When planning an Iceland South Coast road trip, one of the biggest decisions you'll make is where to stay. While Reykjavík makes a convenient base for exploring western Iceland, travelers heading farther east quickly realize that spending the night in Vík allows for a much more relaxed and immersive experience.
During our January road trip through Iceland, we chose Hotel Kría for one of our overnight stays, and it turned out to be an excellent choice.
Its modern design, ideal location, outstanding breakfast, and unexpected amenities made it much more than just a place to sleep. It became the perfect base for exploring some of Iceland's most iconic landscapes before continuing our journey toward the glacier region.
If you're wondering whether Hotel Kría deserves a place on your Iceland itinerary, here's our honest firsthand review.
Quick Overview
Location: Vík í Mýrdal, Iceland
Best For
- Iceland South Coast road trips
- Winter travelers
- Couples
- Families
- Adventure travelers
- Northern Lights seekers
Would We Stay Again?
Absolutely.
For anyone planning to spend a night in Vík, Hotel Kría offers an outstanding combination of comfort, location, and value.
Location
Location is one of Hotel Kría's greatest strengths.
Situated just off Iceland's Ring Road, it provides quick access to many of the country's most famous attractions.
Within a short drive you'll find:
- Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
- Skógafoss
- Dyrhólaey
- Icelandic horses
- Moss-covered lava fields
- Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
Instead of spending hours driving back to Reykjavík, staying in Vík allows you to experience these locations at a much more enjoyable pace.
After a full day exploring waterfalls, volcanic beaches, and dramatic landscapes, arriving in Vík felt like reaching a comfortable home base.
First Impressions
Hotel Kría immediately stands out with its modern Scandinavian architecture.
Large windows, natural wood finishes, and clean contemporary design create a welcoming atmosphere without feeling overly luxurious or pretentious.
Check-in was quick and efficient.
The lobby offered comfortable seating and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, making it difficult not to stop and simply admire the scenery.
One thing that immediately stood out was how quiet everything felt.
Even though the hotel is conveniently located, it maintains a peaceful atmosphere that perfectly complements southern Iceland's natural beauty.
The Rooms
Our room was bright, modern, and exceptionally comfortable.
Highlights included:
- Comfortable beds
- Heated bathroom floor
- Spacious shower
- Large windows
- Plenty of charging outlets
- Modern Nordic décor
Everything felt fresh, clean, and thoughtfully designed.
After spending the day outside in Iceland's winter weather, it was exactly the type of room you look forward to returning to.
Breakfast
Breakfast was one of the surprises of our stay.
Rather than offering a basic continental spread, Hotel Kría served a generous buffet featuring both Icelandic and international options.
Fresh fruit, pastries, eggs, meats, yogurt, cereals, breads, juices, and coffee provided plenty of choices before another full day of sightseeing.
If you're planning to spend hours exploring the South Coast, having a substantial breakfast before heading out is invaluable.
An Unexpected Bonus: The Game Room
One amenity we weren't expecting was the hotel's game room.
For families, groups of friends, or even couples looking to unwind after a day of exploring, this was a fantastic addition.
The game room includes:
- Air hockey
- Billiards
- Darts
- Table tennis
It's a fun way to relax, especially during the longer winter evenings when darkness arrives early.
While Iceland is famous for its outdoor adventures, having an indoor space like this added another layer to the overall experience.
Dining
Hotel Kría also features an excellent restaurant.
The menu highlights Icelandic ingredients while offering approachable dishes for international travelers.
Whether you're enjoying dinner after visiting Reynisfjara Beach or warming up following a day outdoors, the restaurant provides a comfortable setting with attentive service.
Like many places in Iceland, dining can be expensive, but we found the quality justified the price.
Northern Lights Potential
One advantage of staying outside Reykjavík is significantly reduced light pollution.
Although seeing the Northern Lights is never guaranteed, Hotel Kría offers excellent opportunities when conditions cooperate.
If you're visiting between fall and early spring, it's worth checking the aurora forecast before heading to bed.
Sometimes all you need to do is step outside.
Who Should Stay Here?
I would recommend Hotel Kría for:
- First-time visitors to Iceland
- Couples
- Families
- Self-drive travelers
- Photographers
- Anyone exploring Iceland's South Coast
Its combination of location, comfort, and amenities makes it one of the strongest accommodation options in Vík.
Is It Worth the Price?
Compared with budget guesthouses, Hotel Kría costs more.
However, the additional comfort, breakfast, modern rooms, and location make it an excellent value.
When planning an Iceland itinerary, I always encourage travelers to think beyond simply finding the cheapest hotel.
A better-located hotel often means:
- Less driving
- More sightseeing
- Better sleep
- A more enjoyable overall experience
Hotel Kría delivers on all of those.
What Could Be Better?
No property is perfect.
Parking can become busy during peak travel periods.
Like much of Iceland, dining prices are higher than many visitors expect.
Neither issue would prevent me from staying here again.
Final Verdict
Would I stay at Hotel Kría again?
Without hesitation.
It combines everything I look for in a road trip hotel:
Excellent location.
Comfortable rooms.
Great breakfast.
Modern design.
Unexpected amenities like the game room.
Most importantly, it allows you to experience Iceland rather than simply rush through it.
That's exactly the type of accommodation I love recommending to clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hotel Kría worth staying at?
Yes. Its location, breakfast, modern rooms, and comfortable atmosphere make it one of the best hotel options in Vík.
Does Hotel Kría include breakfast?
Yes. Breakfast features an excellent buffet with a wide variety of hot and cold selections.
Does Hotel Kría have parking?
Yes. Complimentary parking is available for guests.
Is Hotel Kría good for families?
Absolutely. The game room featuring air hockey, billiards, darts, and table tennis makes it especially enjoyable for families with children.
Is Hotel Kría close to Reynisfjara Beach?
Yes. Reynisfjara is only a short drive from the hotel.
Final Thoughts
The best hotels do more than provide a bed for the night.
They become part of the journey.
Hotel Kría delivered exactly that.
Its convenient location, thoughtful design, excellent breakfast, and fun game room created an experience that perfectly complemented our Iceland adventure.
At Go Right Travel, we believe every hotel should help tell the story of your trip—not simply fill a night on the itinerary.
If Iceland is on your bucket list, we'd love to help design an itinerary that balances unforgettable experiences with accommodations you'll genuinely look forward to returning to each evening.
Ready to experience Iceland?
Visit our Plan Your Trip page and let's start designing your Iceland adventure together.