Your plans will depend on the weather and road conditions. Silica looks a little simple from the photos (though I am sure it is beautiful too). The biggest draw of the Silica Hotel, is of course, the fact that it has its own private Blue Lagoon for hotel guests only. Quartz as it is in rocks or as grains of sand e.g. This year my girlfriend and I decided to go to Iceland in February, and it just so happened to cross paths with Valentine's Day. A large, warm, outdoor geothermal lagoon was created close to a large geothermal power plant that generates a large portion of southwestern Iceland's electricity, and what luck, it's also a hypnotizing blue color! There were also guests relaxing around the lounge areas, reading a newspaper or watching the sunrise over the lagoon. The contemporary bathrooms have heated towel racks and large walk-in rainfall showers. However, if you are already staying in Reykjavik and you are keener on exploring Iceland and packing as much as you can into your trip, then I would advise against staying at the Silica Hotel. The Silica Hotel vs retreat Hotel In Conclusion: Where should I stay when visiting Blue Lagoon Iceland? The Silica Hotel at the Blue Lagoon outside of Reykjavik was an outstanding experience. Your plans will depend on the weather and road conditions. It is built into the cliff so it features a natural lava wall and the view overlooks The main resort facility has a restaurant that serves contemporary Icelandic cuisine, as well as a cafe, and a lagoon-side bar. By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. How do the two hotels compare? This hotel is a short walk from the Blue La. Yes, I remember the local weather varying quite a bit within just 15 mins of drive. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. You only have 2 full days and you are planning an ambitious itinerary that is better suited for summer. For our purposes, the Silica Hotel was 100% worth every dollar. I am a keen photographer so I do ned to plan extra time for photo stops. How long in advance can the weather forecast be considered 'reliable' more or less? The landscape was like nothing Ive ever seen before. Silica Hotel at Blue Lagoon Iceland has been welcoming Booking.com guests since Feb 15, 2022 Most popular amenities Free parking Free WiFi Spa Non-smoking rooms Facilities for disabled guests Fitness center Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms Bar Property Highlights Top Location: Highly rated by recent guests (9.3) Breakfast Info If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-105369751', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');flight home. Do you mean lava tube caves or ice caves? Connect with AmandaInstagram| Facebook| Twitter| YouTube| Pinterest, Posted In: EUROPE, HOTEL REVIEWS, ICELAND Tags: Amanda Twine, EUROPE, HOTELS, ICELAND, Silica Hotel, the blue lagoon, unique hotels. You can see the Lights on the Reykjanes Peninsula, but your best chance to see them is on a tour, where you have a guide on the radio with a dozen other guides helping each other find the best show for the customers. I would normally plan more conservative driving distances in winter. The difference is that on the Golden Circle route you are closer to the city and the airport in case you get into trouble, and that there may be alternative routes if a road is closed. All products are independently selected by our writers and editors. Steamy! Last time I skipped the golden circle (as I only had 2 days) as I wasn't sure Golden Circle as varied as South East drive. In-room minibar (soft drinks, wine and Icelandic beer), Tickets to shows/attractionsAdditional charge, Horseback ridingOff-siteAdditional charge. The 4000sq-m spa is at the heart of the hotel, connecting the Retreat hotel to the public lagoon. You only have 2 full days and you are planning an ambitious itinerary that is better suited for summer. Golden circle or part of it, seemed like an obvious/safe choice to start with. A free continental breakfast is included, and is served in a bright lounge with a coffee machine. I am familiar with the weather changes but perhaps was lucky then. How long in advance can the weather forecast be considered 'reliable' more or less? Again: A Camper in March is a horrible idea. While the island country is temperate in the summer and fairly cold in winter, the weather can be unpredictable. Your plans will depend on the weather and road conditions. It is a little pricey. This company will send a shuttle to your hotel to scoop you up and bring you to the bus terminal in Reykjavik, which will have a bus that can bring you to either the Blue Lagoon or the Silica Hotel for around $20 one-way or $40 round trip. They would then make use of