Marriott's Reykjavik Edition to open later this month

As reported by One Mile at A Time, the Reykjavik Edition hotel will finally open its doors later this month.

This is Marriott's latest move in the Iceland market, near the heart of Reykjavik's city center next to the Harpa Concert Hall. It's one of the few true five-star properties in the city. The hotel was announced back in 2015 and originally supposed to open in 2018, but was continiously pushed back. The hotel is currently accepting reservations starting Oct. 12, 2021. It will be Marriott's fifth hotel in Iceland.

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The hotel features a full suite of amenities, including an Icelandic restautant, bar, nightlife space, rooftop, spa and a gym. It boasts 253 rooms and suites, which is massive by Icelandic hotel standards. Plus, its amenities and central location are sure to make the property a destination for guests and locals alike.

For those unfamiliar, Edition is one of Marriott's "Distinctive Luxury" brands that aims to offer unique food, accommodation and entertainment under one roof. It's a small yet fast-growing Marriott brand with eight new properties set to open by the end of the year.

While you can earn and redeem Marriott Bonvoy points at Edition properties, you cannot use many elite status benefits. For example, you can't redeem Suite Night Awards (SNA) certificates and free breakfast isn't included.

Related: Iceland trip-planning from A to Z: Glaciers, geothermal spas and lava caves

room rates and points cost

Like most things in Iceland, rooms aren't cheap. Standard room rates at the Marriott Edition start around 53,438 ISK per night this November, equal to roughly $410 after conversion. On the other hand, an Ocean View Corner Suite can cost as much as 375,000 ISK ($2876) per night.

Those hoping to use Marriott Bonvoy points to book a room should note it is a Category 8 property. This is the most expensive award category — rooms cost 70,000 points per night on off-peak dates, 85,000 points per night on standard dates and 100,000 points per night on peak dates.

Related: Iceland is open to Americans: Here’s how to get there on points and miles

Bottom line

It's great to see the Reykjavik Edition open its doors — even if it's a few years late. The hotel is one of TPG's most anticipated hotel openings of the year, and it marks a change in the Reyjavik hotel scene. Most hotels in Reykjavik are nice but no-frills. And this makes sense: for tourists, the city is generally a jumping-off point for the rest of Iceland.

Travelers often go to the country to experience all its various outdoor activities. Opening a high-end property in the city shows that the city is now a destination in itself, and has a world-class hotel to prove it. As a Marriott loyalist myself, I'm excited to get back to Iceland someday soon to check out the property.