Where To Stay
The Reykjavik EDITION
The Spirit of Iceland
EDITION Hotels is an unexpected and refreshing collection of individualized, customized, one-of-a-kind hotels which redefines the codes of traditional luxury. Displaying the best of dining and entertainment, services and amenities “all under one roof,” each EDITION property is completely unique, reflecting the best of the cultural and social scene of its location and of the time.
A flourishing culinary hotspot with cool cafés, a rollicking nightlife and an epic music scene, the spotlight is shining brightly on Iceland’s famous capital city and, with typical finesse, the arrival of The Reykjavik EDITION further cements EDITION Hotels' uncanny ability to land in just the right place at the right time. “Reykjavik is a really cool, young city -perfect for our brand,” says Ian Schrager, the visionary pioneer of the boutique hotel concept.
“We think this is Reykjavik’s time and we’re right here
at the very heart of it and at the perfect time.”
The Reykjavik EDITION will set a new standard, combining the best of the Icelandic capital with the personal, intimate and individual experience that the EDITION brand is known for. The result is a vibrant and sophisticated urban hub with 253 rooms, an outstanding line-up of bars, signature restaurant and nightclub and, in true EDITION style, the introduction of a new kind of modern social wellness concept.
In the land of hot springs, mineral waters and natural fjords, this creative innovation, visceral emotional experience and authenticity of Ian Schrager, results in a totally distinct offering that further boosts Reykjavik’s growing allure as a world-class international cosmopolitan destination. Iceland is an aspirational destination for many, in-between North America and Western Europe - increased flight routes, and its otherworldly landscape, drawing visitors from far and wide. Schrager says he was taken aback by the country’s unspoiled, natural beauty. Indeed, marooned in the North Atlantic Ocean, just beneath the Arctic Circle, Iceland is quite literally in the making, its constantly evolving landscape the result of rumbling volcanoes, bubbling hot springs, erupting geysers and shifting tectonic plates. All of this has resulted in a spectacular, mystical medley of bright green moss-carpeted lava fields, soaring glaciers and rugged mountains sliced by deep, river-cut valleys. “In Iceland, you’re getting to see things you won’t see anywhere else,” says Schrager.
The Reykjavik EDITION subtly captures the spirit of Reykjavik while avoiding the clichés and remaining firmly rooted in the EDITION brand’s strong sense of refined sophistication and style. On a harborside perch, against glorious mountain views, the hotel is in a flawless location at the heart of the city. The multicoloured glass façade was designed by the celebrated Icelandic and Danish artist Olafur Eliasson. From the outside, the hotel is a striking addition to this downtown neighbourhood. Its ebony façade of shou sugi ban timber has been charred to be blacked using an ancient Japanese technique, and blackened steel frames are a clear nod to Iceland’s dramatic lava landscape. The simple, clean lines of the building itself have been angled to make the most of the views and its lively harborside setting with a double-entrance lobby accessible either from the pedestrian Harpa plaza, or the Harbor.
The Lobby bar beverage menu focuses on global wines by the glass selection and classic cocktails with an Icelandic twist. The lobby lounge features a central open-flame fireplace which is the hearth of the space. Accessible from the lobby, the ground floor is also home to Tides, the signature restaurant with a private dining room, and café with homemade baked goods, and Tölt, an intimate bar that takes its cues from The London EDITION’s award-winning Punch Room. Tides, which has an outdoor terrace and its own waterfront entrance, is helmed by Gunnar Karl Gíslason - the chef behind Dill, Reykjavik’s much-celebrated New Nordic Michelin-starred restaurant. For lunch and dinner, Gíslason serves modern Icelandic cuisine, with subtle hints of traditional cooking methods, focused on seasonal local products and the highest quality of global ingredients mainly cooked over an open fire. Alongside an extensive global wine list, expect dishes such as a vertical salad topped with fried oyster mushrooms aged soy sauce and roasted almonds or whole Arctic char stuffed with lemon, dill and garlic butter, baked Atlantic cod, and more. There is also a weekend brunch menu and three nights a week, The Counter, overlooking the theatrical open kitchen, will serve an eight-course tasting menu with wine pairings for up to 10 people.
Meanwhile, set to be a destination of its own, The Roof is located on the hotel’s 7th floor and offers panoramic mountains, the North Atlantic Ocean and old town vistas. A versatile space that can be divided by a glass door for private events allows it to be the best place from which to enjoy the endless bright summer evenings as well as the magical northern lights in the colder months. The lower ground floor is home to Sunset, a cool underground nightspot. Along with a killer cocktail menu and an ongoing roster of events, the club will play host to some of the world’s top DJs and performers, earmarking it as the latest unmissable destination in Reykjavik’s thriving nightlife scene.
“It would have been a dream to have opened Studio 54 here where darkness lasts 6 months rather than the 8 hours as it does in New York City. It would have been the perfect place for it” says Schrager.
Words by Alexa Bouhelier-Ruelle
Photos provided by hotel