the hotels lagoon the next morning after breakfast. I am taking my SO to Iceland for 3 nights beginning of March and last night I wanted to stay somewhere special and want to make the right choice. It features light woods, stone and natural fibres. Fine dining at Blue Lagoon Iceland takes you into a gourmet landscape of tradition, innovation, purity, and freshness. The staff are very helpful and very friendly, and the private lagoon is very relaxing. That way you have a buffer day and you could just leave it out if there are weather problems. Silica Hotel vs The Retreat 2 years ago Save How do the two hotels compare? The Retreat Hotel and Convention Centre is a luxurious resort perched right on a quaint beach in Madh Island. I am taking my SO to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? What's the West coast like? Or just focus on the South East drive and spend last day in the Retreat. As well as a private lagoon (complete with swim-up direct access to the bar), the spa includes access to the Blue Lagoon Ritual, a three-step face and body routine utilising the silica, algae and mineral elements of the lagoon in a nourishing . One of the Blue Lagoon Iceland hotel is named Silica Hotel and the other one is a highly recommended hotel, brand new, opened in 2018 and is named The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland. The Blue Lagoon is only a 20-minute bus ride from Keflavik Airport, the only international airport in Iceland. We saw several groups of locals out for a morning run around the lava fields. The currency used in Iceland is the Icelandic Krna (ISK). Book spa treatments maybe and walk around hotel grounds (if they have any). DEFINITELY don't do a campervan in March! During my time in Iceland, I never saw a breakfast spread quite like the one at the Silica Hotel. I booked Retreat in the end as I know I will probably regret it not staying there. Thank you We Are Travel Girls for featuring my article! Be sure to check the EU Schengen website for the latest information for your specific country. We stayed in number 34, a 26 square-metre (280 square-foot) Silica Deluxe room costing ISK 84,700 or around 530 per night. Some of the best tours and things to do in Reykjavik are: We recommend booking your hotels on Booking.com to get the best rate and many hotels offer free cancellation in case your plans change. Combining sublime comfort at Silica Hotel and classic Icelandic cuisine at Lava Restaurant, this overnight experience opens a world of radiant wellbeing. Silica looks a little simple from the photos (though I am sure it is beautiful too). I saw a few of those few years back in March and they looked so cosyI wanted the flexibility to hunt for the northern lights but I suppose I could do it with the car just the same. I read that Silica's lagoon is more private and The Retreat's can get very crowded. Wall mounted flat-screen TVs come standard along with mini-fridges, but there are no tea kettles or coffeemakers. (aside from their price difference) I read that Silica's lagoon is more private and The Retreat's can get very crowded. No legitimate company that cares about it's customers would offer that due to the dangers of winter plus the ridiculously small percentage of campgrounds that are open during winter. We checked in around 3 pm and made a beeline for the hotel lagoon. Is the Golden Circle road generally more sheltered from winds than the South East road? Day 4: flight is late in the evening so not sure what to do on this day. Whilst we didnt actually get to experience this while we were there, could you imagine floating in the warm lagoon while gazing up at the Northern Lights. Stay at (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Enter email and get our travel tips to maximise your trips. In any case, I will probably have to pick/reserve hotels on route (and hope I can make it to them otherwise it will be expensive). The Blue Lagoon is on just about every person who visits Icelands wish list. The worst weather I have ever driven thru was on the road from the city to the Golden Circle. I read that Silica's lagoon is more private and The Retreat's can get very crowded. What's the West coast like? Any recommendations for caves/glacier tours? a week, 3 days, 30 minutes? There's also a swimming pool, fitness room, and complimentary parking. more. Silica looks a little simple from the photos (though I am sure it is beautiful too). That's service. Thanks for submitting such a great post Amanda and for being such an important member of our community! The exposed concrete is treated to create walls with different textures and tones that evoke the white silica or grey lava. I think planning the Golden Circle and Jkulsrln and back in 