Why book?
An easy 90 minute drive outside of Reykjavik, this four-star hotel offers a rural adventure where you are guaranteed warm service, incredible amenities, a fantastic food and drink program, and—if you’re lucky—an unforgettable interaction with the hotel’s owner, Friðrik Pálsson.
Set the scene
Originally built in 1999 on the banks of the Ranga river and as a resort for horse aficionados, the property has since shifted owners and undergone multiple renovations to become a locally designed and environmentally friendly getaway perfect for adventure seekers. The property draws an older crowd; you’ll find couples and small groups looking to rest their head after exploring sites along the Golden Circle, but also the occasional honeymooners enjoying the onsite hot tubs and snagging an early seat at the hotel bar. Pack your swimsuit but also some relaxed evening wear for dinners at the hotel’s excellent restaurant. No need to worry about remembering extra-warm layers, as the hotel has complimentary snow suits you can borrow for late night strolls to the outdoor observatory or to hopefully glimpse the Northern Lights.
The rooms
The property has 52 rooms—including the seven suites—featuring complimentary bathrobes and slippers, local bath and skincare products from Angan, turn-down service, and speedy Wi-Fi. The seven suites on property are each designed around one of the seven continents; we had the pleasure of staying in the South American junior suite which featured a soaking tub, ample space of a separate sitting room, a cushy king-size bed, and gorgeous terrace with a river view—the perfect place to sip complimentary morning coffee. When it comes to design, the style is certainly not minimal; instead, the property truly embraces the themed style of each suite, packing in authentic and hand-crafted goods from each destination that make you feel like you’ve been transported to another land. But perhaps one of the best in-room perks? Northern Lights wake up service: Simply press a button on your in-room phone and the Hotel Ranga team will notify you should the lights appear, so you can sleep easy knowing you won’t miss the majestic display should it choose to appear at an ungodly hour.
Food and drink
The restaurant onsite may be singular, but it’s all you could want. Start your evening off with a drink at Ranga Bar, located just outside of the dining room. Featuring one of the most extensive collections of whiskey in Iceland and can’t-miss local gins, go early so you can snag one of the few seats at the rustic, wooden bar and watch the expert bartenders craft their magic. I had the best gin and tonic of my life at this bar, which actually required me to roll up my sleeves to zest and squeezing limes. The juice was worth the squeeze, finding itself in one of the most refreshingly botanical cocktails I’ve had.
Head into the dining room where you can look forward to a menu of Nordic dishes featuring local ingredients. The atmosphere is intimate and upscale, with full length windows at almost every turn. The venue is surrounded by gorgeous landscapes, and is filled with the soundtrack of clinking glasses and guests regaling their table mates with adventures from the day. When it comes time to order, try the signature wild-mushroom soup, whose simple appearance belies an unbelievable richness and depth of flavor. Other recommendations include the smoked puffin with apple mousse and garlic mayonnaise, as well filet of lamb in a port-wine glaze. For the vegetarians in your group, the mushroom risotto is also an excellent choice—belly-warming and decadent. And whatever you do, don’t sleep on the dessert menu; order the mascarpone to drool over the chocolate globe with blueberry mascarpone, blueberry sauce, and a tart blueberry sorbet that will end your night on a perfect note. Come morning, return to the same dining room for a magnificent breakfast spread of local cheeses and meats, pastries, yogurts and fruits, waffles—and those brave enough can even try a shot of the cod liver oil to get your morning going.
The neighborhood/area
Hotel Ranga’s prime location in south Iceland makes it the perfect hotel choice for those looking to explore the Golden Circle, and for travelers looking to step outside of the capital. You’re an easy drive of some of Iceland’s must-see attractions, like the waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, and Vík's famous black-sand beaches. When we checked in, the front desk staff made us our own custom road trip itinerary of all the nearby spots—a few of which the guidebooks won’t tell you about. Aside from being a great jumping off point for exploring Iceland, Hotel Ranga’s remote location leaves it free of light pollution, and thus a perfect spot to view the Northern Lights.
The service
From the front desk team, to the bartenders, to the onsite astronomer, you're dealing with the A team and can expect service that is personalized and attentive—often peppered with a joke or two. There is nothing stuffy about it, yet you'll feel tended to in every way during your stay. And speaking of full service? The Hotel Ranga team is even prepared to host weddings for guests looking to tie the knot in one of the most stunning places in the world.
For families
While the onsite game room and geothermal-heated hot tubs would happily accommodate families, the hotel’s vibrant intersection of late-night attractions and a bartending team that shouldn’t be missed make it better suited for adults.
Eco effort
As a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World's Considerate Collection—a special selection of boutique hotels that go above and beyond in sustainability—Hotel Ranga prides itself on having a dedicated commitment to protect the environment for future generations. From using local suppliers to relying on green and renewable energy throughout the property, you can truly feel good about your impact (or lack thereof) when you stay here. You can learn more about their specific sustainability practices and submit your own suggestions for green policies here.
Anything left to mention?
You can't talk about a stay at Hotel Ranga without acknowledging the hotel’s owner, Friðrik Pálsson, who's often times found mingling with guests at the hotel bar, or happily bopping amongst tables during dinner service. His warmth and penchant for storytelling are guaranteed to make your visit unforgettable, and he wears hospitality like a second skin— truly understanding what it means to provide good service. If you see him during your stay, ask him to make you that gin and tonic at the bar.
851 Hella, Iceland, Hella
Iceland
https://hotelranga.is/weddings/
+354 487 5700