A hotel I've been watching for years is finally opening its doors and accepting reservations.
Reykjavik EDITION accepting reservations
Reykjavik EDITION just opened reservations for stay as of October 12, 2021. That's less than a week away. Talk about a quick opening! EDITION is Marriott's premium brand. It is a modern version of Ritz-Carlton that targets a younger audience (but still doesn't offer all Bonvoy elite benefits like breakfast).
The Reykjavik EDITION is located downtown, next to the Harpa Concert Hall. It will offer 253 rooms and suites and a rooftop, nightlife area, signature restaurant, destination bar and cafe as well as a spa, gym, and a variety of other amenities such as ice skating, yoga, meditation, and a sauna. The standard rooms will measure 269 to 301 square feet. They are not large, but they are not small by Iceland standards.
Given the delay, it is great to see that this hotel will finally open. Although the hotel was originally scheduled to open in 2018, it was repeatedly delayed. The delayed opening may have been partly due to the pandemic.
EDITION, a relatively small hotel brand, should experience significant growth over the next 12 months. In the following year, EDITION properties are expected to open in Dubai, Madrid Riviera Maya, Rome and Tampa (a second property).
Here are some photos from the Reykjavik Editions website.
Reykjavik EDITION exterior
Reykjavik EDITION lobby
Reykjavik EDITION bar
Reykjavik EDITION guest room
Reykjavik EDITION spa
Reykjavik EDITION gym
Reykjavik EDITION room rates & points requirements
Reykjavik EDITION is a Category 8 Marriott Bonvoy property. This means that a free night redemption for the Reykjavik EDITION costs either 70,000 points off-peak, 85,000 points standard or 100,000 point peak. Marriott Bonvoy gives away a fifth night for award redemptions. This is the most expensive category of Marriott Bonvoy hotels.
They start at 50,000 ISK per person, or less than $400, for the paid rate. That's for a stay within a few days of opening. I imagine the hotel hopes to charge higher rates as time goes by, particularly during peak summer travel times and when travel demand is rising.
It will likely be Reykjavik's most luxurious hotel. I expect the hotel to be able command a fair price premium. There are many rooms available.
Reykjavik EDITION: Book a Paid Stay through Marriott STARS Program to Get a Free Breakfast, Upgrades, and Other Benefits
Unique addition to the Reykjaviks hotel scene
Reykjavik is a fascinating hotel market for many reasons.
Iceland is a costly country, but there aren't many places that offer uber-luxury hospitality.
Reykjavik has seen many new hotels open, but they are mostly mid-range or upscale and offer few luxury options.
Iceland has seen its ups and falls as a tourist destination. Iceland saw overcrowding and saw WOW Air and Icelandair merge. However, with WOW Air liquidating, the country's air capacity is now way down. PLAY hopes to restore some of that capacity.
Iceland is not a destination where luxury hotels are a priority. Iceland is an island that's all about the outdoors.
Reykjavik's most luxurious (and possibly the most expensive) hotel is Tower Suites Reykjavik. Tower Suites Reykjavik is the current most expensive (and perhaps most luxurious) hotel in Reykjavik. The property was once affiliated with Hyatts Small Luxury Hotels of the World, but this is no longer the case. This hotel, however, is on a completely different scale. It has only eight rooms and all are suites. It's located at the Hofdatorg Tower, which rises 20 stories. It also offers an innovative invisible service concept.
Tower Suites Reykjavik room
It is worth noting that this luxury is a completely different type than what you will find at the Reykjavik EDITION tower Suites. The EDITION is large and intimate, and the EDITION is spacious and will be a place even for non-guests.
Bottom line
As of October 12, 2021, reservations can be made for Reykjavik EDITION stays. Although there aren't many details, I cannot wait to see it. It's great to see a luxury hotel brand that is bookable with points finally make its debut in Reykjavik.
How do you feel about the Reykjavik EDITION