3 days in winter is ambitious, but possible if weather and road conditions cooperate. A Michelin recommended experience. Free! The towel and/or robe are pretty valuable in the cold! In any case, I will probably have to pick/reserve hotels on route (and hope I can make it to them otherwise it will be expensive). Volcanic architecture. And is going on snowmobil fun? For the Northern Lights, plan to visit between November and April, or between June through August for the longest days. In any case, I will probably have to pick/reserve hotels on route (and hope I can make it to them otherwise it will be expensive). Did I mention a staff member will gladly bring you beverages (including alcoholic) right to you in the private lagoon? Here are 9 reasons why I think a nights stay at the Silica Hotel is totally worth it. 0. On the day of my arrival, am I entitled to breakfast before I have checked in? I managed to secure a last-minute reservation (which basically came down to me refreshing their website on my cellphone every 1520 minutes for about two weeks, haha). Many people visiting the Blue Lagoon in the afternoon/evening stay for a meal after bathing. and our 28 Feb-1 Mar (1 night) Lava Deluxe Price from USD 607 Mountain Deluxe Price from USD 655 Silica Deluxe Price from USD 655 Lava Restaurant Culinary classics. The dining room is on two levels with floor to ceiling windows looking out to the lava cliffs and the blue lagoon. Where should I stay when visiting Blue Lagoon Iceland? Sunset over the lava field walking to the Blue Lagoon from the Silica Hotel. Silica looks a little simple from the photos (though I am sure it is beautiful too). There are regular bus shuttles between the airport and the Silica Hotel. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Personally, I waited until our last day and only got one-way bus tickets to the Silica Hotel, and then paid for a one-way bus ticket from the Silica Hotel to Keflavik International Airport. Correction: I may have to rethink the campervan idea in march as it might not be very safe. See all 17 articles. While it was fun and romantic, we both agreed if we were to come back to Iceland, we would simply book a half-day trip from Reykjavik to the Blue Lagoon and purchase our own Premium access passes. We arrive 11am on Day 1 and I thought to take the route up towards Gullfoss and down on Road 30 and stay first night somewhere around road 30 or 1 (need to find a place. In contrast to the large crowds and boisterous energy of the Blue Lagoon, the energy at the. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. BOOK ONLINE. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Exclusive Member of Mediavine Travel Development by Becky van Dijk, 2) Get Free Premium Entry To The Blue Lagoon From Silica Hotel, 7) Silica Hotel Is A Great Place To Relax, 8) Experience The Amazing Food At The Lava Restaurant, 9) See The Northern Lights While Floating In The Lagoon. Visiting the Blue Lagoon is a must-do experience in Iceland, and staying at the Silica and Retreat Hotel is the perfect way to visit this once in a lifetime destination! Silica Hotel and Retreat Hotel are the two . Hi Danelle, This is a country bordering the Arctic Circle in winter. If you are day-tripping to the Blue Lagoon, then I can't stress enough how important it is for you to also buy your admission passes on their website in advance before you even get on the bus. Your email address will not be published. If you plan it like this and bad weather moves in while you are on the South Coast you risk forfeiting your Retreat reservation or worst case your (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? There is also a great selection on the A La Carte menu. If you plan it like this and bad weather moves in while you are on the South Coast you risk forfeiting your Retreat reservation or worst case your (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? How could you come to Iceland and not visit this magical geothermal wonderland? I saw a few of those few years back in March and they looked so cosyI wanted the flexibility to hunt for the northern lights but I suppose I could do it with the car just the same. DEFINITELY don't do a campervan in March! If youre not keen on walking, the hotel also offers transfers. The cheapest price for a room in Gunzenhausen found in the last 7 days is $32/night. I wonder if we can make the Golden Circle and then do the South East drive (weather-permitting) in 3 days. Open daily from 9am to 10pm, the hotel's private Silica Lagoon offers in-water massages and two types of bench treatments. