Apótek Hotel Reykjavík
Historic boutique with pharmacy-chic personality. The design leans into the building's Art Nouveau bones — parquet floors, casement windows, marble columns — without being precious about it. The ground-floor restaurant draws a local crowd and has real energy most evenings.
Book direct on keahotels.is for complimentary Borg Spa access at the sister Hotel Borg next door — it's not automatic if you book via OTAs
Why It Matters
Designed in 1917 by Guðjón Samúelsson — Iceland's most celebrated architect — this historically protected building was once the city's main pharmacy. It's one of the few hotels in Reykjavík where the architecture itself is genuinely worth the visit.
Apótek Hotel sits in one of Reykjavík's most architecturally significant buildings — a five-storey landmark designed in 1917 by Guðjón Samúelsson, the same state architect behind Hallgrímskirkja and the National Theatre. The building originally housed Reykjavík's first pharmacy, and that heritage runs through everything: cocktails are named Painkillers and Stimulants, bartenders wear white pharmacists' coats, and original wood and marble details from the apothecary days are preserved throughout. Forty-five rooms ranging from snug 11 m² singles to a three-floor Tower Suite sit right on Austurvöllur Square, a block from parliament and a short walk from virtually everything worth seeing in the city center.
Where You'll Stay
6 room types available
Deluxe Room
At 25 m², Deluxe rooms are the most requested for good reason: all of them look out over either Austurvöllur Square or Austurstræti street. The parliament views are the highlight. Adds bathrobe and slippers over the lower categories.
King 180 cm or Twin 2×90 cm · 25 sqm
Junior Suite
The hotel has eight Junior Suites averaging 32 m², each with a separate seating area and views over either Austurvöllur Square or Austurstræti street. A solid choice for longer stays or anyone who wants actual space to relax. Bathrobe and slippers included.
King 180 cm or Twin 2×90 cm · 32 sqm
Small Single Room
The smallest option at Apótek — these rooms are genuinely compact at 11 m². Warm and well-finished with parquet floors and Molton Brown toiletries, but don't expect space to spread out. Suitable for solo travelers who plan to spend most of their time out exploring.
Twin 90 cm · 11 sqm
Standard Room
The double rooms average 18 m² — still on the cozy side, but configurable as double or twin. Tastefully decorated with the same parquet floors and contemporary finish as the rest of the hotel. Fine for two people who aren't planning to spend much time in the room.
King 180 cm or Twin 2×90 cm · 18 sqmSuperior Room
A modest step up in space at 20 m², the Superior rooms offer more breathing room without a significant price jump. Same high-quality finishes throughout. Can be configured as double or twin.
King 180 cm or Twin 2×90 cm · 20 sqmTower Suite
The most unique room in the hotel — a 56 m² suite spread across three floors inside Apótek's historic corner tower. Ground floor has the entry and wardrobe; a narrow staircase leads to the middle level with a snug bedroom, seating area, and writing desk; the top floor holds the romantic bathroom with both a walk-in shower and a bathtub. The stairs mean it's not ideal for those with mobility issues, but for anyone who wants to feel like they're actually living in this 1917 landmark, this is the room.
King 180 cm · 56 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
1 venue on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
The Flybus from Keflavík International Airport will drop off and pick up at the hotel on request. The concierge can reserve seats for departure. Private transfers also available.
The bar's 'pharmacists' — dressed in white coats — mix pharmaceutical-themed cocktails with names like Painkillers, Stimulants, and Sedatives. It's the hotel's signature experience and doubles as a great spot to mingle with locals.
A self-guided walking tour of Reykjavík's city center, promoted by the hotel as a way to explore the compact capital at your own pace. The hotel's location on Austurvöllur Square makes it a natural starting point.
The 24-hour front desk team can book tours, arrange airport transfers (Flybus and private), and assist with activity planning. The hotel is 7 minutes from the domestic airport and 45 minutes from Keflavík International.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Rooms available for mobility-impaired guests with larger showers that can accommodate a shower chair on request.
Elevator serving all floors. Note: the Tower Suite's bedroom and bathroom are only accessible via internal stairs.
Small business center with computer, printer, and photocopier access.
Available throughout the hotel, in all rooms and public areas.
Apotek Kitchen + Bar on the ground floor. Open to hotel guests and the public.
Room service available; hours are limited.
Located at sister hotel Hotel Borg next door. Includes cardio equipment, free weights, sauna and steam room. Open daily 06:00–20:00.
Multilingual staff available around the clock for check-in, local tips, tour bookings, and airport transfer arrangements.
Luggage room available for early arrivals and late departures.
Full concierge service including tour bookings, restaurant recommendations, and transport arrangements.
The hotel does not offer parking. Some street parking and paid parking areas are available in the downtown area.
At Borg Spa (Hotel Borg, next door). Complimentary with direct bookings.
Hot tub, steam bath, sauna, relaxation area, and fitness room at the adjacent Hotel Borg. Complimentary for guests who book direct on keahotels.is; otherwise 2,500 ISK per stay. Open daily 06:00–20:00 (fitness), 10:00–20:00 (spa).
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