Fosshotel Baron

The hotel offers a highly convenient base for exploring the city, distinguished by its prime central location and often providing stunning views of the sea and mountains from many rooms. Its accessibility to major attractions, shops, and restaurants makes it an ideal choice for sightseers and couples looking to immerse themselves in the local culture. Families will also find it a good fit, with spacious room options and a breakfast that caters to diverse tastes, making mornings easy. Guests consistently highlight the exceptional service from the staff and the outstanding breakfast as key elements of their stay, contributing significantly to a memorable visit. To enhance your experience, consider requesting a room on a higher floor for the best vistas, and take advantage of the nearby supermarket for convenience, which many guests found very useful.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests find the hotel's facilities to be practical and sufficient for their needs, though some aspects reflect an older style. While there isn't a dedicated fitness center or pool mentioned, the hotel provides essential amenities that contribute to a comfortable stay. Many rooms are equipped with a kettle for hot beverages, a safe for valuables, and a television offering British channels, which some guests appreciated for unwinding. Some larger or deluxe rooms also feature a refrigerator, adding convenience for storing drinks and snacks. The hotel notably utilizes traditional physical keys for rooms rather than modern keycards, a detail that several visitors found unique. The single elevator is present but is often described as small and can be slow, especially during busy morning hours when tour groups are departing, leading some guests to opt for the stairs.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel generally receives high marks for cleanliness, with guests consistently reporting that rooms, linen, and towels are well-maintained. Most guests found the beds comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep. However, feedback on room comfort and condition is mixed; while many describe rooms as basic, simple, and warm, a significant number note that they appear dated or could benefit from refurbishment, with some mentioning stained carpets or older decor. Bathrooms are a frequent point of discussion, often described as small or tiny, with some lacking hooks or adequate shelf space. The shower setup, typically featuring a curtain rather than a screen, often leads to water flooding the floor, requiring guests to use a mop provided. Noise levels are generally low, though some lower-floor rooms experienced sounds from the lobby or street.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast consistently receives outstanding praise from guests, often described as a highlight of their stay. The breakfast variety is extensive, offering a wide selection of hot and cold items, including traditional British, continental, and Icelandic options. Guests particularly enjoyed the fresh breads, pastries, cereals, fruits, and yogurts, with many appreciating the availability of plant-based milk alternatives and peeled boiled eggs. The food quality is noted as excellent, with items being tasty, fresh, and plentiful, ensuring guests are well-fueled for their day of exploring. While the dining area can become crowded during peak times, staff are diligent in replenishing items. The hotel does not offer other dining options like lunch or dinner, but guests can purchase snacks and drinks at the reception bar.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a major draw, frequently cited as one of its strongest assets. Guests appreciate being within easy walking distance of numerous popular attractions, including the harbor, the Sun Voyager sculpture, and the main shopping streets filled with restaurants and bars. Its proximity to public transit and tour bus stops is highly convenient, with many excursions offering pick-up and drop-off directly outside the hotel. A supermarket is conveniently located just behind the hotel, and other essential services are nearby. While parking is available, guests note that it is often expensive and limited, with some advising alternative public parking options nearby. The location is generally considered safe and ideal for exploring the city on foot.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receive glowing reviews for their exceptional friendliness and helpfulness. Guests frequently commend their attentive service, noting their willingness to go above and beyond to assist with various requests, from providing local information and maps to arranging taxis and helping with tour bookings, often directly from the lobby. The check-in process is often described as quick and efficient, with many guests appreciating the flexibility of early check-in when available, which was a "life-saver" for some. Housekeeping staff are also noted for their pleasant demeanor and responsiveness to requests for fresh towels or room cleaning, operating on a system where daily cleaning is by request. Overall, the staff's dedication to providing excellent customer service significantly enhances the guest experience, making visitors feel welcome and well-cared for throughout their stay.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of a few unique aspects that contribute to the hotel's character. The hot water in Iceland, including at this hotel, has a distinct sulfur smell due to its geothermal origin, which is a common local characteristic and does not affect its cleanliness or safety. The hotel operates an eco-friendly housekeeping policy, where room cleaning is typically done upon request rather than daily, encouraging guests to conserve resources. For those seeking a social atmosphere, the hotel offers a happy hour at the reception bar, providing a good value for drinks. Tour operators frequently use the hotel as a pick-up point, adding to the convenience for guests exploring the region. Additionally, a supermarket is conveniently located directly behind the hotel, proving very useful for stocking up on essentials.