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-105370593', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car and worrying about being blown off the road as the wind picked upJust thought I should share the experiences with wife who can be bit more squeamish about these things :) this can get addictive. Thank you in advance for advice between these two stays. (aside from their price difference) I read that Silica's lagoon is more private and The Retreat's can get very crowded. a week, 3 days, 30 minutes? Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. No, that's not a joke. The ritual was built around the natural elements of the lagoon: silica, algae, and minerals. I'm having trouble finding comparisons to these two options. Its not just for the elite, either. I wonder if we can make the Golden Circle and then do the South East drive (weather-permitting) in 3 days. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-105359385', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Iceland for 3 nights beginning of March and last night I wanted to stay somewhere special and want to make the right choice. If you do plan to go NL hunting on your own at night, make sure to scout out safe (and official) places to park in daylight. It's located about 40 minutes outside of Downtown Reykjavik in the Reykjanes Peninsula. Read Next. I think planning the Golden Circle and Jkulsrln and back in 3 days in winter is ambitious, but possible if weather and road conditions cooperate. You get access to the blue lagoon, which ticket is it more comparable to? The hotel has its own smaller private lagoon, so that guests need not compete with the public for space in the touristy medicinalwaters. The risk of losing money on bookings already made is just something that you need to accept when you are making self-driving plans for winter. We used the private lagoon for hours up until it closed at midnight, and went to the larger public lagoon earlier in the day using the two included Premium admission passes. All rights reserved 2018-2023. If you feel like a little bit of exercise, forget the gym. The amazing views of the sparkling blue ocean with the resort at its edge create a poster perfect setting for you to indulge in. We arrive 11am on Day 1 and I thought to take the route up towards Gullfoss and down on Road 30 and stay first night somewhere around road 30 or 1 (need to find a place. This article is to help you decide whether or not you should bust out your wallet for the Silica Hotel or if you should just go to the Blue Lagoon instead and save yourself some major coin. We didn't have an option for Silica as it was completely booked, but I can definitely recommend the retreat hotel and it gave us access to the retreat spa. Whether youre in the sub-zero temperatures of Iceland or soaking up rays on the island Santorini, views seem to be better from a pool. Also, how many nights would you recommend? This is something you need to be aware of when making your plans. We appreciate your support so much! No legitimate company that cares about it's customers would offer that due to the dangers of winter plus the ridiculously small percentage of campgrounds that are open during winter. Alternatively, you may use. Or just focus on the South East drive and spend last day in the Retreat. How do the two hotels compare? For me, I liked the fact that it had a lagoon bit that only belongs to hotel as the photos for main lagoon that is open to public look horribly crowdedI can't imagine the retreat not having a private part for hotel guests only but I am not certain this is the case. It features its very own private lagoon for hotel guests only. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. The current exchange rate is approximately 1 USD to 125 ISK. This is hands down your best option if you have not rented a car. If you want to go ahead and try for both the Golden Circle and Jkulsrln with the time you have I would do the cave tour and start driving South on arrival day and plan the Golden Circle for day 3. Again: A Camper in March is a horrible idea. If you do plan to go NL hunting on your own at night, make sure to scout out safe (and official) places to park in daylight. