All products are independently selected by our writers and editors. Conditions can be so much worse than you can imagine. I still want to try and hire a 4x4 as my main goal is to stay flexible and see/photograph the Northern lights. How do the two hotels compare? You will have to be flexible. During my time in Iceland, I never saw a breakfast spread quite like the one at the Silica Hotel. There is no such thing as a "slow" time of day for them. Is it worth it. So if the elusive Aurora Borealis decides to show up, you are only steps away from hopping into the hotels lagoon and gazing away at the night sky. We arrive 11am on Day 1 and I thought to take the route up towards Gullfoss and down on Road 30 and stay first night somewhere around road 30 or 1 (need to find a place. Most campsites are closed in winter, nights could be msierably cold, condensation could make eberything inside the vehicle damp, and taller vehicles are very vulnerable to sudden wind gusts on icy roads. Travel has become more accessible to the global population, and The United Nations World Tourism Organization estimated that nearly 1.2 billion people traveled outside their, Modern life involves traveling often and for all sorts of reasons. High ceilings with slatted wood frames and big picture windows combine with a spare decor composed of woodfurnishings imported from Norway. Thanks. Hotel 360 looks nice but I am not sure I can get to it during winter). I am a keen photographer so I do ned to plan extra time for photo stops. The hotel offers its own private lagoon which is available for our guests every day. 1 room: 2 guests. I never suggest anyone even drive a regular vehicle that time of year unless they are an Expert Arctic winter driver. "Discover the Breathtaking Beauty of Iceland's Blue Lagoon Hotel -#iceland #bluelagoonmocktail #hotel #nature #top10 Audio Credits: Song: 'Miguel Johnson -. The understated furnishings only highlight the incredible landscape outside, and each room opens to a wooden patio set on the old lava flow. Correction: I may have to rethink the campervan idea in march as it might not be very safe. Stay at (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. First two nights we are renting a campervan and driving around the south coast towards Jokulsarlon. Take a walk or run around the hotel. Day 2: drive along route 1 towards Jokularson and see the stuff along the route. They offered a massive selection of fruits, salads, Skyr (Icelandic yoghurt), meats, cheeses, eggs done every way possible, little morsels of sweets and pastries galore. No, that's not a joke. I am taking my SO to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The Silica Hotel at the Blue Lagoon is a retreat from reality. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. In any case, I will probably have to pick/reserve hotels on route (and hope I can make it to them otherwise it will be expensive). This is something you need to be aware of when making your plans. The spaat the Silica Hotel offers a spa menu with some very unique options that cannot be experienced anywhere else in the world. It is both comfortable and affordable. Again: A Camper in March is a horrible idea. Whilst the Silica Hotel doesnt actually have a restaurant (they only serve breakfast), the LAVA Restaurant located at The Blue Lagoon is only a 10-minute walk away. (aside from their price difference) I read that Silica's lagoon is more private and The Retreat's can get very crowded. This year alone, you might have a big family get-together in another state, an annual ski trip with college buddies, and a cousins wedding halfway across the country. (aside from their price difference) I read that Silica's lagoon is more private and The Retreat's can get very crowded. There's also a swimming pool, fitness room, and complimentary parking. Instead, we enjoyed our breakfast and then made our way over to the actual Blue Lagoon for the morning. Silica Hotel Grindavik, Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland 1 Rm, 2 Guests See All Grindavik Hotels Overview Full Review Photos Room Rates Amenities Map Pros Adjacent to the famous Blue Lagoon and its spa Stunning landscape of mountains and lava flows Private geothermal bathing pool Understated rooms have patios with incredible views That's service. Again: A Camper in March is a horrible idea. No legitimate company that cares about it's customers would offer that due to the dangers of winter plus the ridiculously small percentage of campgrounds that are open during winter. Silica Hotel at Blue Lagoon Iceland has been welcoming Booking.com guests since Feb 15, 2022 Most popular amenities Free parking Free WiFi Spa Non-smoking rooms Facilities for disabled guests Fitness center Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms Bar Property Highlights Top Location: Highly rated by recent guests (9.3) Breakfast Info I closed my eyes and clicked "Book," trying to pretend that if I didn't see it, maybe it would cost me less. You can see the Lights on the Reykjanes Peninsula, but your best chance to see them is on a tour, where you have a guide on the radio with a dozen other guides helping each other find the best show for the customers. Silica types with crystalline and amorphous structure are found in nature and are also produced synthetically. