KEX Hostel and Hotel Reykjavik

KEX Hostel and Hotel Reykjavik: Quick Verdict

KEX sits on Skúlagata 28 in central Reykjavik, positioning itself as a hybrid hostel-hotel that works for budget-conscious travellers and solo business visitors who want location and atmosphere over corporate polish. If you need a full-service business hotel with a dedicated concierge and meeting rooms, look at Hilton Reykjavik Nordica or Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre instead. KEX earns its place for travellers who want a social, design-forward base at a lower price point than Reykjavik's boutique hotel tier.

What to Expect

The building is a converted biscuit factory, which gives the interior a distinctly industrial character: exposed brick, high ceilings, and a communal energy that makes it easy to meet other travellers. Visually, it reads more like a well-executed design property than a conventional hostel, and that aesthetic carries through the common areas and bar. For a solo business traveller who values a lively bar over a quiet lounge, this works well. For those needing reliable, silent workspace or a room that reads as professional on a video call, the format has limits.

The 101 area address puts you within walking distance of most of Reykjavik's central attractions and restaurants. If you're travelling for work and your meetings are in the city centre, KEX's location on the harbour fringe is genuinely practical. Explore our full Reykjavik restaurants guide and our full Reykjavik bars guide for what's walkable from here.

Leading Time to Visit

Summer (June to August) brings near-constant daylight and peak demand across all Reykjavik accommodation. Book KEX early in that window — the hostel format means prices are lower than boutique alternatives, but availability in summer is tight. If your trip is work-driven rather than tourism-driven, shoulder months (April to May, September to October) offer better availability and calmer common areas, which matters if you need to actually focus. Winter visits add the possibility of northern lights from the city, though light pollution limits the experience compared to rural options like ION Adventure Hotel or Hotel Ranga.

Booking and Logistics

Booking difficulty is low — KEX is accessible and rarely sold out outside peak summer weeks. No dress code applies. The hybrid hostel-hotel format means room types vary from dormitories to private rooms; specify your preference when booking. For comparison across Reykjavik's wider hotel offering, see our full Reykjavik hotels guide.

Practical Comparison