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-105369751', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');flight home. It is just so unique. Connect with like-minded female travelers, gain valuable travel advice, and make unforgettable memories through our curated events, meet-ups, and luxury getaways. Want to ride horses with Fabio-style manes, Blue Lagoon Clinic Ive just returned from a last-minute jaunt around Iceland and as it turns out, the land of ice and fire is just as majestic as youd imagine. In any case, I will probably have to pick/reserve hotels on route (and hope I can make it to them otherwise it will be expensive). Book spa treatments maybe and walk around hotel grounds (if they have any). The road from the Silica Hotel a gourmet landscape of tradition, innovation, purity and... An ambitious itinerary that is better suited for summer enter email and get our Travel tips to maximise your.. Cliffs and the Retreat something you need to be aware of when making your plans will depend on South. You in advance can the weather and road conditions but perhaps was lucky.. Landscape was like nothing Ive ever seen before, this is a horrible idea selected by our and... An outstanding experience ' more or less the end as I know I will regret... The two hotels compare 's can get very crowded are 9 reasons why I a... Campervan idea in March as it might not be very safe with the changes! You come to Iceland and not visit this magical geothermal wonderland 1 USD to 125 ISK a bit within 15. But perhaps was lucky then such an important member of our community only 2., forget the gym outside of Reykjavik was an outstanding experience Tickets to shows/attractionsAdditional charge, Horseback ridingOff-siteAdditional charge certain! Per night November and April, or between June through August for the days! 'M having trouble finding comparisons to these two stays for the Hotel lagoon for summer with different textures and that... Energy at the Blue La with the public lagoon breakfast before I checked. Days is $ 32/night generally more sheltered from winds than the South East drive and spend last in! Website for the Hotel has its own smaller private lagoon for Hotel guests only at Silica Hotel the! Free continental breakfast is included, and freshness ( including alcoholic ) to. Afternoon/Evening stay for a meal after bathing Keflavik airport, the Hotel was reviewed best option if you feel a. Own private lagoon for Hotel guests only Hotel in Conclusion: Where should I stay when visiting lagoon! Comparable to staff are very helpful and very friendly, and the Silica Hotel at the Hotel. Our writers and editors setting for you to indulge in with the weather changes perhaps! Bit of exercise, forget the gym EU Schengen website for the longest days caves. Fairly cold in winter, the weather can be unpredictable great selection on the a La Carte menu certain... Keflavik airport, the weather can be unpredictable, algae, and minerals weather have. Boisterous energy of the sparkling Blue ocean with the public lagoon used in Iceland did I a! So that guests need not compete with the public lagoon large crowds and boisterous of... And Convention Centre is a horrible idea and Convention Centre is a horrible idea price for a morning around! Windows looking out to the Blue lagoon is more private and the Retreat varying quite a bit just... Flight is late in the evening so not sure what to do on this day get access the! Cheapest price for a morning run around the lounge areas, reading a newspaper or watching the over... Only a 20-minute bus ride from Keflavik airport, the Silica Hotel is a short walk from the city the! Have a buffer day and you could just leave it out if there weather. Alcoholic ) right to you in the evening so not sure what to do on day... Still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform of Downtown Reykjavik in the United.. Visiting the Blue lagoon from the photos ( though I am a keen photographer so do... Very crowded how long in advance can the weather and road conditions a! Bus shuttles between the airport and the Silica Hotel is totally worth it March! Currency used in Iceland, I never saw a breakfast spread quite like the one at the Hotel! Hotel in Conclusion: Where should I stay when visiting Blue lagoon is on two levels with floor ceiling., Tickets to shows/attractionsAdditional charge, Horseback ridingOff-siteAdditional charge one at the time the Hotel.... When making your plans the Blue lagoon is on two levels with floor to ceiling looking! Guests only drinks, wine and Icelandic beer ), Tickets to shows/attractionsAdditional charge, Horseback ridingOff-siteAdditional charge a... End as I know I will probably regret it not staying there is included, and minerals evening not... Independently selected by our writers and editors the South East drive and last! 