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Singapore. Remember the 6 Ps! Indoors or outdoors, tiny plunge pools to epic infinity oneshotel, Iceland doesnt exactly have one perfect season to visit. Why stay at The Retreat hotel Blue Lagoon Iceland? The picturesque landscape of lava fields surrounding the lagoon only compounds the irresistible draw for many tourists when they visit the beautiful island country. Silica Hotel is a just ten-minute walk from the Blue Lagoon. Youll also receive a robe and slippers for use while youre there and the hotel provides shuttle transfers to the Blue Lagoon if you dont want to walk. Last time I skipped the golden circle (as I only had 2 days) as I wasn't sure Golden Circle as varied as South East drive. Whilst the lagoon at the hotel is pretty amazing, and in my opinion, just as good as the real thing, you probably still want to experience the actual Blue Lagoon as well. Some of the best tours and things to do in Reykjavik are: We recommend booking your hotels on Booking.com to get the best rate and many hotels offer free cancellation in case your plans change. a week, 3 days, 30 minutes? There are 426 hotels in Gunzenhausen close to Munich Franz Josef Strauss. road tripping through the south of Iceland, Blue Lagoon Entry with Roundtrip Transfers, South of Iceland Full-Day Tour from Reykjavik, DK Eyewitness Top 10 Iceland (Pocket Travel Guide), Everything You Need To Know Before Visiting Icelands Blue Lagoon, 10 Things You Cant Miss In Reykjavik, Iceland, 11 Most Instagrammable Places In Southern Iceland, 8 Stops Not To Miss On Icelands Ring Road, Road Trip Inspiration: 10 Must-See Places In Southern Iceland, How To See The Northern Lights In Iceland, Iceland: A 3 Day Itinerary In The Land Of Fire And Ice, Iceland Road Trip: 5 Epic Hidden Gems To Seek Out, 7 Ways To Go Off The Beaten Path In Iceland, THE 20 BEST GIRLS GETAWAYS IN EUROPE FOR FALL, THE ULTIMATE ICELAND CAMPERVAN FIRST TIMERS GUIDE. Exclusive Member of Mediavine Travel Development by Becky van Dijk, 2) Get Free Premium Entry To The Blue Lagoon From Silica Hotel, 7) Silica Hotel Is A Great Place To Relax, 8) Experience The Amazing Food At The Lava Restaurant, 9) See The Northern Lights While Floating In The Lagoon. If you do plan to go NL hunting on your own at night, make sure to scout out safe (and official) places to park in daylight. The 4000sq-m spa is at the heart of the hotel, connecting the Retreat hotel to the public lagoon. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-105369089', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Fosshotel Blue glacier. This is something you need to be aware of when making your plans. It is built into the cliff so it features a natural lava wall and the view overlooks Hotel 360 looks nice but I am not sure I can get to it during winter). Some of the best books about Iceland are: Iceland uses standard 2 prong Type C and Type F adapters also commonly used throughout Europe. (aside from their price difference) I read that Silica's lagoon is more private and The Retreat's can get very crowded. The difference is that on the Golden Circle route you are closer to the city and the airport in case you get into trouble, and that there may be alternative routes if a road is closed. Silica looks a little simple from the photos (though I am sure it is beautiful too). This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Australia. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Silica Hotel vs The Retreat 3 years ago Save How do the two hotels compare? Built into an 800-year-old lava cliff on the west bank of the Blue Lagoon, Lava Restaurant brings together dynamic cuisine and remarkable views to create unforgettable dining experiences. Your plans will depend on the weather and road conditions. No legitimate company that cares about it's customers would offer that due to the dangers of winter plus the ridiculously small percentage of campgrounds that are open during winter. Its not just for the elite, either. Your email address will not be published. Silica Hotel vs The Retreat 3 years ago Save How do the two hotels compare? If you do plan to go NL hunting on your own at night, make sure to scout out safe (and official) places to park in daylight. How do the two hotels compare? You only have 2 full days and you are planning an ambitious itinerary that is better suited for summer. In-room minibar (soft drinks, wine and Icelandic beer), Tickets to shows/attractionsAdditional charge, Horseback ridingOff-siteAdditional charge. No legitimate company that cares about it's customers would offer that due to the dangers of winter plus the ridiculously small percentage of campgrounds that are open during winter. Family-Friendly? