Hlemmur Square
Reykjavíkurborg, Reykjavík
Hotel in Reykjavík, Iceland
Book with PearlWhy go
Hlemmur Square sits on Laugavegur 105, Reykjavik's busiest street, making it one of the most walkable addresses in the city. Booking is straightforward, the adjacent Hlemmur food hall adds practical dining flexibility. A solid choice for explorers who want to be central; families with young children should weigh the lively street atmosphere before booking.
About Hlemmur Square
Quick Verdict
Hlemmur Square sits on Laugavegur 105, Reykjavik's main commercial artery, putting you within walking distance of the city's core restaurants, bars, shops. If your priority is a central Reykjavik address with easy street-level access to the city, this property is easy to recommend. Booking difficulty is low, so you don't need to plan far ahead; but given Iceland's peak summer season (June through August), locking in a stay sooner rather than later still makes sense.
The Property
Hlemmur Square takes its name from the Hlemmur bus terminal directly opposite, which has itself been transformed into one of Reykjavik's better-known food halls. That adjacency is a practical bonus: you have a walkable cluster of food vendors, coffee spots, street energy right outside. The address on Laugavegur puts you on the city's main pedestrian drag, meaning the bulk of what Reykjavik offers; from the bars of the old town to Hallgrímskirkja church, is reachable on foot. For explorers who want to spend their time in the city rather than commuting through it, this location delivers.
For families travelling with children, the Laugavegur location is a double-edged consideration. The street itself is lively, particularly on weekend evenings, which suits adults but may be less ideal if you are travelling with young children who need quiet. That said, the walkability factor is a genuine advantage for families who want flexibility, no need to rent a car for city days, the Hlemmur food hall next door gives you informal dining options that tend to work better for kids than sit-down restaurant menus. If family-friendly accommodation with quieter surroundings is the priority, properties further from the main strip may serve you better, but for a family of explorers who want to be in the middle of things, the location holds up.
Reykjavik as a destination rewards those who plan around the season. Winter visits mean a shot at the northern lights and a very different, quieter city; summer brings near-continuous daylight and a more festival-forward atmosphere. Either way, Hlemmur Square's central position makes it a functional base for both urban exploring and day trips to sites like the Golden Circle or the South Coast.
For a broader view of where Hlemmur Square sits in the Reykjavik accommodation market, see our full Reykjavik hotels guide. You can also browse Reykjavik restaurants, bars, and experiences to plan around your stay.
Quick reference: Central Laugavegur address, easy booking, walkable to most city attractions, adjacent to Hlemmur food hall.
Planning details
- Location
- Laugavegur 105, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland
- Website
- hlemmursquare.com
- Phone
- +354 415 1600
The take
The Take
The Vibe
Hlemmur Square lives at the intersection of adaptive reuse and contemporary design. Housed in a converted 1930s bus terminal, the property leans into the building’s history while maintaining a pared-back, design-conscious identity. The hotel reads as part of Reykjavik’s wave of smaller, independently run properties where the architecture and provenance of the structure are as important as the interiors. Located at the eastern end of Laugavegur, it balances walkable access to downtown with a slightly rougher, more urban edge, making it a quietly stylish base for travelers who appreciate context and considered design.
Best For
This is a fit-for-purpose pick for travelers who prioritize design-led, independent hotels and want a central-but-distinct Reykjavik address. Hlemmur Square works well as a weekend escape or short city stay for visitors who plan to explore Laugavegur, sample casual local food, and move on foot around the centre. The hotel’s placement inside a repurposed terminal appeals to guests interested in architecture and urban character rather than big-brand polish. It’s best for those seeking a compact, stylish base with immediate access to the on-site food hall and the neighbourhood’s more eclectic energy.
Stay Tips
Make the most of the food hall directly beneath the hotel for relaxed, casual dining and quick bites—it’s the obvious first stop for arrivals and late snacks. Because the property is anchored to Laugavegur, plan to walk the street to sample nearby cafés and independent eateries rather than relying solely on in‑house dining. Check the food hall’s opening hours and vendor line-up on arrival (offerings can rotate), and use the hotel as a convenient jumping-off point for exploring the city on foot.
Venue details
Ambiance
Elegant coffee-and-cream color schemes in minimalist modern rooms, stylish lobby with antique furnishings and leather sofas, buzzy bar atmosphere.
