very generous amount.
We also warmed up with their two soups of the day (mushroom and carrot/bell pepper), which were just incredibly heartwarming and unlimited. (We love extra seasoning, so we added a pinch of the salt from the table, and they were perfect.)
We were so blown away that we drove back out of our way for a second time just to have it all again. It was worth every mile.
The menu had a good selection. We ended up getting the burgers and fries. They were both very good. The fries were seasoned and very good. The food came out hot and presentation was good. It was a quiet restaurant and they had an art show room off the back.
There was plenty of parking. The restaurant is very accessible at one of the main intersections. If you are in the area, I would recommend it.
The staff is extremely nice here!
We couldn't try the fish stew, but we loved the finish and chips (the batter was light and tasty and not oily) and the lamb stew had great hints of rosemary and spices.
The service was okay, given the number of staff they had. Nothing to write home about, but they were kind and quick!
POIs near hotel
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Frequently asked questions about Eldstó Guesthouse
What types of rooms does Eldstó Guesthouse offer?
The guesthouse offers Standard rooms, Standard Triple rooms, Standard Double rooms, Deluxe rooms, Deluxe Double rooms, Classic rooms, and Classic Triple rooms.
Is there a restaurant at Eldstó Guesthouse and what is it like?
Yes, Eldstó has a restaurant with a cozy, artistic atmosphere decorated with handmade pottery and local art. It serves local Icelandic dishes and some international-inspired meals.
Are pets allowed at Eldstó Guesthouse?
According to hotel policies, pets are not allowed despite pets being listed under services.
How far is Eldstó Guesthouse from the nearest airport?
It is 97 kilometers from Reykjavík Domestic Airport (RKV).
What payment methods are accepted at Eldstó Guesthouse?
The hotel accepts MasterCard, American Express, and Visa.