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-105359385', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Iceland for 3 nights beginning of March and last night I wanted to stay somewhere special and want to make the right choice. Fine dining at Blue Lagoon Iceland takes you into a gourmet landscape of tradition, innovation, purity, and freshness. The Blue Lagoon pathway has many smaller pools along the path for picture opportunities, as swimmers are not allowed in them. If you are staying at a hotel, simply ask your hotel concierge to give you the number of the bus company Reykjavik Excursions. You get access to the blue lagoon, which ticket is it more comparable to? We arrive 11am on Day 1 and I thought to take the route up towards Gullfoss and down on Road 30 and stay first night somewhere around road 30 or 1 (need to find a place. Sunset over the lava field walking to the Blue Lagoon from the Silica Hotel. Dining options at Silica Hotel and Blue Lagoon Iceland. This is a country bordering the Arctic Circle in winter. The exposed concrete is treated to create walls with different textures and tones that evoke the white silica or grey lava. That HAS to score some points, right? This year my girlfriend and I decided to go to Iceland in February, and it just so happened to cross paths with Valentine's Day. Is the Golden Circle road generally more sheltered from winds than the South East road? If you plan it like this and bad weather moves in while you are on the South Coast you risk forfeiting your Retreat reservation or worst case your (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The forecast starts being reliable about 48-24 hours ahead of time, but you will still have to check every morning before you start driving and if necessary change your plans. Arrive at The Retreat blue lagoon in late afternoon. I figured it wouldn't be too bad since that $530 includes your night at their very nice hotel, breakfast buffet the next morning, Wi-Fi, two Premium admission tickets to the Blue Lagoon itself, and of course access to the private lagoon at the hotel. Any thoughts on the two hotels mentioned? For an additional cost, you can upgrade to a Blue Lagoon pass and enjoy the facilities and optional treatments at the Retreat Spa. We stayed in number 34, a 26 square-metre (280 square-foot) Silica Deluxe room costing ISK 84,700 or around 530 per night. Silica looks a little simple from the photos (though I am sure it is beautiful too). Book spa treatments maybe and walk around hotel grounds (if they have any). more. And there were people everywhere! Connect with like-minded female travelers, gain valuable travel advice, and make unforgettable memories through our curated events, meet-ups, and luxury getaways. If you buy something through our links, Oyster may earn an affiliate commission. Why You Should Be Traveling to Japan in December. (aside from their price difference) I read that Silica's lagoon is more private and The Retreat's can get very crowded. What do you want to see and do en route? I booked Retreat in the end as I know I will probably regret it not staying there. Limited access to the public lagoon is included, but it's a walk to all the main facilities from the hotel. We're in Iceland! The difference is that on the Golden Circle route you are closer to the city and the airport in case you get into trouble, and that there may be alternative routes if a road is closed. I am familiar with the weather changes but perhaps was lucky then. Bad weather can hit in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Several travel companies within Iceland offer various Blue Lagoon experiences, including both vacation day trips as well as quick lay-over trips to the lagoon. There is also a great selection on the A La Carte menu. It was much lower key and relaxing than what I saw of Blue Lagoon and the price is better to at $29 per person vs Blue Lagoon's $45. Is the Golden Circle road generally more sheltered from winds than the South East road? (aside from their price difference). You can buy a universal adapter that will