Tags
Vibe
Best For
Experience
Amenities
View
About the Stay
- Rooms
- 18
- Check-in
- 17:00
- Check-out
- 12:00
- Property Style
- Hybrid Luxury Hostel and Boutique Hotel in Restored Art Deco Building
- Design Style
- Minimalist Modern with Elegant Coffee and Cream Tones
Planning details
Location
Also consider
Also Consider
- 101 hotel Reykjavik; Notable alternative
- Ion City Hotel; Notable alternative
- Apotek Hotel by Keahotels; Notable alternative
- Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre; Notable alternative
- Hilton Reykjavik Nordica; Notable alternative
Hotel context
Compared to other central Reykjavik hotels, Hlemmur Square's main advantage is location rather than luxury credentials. 101 Hotel Reykjavik and Apotek Hotel by Keahotels are both within the same central zone and carry stronger design and service reputations; if those factors matter to you, either is worth the comparison. The Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre offers a familiar international standard with Hilton loyalty integration, which is a straightforward win if you are a points traveller. Hlemmur Square does not appear to participate in a major loyalty programme, so if points accumulation is part of your travel calculus, Canopy is the more practical pick.
For families, the comparison narrows to a few practical questions. The Hilton Reykjavik Nordica sits slightly outside the immediate city centre but offers more of the facilities; pool, larger rooms, chain-standard family policies; that travelling families often need. If your family prioritises space and amenities over walkability, Nordica is likely the stronger call. Hlemmur Square's edge is purely its Laugavegur address and the informal Hlemmur food hall next door, which offers a low-barrier dining option that families with picky eaters will appreciate.
For travellers prioritising design, Ion City Hotel brings more visual personality to a similar central position. If you are choosing between Hlemmur Square and Ion City on design grounds alone, Ion City wins. But if you simply need a central, easy-to-book Reykjavik base and plan to spend most of your time out exploring; the city's experiences, nearby food scene, day trips to places like the Blue Lagoon or ION Adventure Hotel in the highlands; Hlemmur Square does the job without complication.
Explore Reykjavík
Around this place
Discover more on Pearl
Unlock the full Hlemmur Square guide in Pearl, including awards, comparisons, FAQs, planning details, and nearby places.
Compare Hlemmur Square
| Venue | Booking Difficulty | Awards |
|---|---|---|
| Hlemmur Square | Easy | No published awards |
| 101 hotel Reykjavik | Unknown | No published awards |
| Ion City Hotel | Unknown | No published awards |
| Apotek Hotel by Keahotels | Unknown | No published awards |
| Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre | Unknown | No published awards |
| Hilton Reykjavik Nordica | Unknown | No published awards |
Comparing your options in Reykjavik for this tier.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hlemmur Square family-friendly?
It is a workable choice for families visiting Reykjavik, primarily because of its position on Laugavegur 105, which keeps you within easy reach of the city's main attractions. That said, without published family-specific amenities on record, families with young children may want to confirm room configurations and facilities directly before booking. For larger families needing suites or interconnecting rooms, comparing options like Hilton Reykjavik Nordica is sensible.
Do loyalty programs work at Hlemmur Square?
Hlemmur Square is an independent property, so major chain loyalty programs such as Hilton Honors or Marriott Bonvoy do not apply here. If earning or redeeming points is a priority for your Reykjavik stay, Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre or Hilton Reykjavik Nordica are the stronger bets. Book Hlemmur Square on its own merits, not for points accumulation.
When is the best time to book Hlemmur Square?
Reykjavik hotels across the board tighten in summer (June to August) when visitor numbers peak and Northern Lights tourism drives demand again from September through March. Book Hlemmur Square as early as possible if your dates fall in either window. Shoulder months (April to May, September to October) offer more availability and generally lower rates across the city, including on Laugavegur.
What is check-in like at Hlemmur Square?
No specific check-in hours or process details are published in the available record. Standard Icelandic hotel check-in typically runs from 15:00, with check-out around 12:00. If you are arriving on an early transatlantic flight, contact the property in advance to arrange luggage storage or request early check-in, as Reykjavik flights from North America frequently land before midday.
Which room category is best at Hlemmur Square?
Room category specifics are not in the available data, so a definitive tier recommendation is not possible here. As a general principle at Laugavegur properties, rooms facing away from the street will be quieter, which matters given that this is one of Reykjavik's busiest pedestrian strips. Request an interior or rear-facing room at booking if noise is a concern.
How is the dining at Hlemmur Square?
The Hlemmur bus terminal directly opposite the hotel has been converted into one of Reykjavik's better-known food hall spaces, making independent dining options immediately accessible without needing a taxi. Laugavegur 105 also puts you within walking distance of the city's main restaurant cluster. On-site dining details for Hlemmur Square itself are not confirmed in the available record, so treat off-site options as the primary draw.
How is the location of Hlemmur Square?
The address at Laugavegur 105 is one of the most practical in the city for a first-time Reykjavik visit. You are on the main commercial street, with restaurants, bars, independent shops on your doorstep and Hlemmur's food hall directly across the road. It is a stronger location pick than the Hilton Reykjavik Nordica for those prioritising walkability, though less central than Apotek Hotel by Keahotels if you want to be at the heart of the old town.
