Chain: Curio Collection by Hilton
Location: Akureyri – Iceland
Classification: 4 star superior hotel
Official website: https://skaldhotel.is/

Some hotels simply offer a place to sleep. Others create a world you want to step into.

Skáld Hotel Akureyri belongs firmly in the second category.

Officially opened on June 26, 2026, this new luxury boutique hotel feels deeply connected to Icelandic culture. Its name refers to the poets and storytellers of Old Norse tradition, and that inspiration is woven throughout the entire property. The hotel is conveniently located near the city center of Akureyri with many shops and restaurants.

From the moment I entered, Skáld Hotel Akureyri felt like a beautifully illustrated Icelandic story. The interiors are artistic, atmospheric and full of unexpected details. Every hallway, corner and public space invites you to slow down and look more closely.

Poetry is not simply part of the decoration at Skáld Hotel Akureyri. It shapes the identity of the hotel.

That concept feels especially fitting in Iceland, a country where nature itself often seems poetic. Dramatic mountains, waterfalls, volcanic landscapes and endless summer light all find their echo in the hotel’s interiors. The design is luxurious without feeling cold and artistic without becoming pretentious. It combines Nordic elegance with rich textures, statement pieces and a warm atmosphere. Although Skáld Hotel has 71 luxury rooms, it still feels intimate. It has the personality of a boutique hotel rather than the anonymity of a large property.

The lobby is one of the hotel’s most memorable spaces. Rather than functioning only as a reception area, it feels like a contemporary art gallery and an elegant living room combined. Unique artworks, sculptural furniture and carefully chosen objects give the space real personality. It is the kind of lobby where you want to linger with a drink, take photographs or simply admire the details. It feels like the creative heart of the hotel.

Check-in was great! Very personal and professional. It is always nice to be welcomed with a smile.

Rooms and Luxury Apartments

The rooms continue the calm, refined atmosphere of the hotel. They feel comfortable, stylish and cocoon-like—ideal after a day of exploring northern Iceland. I was in love with all the details. Did you know that the entire hotel is furnished with unique pieces designed exclusively for Skáld? That attention to detail is visible everywhere.

The junior suite we stayed in was truly breathtaking. It was so tastefully decorated that I felt at home the moment I walked through the door. Every element felt carefully considered, from the high-end finishes to the beautiful custom-made furniture.

The writing desk is the centrepiece of the room, perfectly reflecting the hotel’s literary theme and inviting guests to sit down and write their own stories. Each room is designed as a peaceful retreat, with a comfortable sitting area that is ideal for reading, relaxing or simply unwinding after a day of exploring.

The bathrooms are equally luxurious, featuring spacious rain showers, excellent water pressure and high-quality toiletries, including shampoo, conditioner and body lotion. Our bathroom also included a large bathtub, which was perfect for relaxing after our whale-watching trip. It was exactly what we needed after a long day out on the water. And the towels deserve a special mention. They are oversized, incredibly fluffy and wonderfully indulgent.

The hotel also offers apartments that feel more like spacious luxury suites. They are particularly well suited to families, groups of friends or travellers looking for more space and privacy. These apartments do not feel like a practical alternative to a hotel room. They feel like a private residence with the services and design of a luxury hotel. Do note that those apartments are directly connected to the hotel.

Restaurant Abba-labba-lá

The hotel restaurant, Abba-labba-lá, is just as memorable as its name. The atmosphere is stylish but not overly formal, and the food easily matches the creative surroundings. I ordered the steak, and it was genuinely one of the best steaks I have ever had.

It was perfectly cooked, tender and full of flavor. Every element on the plate complemented the meat without distracting from it. It became one of the standout dining moments of my trip through Iceland.

Breakfast is another highlight. It is served at Abba-labba-lá (LOVE that name, by the way). The selection includes everything one could ask for from a luxury hotel breakfast: fresh salmon, local pastries, savoury dishes, sweet options, fruit and plenty of choices for both a light and a more substantial start to the day. The quality and presentation are excellent, but the atmosphere remains relaxed. It is easy to sit a little longer, enjoy another coffee and plan the day ahead.

A New Luxury Address in Akureyri

Skáld Hotel Akureyri gives travellers another reason to stay longer in Akureyri. What makes it special is not one single feature, but the way everything works together: the Icelandic poetry, the art, the beautiful rooms, the spacious apartments, the generous breakfast and the unforgettable dinner at Abba-labba-lá. And don’t forget to visit the lounge on the 4th floor. It is amazing to sit, relax and enjoy a wonderful cocktail! And last but not least, I must praise the attentive staf members! Everybody at Skáld Hotel Akureyri is working with a smile and nothing is asked for too much! A true gem!

Skáld Hotel Akureyri may be new, but it already has a clear identity. It is imaginative, luxurious and full of character—a hotel where every detail tells part of a larger story.

And just like a good poem, it stays with you long after the final line.