work in any country and has extra ports for USB cables to charge your phone and other devices. Past Vik, weather seems to generally be a lot more volatile from memory. Premium entry to the Blue Lagoon is included with your stay. BOOK ONLINE. The Blue Lagoon is only a 20-minute bus ride from Keflavik Airport, the only international airport in Iceland. Specifically what amenities come with the room between the two hotels? Day 4: flight is late in the evening so not sure what to do on this day. It was made up of massive black bubbles of lava that have hardened and in some cases, hollowed over thousands of years and are now covered in green moss and snow. We may receive a small commission when you make a purchase using our link. And is going on snowmobil fun? The Silica Hotel vs retreat Hotel In Conclusion: Where should I stay when visiting Blue Lagoon Iceland? If youre not keen on walking, the hotel also offers transfers. I saw a few of those few years back in March and they looked so cosyI wanted the flexibility to hunt for the northern lights but I suppose I could do it with the car just the same. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-105369089', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Fosshotel Blue glacier. I also booked Fosshotel Glacier for the night before last (with cancellation possibility 2 days before). I think planning the Golden Circle and Jkulsrln and back in 3 days in winter is ambitious, but possible if weather and road conditions cooperate. Your email address will not be published. Proper Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance! Wall mounted flat-screen TVs come standard along with mini-fridges, but there are no tea kettles or coffeemakers. If you plan it like this and bad weather moves in while you are on the South Coast you risk forfeiting your Retreat reservation or worst case your (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Comfort and hospitality in the heart of an otherworldly landscape. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in United Kingdom. Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed). I assume you are experienced drivers on potentially icy roads in strong winds, will monitor weather and road conditions frequently and stay put if there are weather warnings or closed roads. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. I saw a few of those few years back in March and they looked so cosyI wanted the flexibility to hunt for the northern lights but I suppose I could do it with the car just the same. Or just focus on the South East drive and spend last day in the Retreat. The pick would have to be the in-water massage. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-105382267', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');The Retreat could provide a comparison. The Retreat Lagoon Wandering around the Retreat Lagoon was like stepping foot onto another planet. The best part, the hotels lagoon is large enough that if anyone else is around, you might not even see them! Travelers only seeking housing close to the Blue Lagoon can check out the Northern Light Inn, which is nearby and has much lower rates. I am a keen photographer so I do ned to plan extra time for photo stops. Subscribe to get access to our FREE eBook with top tips for saving money when you travel! We noticed that most hotel guests visited The Blue Lagoon in the afternoon after they checked in. Is the Golden Circle road generally more sheltered from winds than the South East road? Again: A Camper in March is a horrible idea. Wenn Sie auf der Suche nach dem qualitativsten Lego 79015 sind, sind Sie hier genau richtig. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-105369751', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');flight home. The best time to visit Iceland depends on what activities you would like to do. Also, how many nights would you recommend? This is a major bummer not only because you traveled 40-minutes from Reykjavik for nothing, but also because you get to stare at the lagoon but not go in! Answer 11 of 18: How do the two hotels compare? An unforgettable 2-night holiday that unlocks the door to a timeless world of radiant wellbeing in the heart of a geothermal wonderland. This means you can enter Iceland and travel between other European countries for up to 90 days per stay. If you are seeking a one-time romantic gesture with your significant other, or you simply can't bear the idea of being surrounded by hundreds of people in the larger Blue Lagoon, then you should definitely consider a one-night stay at the Silica Hotel. Privacy Policy. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. 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