ION City Hotel

There are so many subtle nods to the hotel’s Icelandic heritage to discover while exploring. Staff wear jewellery made by a local jewellers, Icelandic birch hangs by the entrance and the throws on the beds are made from Icelandic wool.

Driving the short distance from the airport towards Iceland’s capital city Reykjavik, an enigmatic taxi driver reveals that, of course, he knows Sigurlaug Sverrisdóttir. Not personally, but the owner of the two Ion hotels is a household name here.

Ion City, just like the original Ion Adventure hotel is bursting with nods to Icelandic culture, arts and heritage. Both are quirky, modern design hotels and this is demonstrated beautifully at the new Ion City which blends natural elements like Icelandic wool curtains and sheepskin rugs with all the best in modern techs like in-room Nespresso machines, Samsung smart televisions and Bang and Olufson speakers.

Whilst the country is known for its natural wonders like glaciers, hot springs and volcanoes, there is much on offer to explore in the city - and Ion is the perfect hub. Located on the main shopping street it is walking distance from the stunning Hallgrímskirkja church - one of the tallest structures in Iceland with panoramic views from the tower. Also within striking outdistance on foot are several museums, including one unusual one devoted to an extensive collection of phallic specimens.

In contrast to Ion Adventure, which boasts local dishes like Artic char on the menu, Ion City’s Sumac restaurant is heavily influenced by North African cuisine, using local seasonal vegetables. Attracting both native Icelanders and visitors in equally great numbers to try dishes likes fried cod cheeks and roasted cauliflower, the vibe is constantly buzzing.