An honest review of the Reykjavík EDITION Hotel in Iceland

Controversial opinion: I hate summer. Blame it on my childhood in Michigan, but I’d much rather be cold than hot. That’s why I was thrilled to get the chance to leave New York’s disgusting August weather for a long weekend. Reykjavík, Icelandthis summer – even better because (a) my stay coincided with Reykjavík prideand (b) I stayed in the reputable Reykjavík EDITION.

After four days in the beautiful city – swimming in the Sky lagoonrocking to the Icelandic Punk Museumand dancing in the queer bar Kiki– I can officially say that this hotel is the epitome of Nordic cooland the perfect home base for any stay in Iceland, but especially during Pride.

Case in point: It took me less than 10 minutes to walk to the Pride parade, as well as local hotspots like the Kolaportid Flea Market, Reykjavík Art Museum Hafnarhúsand even the Icelandic Phallological Museumand that’s exactly what it sounds like (hey, this is Cosmos(we are here to tell you what you want to know). The hotel also hosted an incredible drag brunch, one of Reykjavík’s most popular Pride tickets. You haven’t lived until you drank mimosas while watching drag queens Go Starr shuffles his way out of a shark costume to the sounds of “Baby Shark,” trust.

So whether you’re planning to attend Rejkjavík Pride in the future, or are just looking for inspiration for an Icelandic holiday at another time of year, I’ve got a full review of the Rejkjavík EDITION for you here. Scroll down for the deets.

THE FAST HITS: REYJKAVIK EDITION EDITION

Name: The Reykjavík EDITION
Location: Reykjavík, Iceland
Costs per night: From 53,438 ISK (approximately $390 USD)
Best for: Lovers of the city
While you are here, visit: The Sky lagoon during the day for saunas and soaks, and Kikithe only gay bar in Iceland, where you can have a drink in the evening
Vibecheck in one word: Cool
Most iconic photo spot: The stone tower in the lobby
Don’t leave without: Have a meal at the hotel’s restaurant recommended by the MICHELIN Guide, TIDES

BOOK A STAY

THE FIRST IMPRESSIONS

I got a red eye Icelandair flight to Reykjavík (only about a five and a half hour drive from NYC, btw!), which meant I arrived at the hotel five hours before my check-in time. The concierge let me check in my luggage and relax in the lobby before heading out to explore the city, then texted me when my room was ready.

My jet-lagged POV: A giant stone sculpture dominates the hotel entrance. Just a few steps away you will find a cozy sitting area with comfortable chairs and faux sheepskin blankets around a small fireplace in the center of the room. On the right is the lobby bar, with a colorful display of bottles. I also have to mention the scent! EDITION hotels all have a wonderfully warm and woody scent, which just *smells* luxurious.

A few days later, the hotel lobby was packed with Pride-goers in their sparkling rainbow best, many carrying flags. Icelandic Pride is a very family-friendly celebration, so there were plenty of cute kids running around too!

Erika W. Smith

THE ROOMS

Depending on which side your room faces, you will have a view of the harbor or the city skyline. The (gigantic! comfortable!) beds have floor-to-ceiling windows, so you can people watch to your heart’s content. The rooms also feature a cute little table-and-chair setup with a faux reindeer rug, a wooden lamp, and thoughtful touches like a ceramic water pitcher and matching mugs. The bathroom featured the rain shower head and custom Le Labo products everything.

Since it was Pride, the staff also left rainbow chocolates in my room in traditional Icelandic flavors including blueberry, birch and Cetraria Islandica tea and honey. Love!

THE FACILITIES

If there’s one thing I learned in Reykjavik, it’s that ‘Icelandic bath culture’, or spending a lot of time in hot springs and saunas, is a thing – so it’s no surprise that the The EDITION spa was past. With an even more luxurious Scandinavian design and mood lighting, it features a thermal pool (similar to a hot tub, but not as hot), plus a sauna and steam room. There is also a spa lounge serving healthy drinks such as smoothies and tea.

Erika W. Smith

Bathing in Iceland is a social activity, so I recommend catching up with friends before going to drinks or dinner (or, you know, a Pride party). Of course, you can also treat yourself to a relaxing massage if you prefer. I doubled the fun by visiting the Sky Lagoon one afternoon and then heading to the EDITION spa in the evening for some quiet solo relaxation.

THE FOOD AND BEV

The meal I ate in the EDITION restaurant, TIDESwas without a doubt the best meal I ate in Iceland. Even if you can’t get a room at the hotel, I definitely recommend stopping by for a bite to eat and a drink. It is one of those restaurants that use simple techniques and are locally sourced everything to “let the quality of the ingredients shine.” Believe me, you will finally understand what chefs mean by that when you taste the lobster ravioli, braised Icelandic lamb gnocchi and mussels au vin blanc.

Erika W. Smith

TIDES was also the location for EDITION’s drag brunch, where queens Go Starr, Lola VonHeartAnd Ulla la Delish entertained us with elaborate costumes and dance routines as we sipped mimosas and snacked on pancakes from the buffet. I can’t say enough good things about that.

THE BOTTOM LINE

If you are thinking of attending Reykjavík prideI would encourage you to book your tickets now! I’ve attended many NYC Pride events over the years, and Reykjavík Pride was a completely different – and equally special – experience. Reykjavík has a population of just under 140,000, and Pride is a weekend-long event celebrated by literally everyone, especially families and children.

And of course I recommend booking a room in the Reykjavík EDITION as soon as possible. It makes for a beautiful, luxurious and extremely comfortable home away from home during your trip, no matter when you visit. I would know!

Erika W. Smith (she/her) is the Senior Astrology Editor at Cosmopolitan. She also contributes to lifestyle, travel, and sex & relationships coverage. In her decade-long media career, she has become an expert on the “female lifestyle” and has held staff positions at Refinery29, BUST magazine and HelloGiggles. Her book Astrosex: How to Have the Best Sex According to Your Zodiac Sign published in 2021.