Guides

How to use hotel points in Iceland

Ajay Jain
Ajay is an Austin-based software engineer and freelance writer who loves to travel the world while working remotely. His favorite destinations are Italy and India, where he gets to visit family, eat wonderful pizzas, pastas and dosa, and visit a wonderful array of historical sites and natural attractions.

November 8, 2022 • 9 min read

The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.

Editorial note: This guide has been updated with the latest information.

Quick summary

Iceland offers a range of points hotels from major loyalty programs, with options in Reykjavik and the surrounding wilderness.
Hotel choices span boutique properties, luxury stays and airport convenience, catering to various travel styles and budgets.
Redeeming points for hotel stays can help offset Iceland's high lodging costs, making trips more affordable.
Each loyalty program features unique properties, from city-center hotels to remote escapes with views of natural wonders.

What to consider

Points requirements and cash rates vary significantly by property and season, so flexibility in travel dates can yield better value.
Some hotels, especially boutique or design-focused properties, may have limited points availability or ongoing renovations affecting amenities.
Certain programs offer only one or two hotels in Iceland, potentially limiting options for loyalty members seeking specific experiences.

What you'll miss from the article

Detailed comparisons of each property, including location highlights, room features and tips for maximizing points redemptions in Iceland.

Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.

Iceland has continued to be a very popular destination for tourists looking to visit Europe.

Icelandair has long offered various routes from the U.S. to Europe via its hub at Reykjavik's Keflavik Airport (KEF), and offers Europe-bound travelers a chance to stop over in Iceland for free.

Likewise, Play offers cheap flights from a handful of U.S. cities to Iceland. Between the two, it's not hard to find a flight to Iceland that fits your budget.

While Iceland’s aviation industry is known for its low fares, the country itself becomes expensive to stay in the moment you step off the plane.

Lodging, food and excursions are quite pricey, leading to trips that can quickly break your budget without proper planning. However, by using points on your hotel stays, you can save money, enjoy Icelandic culture and experience luxury at wonderful hotels, both in Reykjavik and in the scenic wilderness outside the city.

In this article, we'll run through the best points hotels in Iceland. Use this as inspiration for your own trip to the land of fire and ice.

If you want more help planning your Iceland trip, use the new guided tour company Elsewhere (owned by TPG’s sister brand, Lonely Planet). Elsewhere pairs travelers directly with local experts in destinations around the world, including Iceland.

Hilton Honors

Hilton offers three properties in Iceland, all within the capital city of Reykjavik.

Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel, Curio Collection

Located in the city center, the Konsulat Hotel is inside a century-old building that was formerly a department store. The boutique property’s interior is influenced and inspired by modern Icelandic design, and it features charming bookcases and couches in the lobby and dining area.

Points stays at the hotel range widely from 48,000 to 200,000 Hilton Honors points per night, depending on the time of booking and season of stay. Cash prices also have a wide range, from $160 to $630 per night.

Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre

Canopy Hilton Reykjavik Iceland Hotel room — BEN SMITHSON/THE POINTS GUY

Also in Reykjavik’s city center, the Canopy’s building had a very interesting past life: Its website claims it used to house a “furniture factory, music venue, and arts hub.” Its diverse history is reflected in its interior. Darker tones dominate the lobby and dining experience, while lighter finishes are saved for the hotel’s rooms and suites.

Stays at the Canopy vary significantly less than its Konsulat counterpart. Points stays can cost anywhere from 50,000 to 80,000 points per night, while cash prices range from $175 to $350 per night.

Hilton Reykjavik Nordica

Hilton Nordica room — ANDREW KUNESH/THE POINTS GUY

Although the hotel is just outside Reykjavik’s city center, the Hilton Reykjavik Nordica still offers wondrous views with an Icelandic flair. Rooms vary from cozy single rooms to extravagant suites. The hotel’s restaurant serves regional Icelandic cuisine.

Despite being under Hilton’s namesake brand, the hotel offers discounts compared to the Curio and Canopy properties. One night at the Hilton can cost anywhere from 35,000 to 60,000 points, while cash prices range from $130 to $320 per night.

World of Hyatt

Unlike Hilton, Hyatt only offers one property in the entirety of Iceland. However, Hyatt’s hotel is not located in the nation’s capital.

Hotel Ranga

Situated outside Reykjavik in the Icelandic tundra, the Hotel Ranga — a Small Luxury Hotels of the World property — offers serene luxury in the wilderness. The suites have different themes pertaining to different continents and world regions. Unlike the suites at Hotel Ranga, the rooms offer Icelandic aesthetics and charm. The hotel offers not just incredible cuisine, but stargazing and land experiences as well.

Points stays range from 25,000 to 35,000 World of Hyatt points per night, or from $300 to $700 per night.

IHG One Rewards

IHG offers two hotels redeemable for points in Reykjavik. Both properties are part of the Mr and Mrs Smith brand, which has a partnership with IHG.

