Minniborgir Cottages

The property offers a charming and tranquil escape, with its individual cottages and a rural setting that serves as an excellent base for exploring the Golden Circle. Its signature feature, the readily available hot tubs—both private and communal—provides a highly appreciated way for guests to relax after a day of sightseeing or to enjoy the night sky. This makes it an ideal choice for couples seeking a romantic getaway, families on a road trip looking for comfortable self-catering options, and sightseers keen to explore the region's natural wonders. Many guests also find it a perfect spot for Northern Lights enthusiasts due to the minimal light pollution. To enhance your stay, it is advisable to bring your own basic cooking supplies like oil and salt, as these are not typically provided, and be prepared for the presence of biting insects during warmer months, as window screens are not common.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests consistently highlight the appeal of the hot tubs, available either privately with individual cottages or as shared communal facilities, offering a relaxing experience, especially after a day of exploration. While most find the water warm and clean, some occasionally report issues with temperature control or tubs not being filled. The kitchens within the cottages are generally well-equipped with utensils, an oven, microwave, and kettle, allowing guests to prepare their own meals. However, essential consumables like cooking oil, salt, and coffee are typically not provided. A shared lodge or common area is available, offering a space with puzzles, toys, sofas, and recliners, along with BBQ facilities for guest use. Wi-Fi connectivity is available on the property, though some guests note it can be unreliable or primarily accessible only in the restaurant area.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The cottages are generally described as clean, though some guests note a rustic or dated appearance. Room comfort receives mixed feedback; while some find the beds comfortable, others report them as small, creaky, or firm, with bunk beds sometimes lacking comfort or having unsafe ladders. The bedrooms are often characterized as very small, leaving little space for luggage. Maintenance issues are occasionally mentioned, such as broken shower holders, non-working lights, exposed wires, or slippery floors. The bathrooms are typically small, with some guests noting issues like leaks or the absence of basic toiletries. A significant recurring concern, particularly in warmer months, is the lack of window screens, which allows biting insects to enter, leading to discomfort and bites, and making it difficult to cool rooms without opening windows.

Dining & Food Quality
The on-site restaurant is a convenient feature for many guests, especially given the rural location. Most reviews praise the restaurant's food quality, describing meals as delicious and the staff as friendly. The bacon burger and pommes frites are frequently highlighted as favorites. However, some guests find the restaurant to be expensive, and service can occasionally be slow. During the off-season, the restaurant may be closed, which guests appreciate knowing in advance. Breakfast is available, with some guests finding it good and offering both warm and cold options, though a number of reviews suggest it is basic and overpriced for the value offered. The well-equipped kitchens in the cottages make self-catering a popular and practical option for guests.

Location & Accessibility
The property boasts an excellent rural location, offering a quiet and peaceful environment with minimal light pollution, making it ideal for viewing the Northern Lights. It serves as a fantastic base for exploring the Golden Circle, with easy access to its main attractions. While feeling secluded, the property is conveniently situated off the main highway. Guests note that the nearest town for groceries and additional dining options, Selfoss, is approximately a 20 to 22-minute drive away, requiring some planning for self-catering needs. Parking is readily available and easy to access directly at the cottages, adding to the convenience for guests traveling by car. The strategic placement allows for a balance between natural tranquility and accessibility to popular tourist routes.

Staff & Service
The staff consistently receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Guests frequently highlight their responsiveness to questions and requests, with many instances of staff going above and beyond, such as assisting with cars stuck in snow or providing necessary adapters. The check-in process is generally described as smooth and accommodating, even for late arrivals, with clear instructions provided. While some guests experienced initial confusion with check-in procedures, the staff quickly resolved any issues. Overall, the team's commitment to ensuring a positive guest experience is a recurring theme, contributing significantly to the pleasant atmosphere and making guests feel well-cared for during their stay.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of several practical details to enhance their stay. A significant issue, particularly during warmer months, is the prevalence of biting insects or midges, largely due to the absence of window screens in the cottages. This can lead to discomfort and numerous bites, and combined with the lack of air conditioning, rooms can become uncomfortably hot if windows are kept closed to deter insects. Guests are advised to bring their own basic toiletries like shampoo and body wash, as these are not provided. Similarly, while kitchens are equipped, essential cooking items such as oil, salt, and coffee filters are not supplied. Some guests also reported issues with TVs not working or only having one channel, and Wi-Fi can be unreliable. Additionally, guests are expected to empty their trash upon check-out.