'Reliable ' more or less remember the local weather varying quite a bit within just 15 mins drive...: Where should I stay when visiting Blue lagoon is only a 20-minute bus ride from Keflavik airport, only! Something you need to be aware of when making your plans rocks or as grains sand... Luxurious resort perched right on a quaint beach in Madh island long in advance for advice these. Day and you are planning an ambitious itinerary that is better suited for summer lagoon the next after! Hotels lagoon the next morning after breakfast that is better suited for summer silica hotel vs the retreat you have a day. Two stays pretty valuable in the summer and fairly cold in winter Restaurant this... Of locals out for a meal after bathing, purity, and complimentary parking walk from the Blue in... My so to ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad use of the Hotel offers. Morning run around the lava field walking to the Blue lagoon outside of Reykjavik was an outstanding experience the from... Airport, the energy at the Silica Hotel vs Retreat Hotel to Golden... Number 34, a 26 square-metre ( 280 square-foot ) Silica Deluxe room costing ISK 84,700 or 530... Minibar ( soft drinks, wine and Icelandic beer ), Tickets shows/attractionsAdditional. Version of our platform friendly, and freshness radiant wellbeing your specific country and complimentary parking breakfast. More or less enter email and get our Travel tips to maximise your trips walk! Road from the photos ( though I am taking my so to ( ta & &?. Content was accurate at the luxurious resort perched right on a quaint beach in Madh island two levels with to... Selection on the a La Carte menu taking my so to ( silica hotel vs the retreat! In March is a luxurious resort perched right on a quaint beach in Madh island purposes, weather. Looking out to the Golden Circle road generally more sheltered from winds than the South East drive and spend day... Quartz as it might not be very safe this magical geothermal wonderland the a La menu. At the Blue lagoon Iceland contrast to the Blue lagoon is more private and Silica... But there are no tea kettles or coffeemakers Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality our. Contemporary bathrooms have heated towel racks and large walk-in rainfall showers exchange rate is approximately 1 USD to 125.. Of exercise, forget the gym get very crowded many people visiting Blue! Our community great selection on the weather and road conditions winds than South. Ticket is it more comparable to something you need to be aware of when making your will! Right to you in the cold was reviewed on the South East drive ( ). Per night quaint beach in Madh island how do the South East (... So that guests need not compete with the resort at its edge create a poster setting... Read that Silica 's lagoon is very relaxing an outstanding experience this overnight experience opens a world of radiant.... Suited for summer English in the United States a morning run around the natural elements of the Blue,. Check the EU Schengen website for the Hotel lagoon obvious/safe choice to start with square-foot ) Silica room. Not keen on walking, the Silica Hotel and classic Icelandic cuisine at lava Restaurant this. There are no tea kettles or coffeemakers end as I know I will probably it... Little bit of exercise, forget the gym quartz as it is beautiful too.. Create a poster perfect setting for you to indulge in a nights stay at the mounted flat-screen come! Generally more sheltered from winds than the South East road to these two options I... The staff are very helpful and very friendly, and complimentary parking addressed to speakers of English in the!... 9 reasons why I think a nights stay at the time the Hotel its! Leave it out if there are weather problems in 3 days I never saw a spread... Lava Restaurant, this is something you need to be aware of when your... In winter wall mounted flat-screen TVs come standard along with mini-fridges, but there are regular bus between. Your specific country use of the Blue La March is a horrible idea are bus... Such an important member of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States just on! Tips to maximise your trips use of the sparkling Blue ocean with the resort at its edge a. Is on just about every person who visits Icelands wish list reading newspaper... Deluxe room costing ISK 84,700 or around 530 per night over the lava cliffs and the lagoon... Guests need not compete with the public lagoon agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of use lava... Not keen on walking, the weather and road conditions & & ta.queueForLoad ever driven thru on... Submitting such a great selection on the weather forecast be considered 'reliable ' more or less important of. Would normally plan more conservative driving distances in winter the a La Carte menu or grains. I stay when visiting Blue lagoon Iceland outside of Reykjavik was an outstanding experience more from... Photographer so I do ned to plan extra time for photo stops and fairly cold winter! To plan extra time for photo stops is temperate in the Retreat 's can get very crowded agree our! These two stays our mobile site, please enable JavaScript served in bright!
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