Mr and Mrs Smith Sandhotel

Situated next to a pastry and chocolate shop, the Mr and Mrs Smith Sandhotel offers elegant rooms with an art deco style. If you want to enjoy sweets in your suite, the hotel staff will deliver desserts from the bakery next door straight to your room. The property also offers breakfast and a hotel bar.

Stays range from 25,000 to 37,500 IHG One Rewards points, or between $160 and $250, per night.

Mr and Mrs Smith Kvosin Hotel

Mr Mrs Smith Kvosin Hotel — ANDREW KUNESH/THE POINTS GUY

Centrally located in the downtown area of Reykjavik, the Mr and Mrs Smith Kvosin Hotel opts for Scandinavian style over the art deco of its counterpart. Nearly every room is designated a suite, and each offers either capital views or garden views, depending on the direction the suite faces. There is also a restaurant and bar on the property.

Nights typically cost around 50,000 to 60,000 IHG points, or between $265 and $400. Note that points availability is harder to come by than at the Mr and Mrs Smith Sandhotel, however.

Marriott Bonvoy

Marriott offers three properties in Reykjavik proper and two outside the nation’s capital. While two of its Reykjavik hotels are part of Marriott’s Design Collection, the Reykjavik Edition is among the finest hotels in Marriott’s portfolio.

Reykjavik Edition

The most luxurious hotel in all of Reykjavik, the Reykjavik Edition opened last year, bringing Edition’s world-renowned luxury and modern, wooden decor to the country of Iceland. The hotel offers excellent fine dining, a multitude of drinking options and a serene spa. Rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, rainfall showers and glacier views.

Points stays range anywhere from 70,000 to 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night, with cash rates varying from $400 to $800 per night depending on the time of booking and date of stay.

101 Hotel

Looking for a more boutique property complete with Icelandic art and minimalism? Check out the 101 Hotel, an independent property that's part of Marriott’s Design Collection. The hotel takes the Reykjavik Edition's midcentury modern minimalism and puts a cozy, Icelandic spin on it. The hotel’s spa is currently undergoing renovations, so in-room massages are offered instead.

Points rates range anywhere from 55,000 to 70,000 points per night, with cash rates varying from $280 to $430 per night.

Ion City Hotel

Ion, another Icelandic brand, has two hotels in Marriott’s Design Collection. Ion City is Ion’s property in Reykjavik. Although it lacks the amenities of the 101 Hotel and Reykjavik Edition, it offers city and mountain views, midcentury modern furnishings and well-lit, wooden decor in the rooms.

Points rates range anywhere from 50,000 to 75,000 points per night, with cash rates varying from $225 to $365 per night.

Ion Adventure Hotel

Offering incredible floor-to-ceiling windows, the Ion Adventure provides excellent opportunities to view lava fields and the aurora borealis. Visit the hotel restaurant and bar for nourishment before and after your Icelandic adventures, and enjoy a relaxing reprieve from the occasionally harsh climate. Similar to its city counterpart, the Ion Adventure offers great natural light and wooden paneling in the rooms.

Point rates range anywhere from 50,000 to 75,000 points per night, with cash rates being slightly pricier than the Ion City: $300 to $450 per night.

Courtyard Reykjavik Keflavik Airport

All Icelandic adventures start and end at the country’s biggest airport just outside Keflavik. If you want to spend points on a hotel before your return flight or want some rest before kicking off your tundra travels, the Courtyard is a great option. Built just three years ago, the hotel offers new charm, large televisions and on-site dining options.

Points stays at the Courtyard range between 34,000 and 42,000 points per night. Cash rates are slightly more variable and range anywhere from $110 to $230 per night.

Bottom line

Hilton and IHG have some solid points properties within Reykjavik. While Hyatt does not have a hotel in the capital city, the chain does offer an incredible property in the tundra through its connection with Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

Marriott offers an incredible selection of hotels, both with its main chains and with independent hotels in its Design Collection; options are situated not just in Reykjavik, but also in the Icelandic wilderness.

There are many redemption options that will save you money on lodging during your Icelandic trip, whether you're visiting Reykjavik or exploring the natural beauty found in the rest of Iceland.

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

Great offers from our partners

See current offers Find your best card with CardMatch™

TPG featured card

American Express® Gold Card

TPG editor's rating

at American Express's secure site.
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.

Rewards rate

Rewards rate
Rate	Category
4X	Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
4X	Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
5X	Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
3X	Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
2X	Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
1X	Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.

Intro offer

As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

Annual fee

$325

Regular APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Recommended credit

Excellent to Good

Pros + cons

Pros

Valuable dining and food-related credits
Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
Multiple travel and purchase protections
No foreign transaction fees
Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)

Cons

Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits

More details

You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
$120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
$100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
Book your travel through the Amex Travel App™ with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $325.
Terms Apply.