Hotel in Reykjavík, Iceland
KEX Hostel and Hotel Reykjavik
150Pearl PointsConverted factory. Good value. Book early.
About KEX Hostel and Hotel Reykjavik
KEX is a converted biscuit factory turned hybrid hostel-hotel on Skúlagata, central Reykjavik. It suits solo travellers and budget-conscious visitors who want a design-forward, social base at a lower price point than the city's boutique hotel tier. For full corporate amenities, look elsewhere — but for location and atmosphere at a fair price, KEX delivers.
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.
Ideal 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
| Property | Price Tier | Leading For | Booking Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| KEX Hostel and Hotel Reykjavik | Budget–Mid | Solo travellers, design-conscious budget stays | Easy |
| Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre | Mid–Upper | Business travellers, brand reliability | Easy–Moderate |
| Hilton Reykjavik Nordica | Upper | Corporate travel, full-service needs | Easy |
| 101 hotel Reykjavik | Upper–Luxury | Design-led boutique experience | Moderate |
| Apotek Hotel by Keahotels | Mid–Upper | Central location, character property | Easy |
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the pool and spa at KEX Hostel and Hotel Reykjavik?
There is no pool or spa documented for KEX — this is a hostel-hotel hybrid, not a wellness property. If spa access is a priority, Ion City Hotel or Hilton Reykjavik Nordica are more appropriate options. KEX is positioned around social spaces and value, not amenities of that kind.
Is KEX Hostel and Hotel Reykjavik good for business travel?
KEX works for solo business travellers who prioritise a central Reykjavik address and low booking friction over corporate amenities. The property sits on Skúlagata 28 in the 101 postal district, which is walkable to key downtown offices and attractions. For travellers who need reliable meeting facilities or a business-hotel setup, Hilton Reykjavik Nordica or Canopy by Hilton City Centre are better fits.
How is the dining at KEX Hostel and Hotel Reykjavik?
KEX has an on-site bar and social dining space in keeping with its converted-factory setting, though specific menu details are not confirmed in available data. The communal format suits casual eating and drinks rather than formal dining. For a full restaurant experience in central Reykjavik, you are better served looking beyond the property.
Is KEX Hostel and Hotel Reykjavik family-friendly?
KEX is better suited to solo travellers and pairs than families. The hostel-hotel hybrid format, with communal spaces and a social atmosphere, is designed for independent adults rather than groups with children. Families wanting dedicated facilities and more private room configurations should consider Apotek Hotel by Keahotels or Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre instead.
Location
Skúlagata 28, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Compare KEX Hostel and Hotel Reykjavik
| Venue | Booking Difficulty |
|---|---|
| KEX Hostel and Hotel Reykjavik | Easy |
| 101 hotel Reykjavik | Unknown |
| Ion City Hotel | Unknown |
| Apotek Hotel by Keahotels | Unknown |
| Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre | Unknown |
| Hilton Reykjavik Nordica | Unknown |
How KEX Hostel and Hotel Reykjavik stacks up against the competition.
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
How KEX Compares to Other Reykjavik Hotels
KEX operates in a different tier from most of its Reykjavik peers. If you're comparing it directly to 101 hotel Reykjavik or Apotek Hotel by Keahotels, know that those properties offer private hotel rooms with more consistent service standards and a cleaner fit for business or special-occasion stays. KEX trades some of that polish for a livelier communal atmosphere and a lower price point. If value per night is your primary filter, KEX wins. If experience quality and privacy matter more, step up.
Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre is the closest practical alternative for travellers who want central location plus brand reliability without going full luxury. It costs more than KEX but delivers a more predictable business-travel experience. Hilton Reykjavik Nordica is the call for anyone whose company travel policy requires a full-service property with meeting facilities. Ion City Hotel sits between KEX and the boutique tier in design terms and is worth considering if you want a more private, design-led room without paying 101 hotel prices.
For travellers whose Reykjavik stay is a gateway to wider Iceland, KEX works well as a city-night bookend. Pair it with a rural property for the substance of the trip: The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland for spa-led luxury, or Eleven Deplar Farm for remote adventure. KEX is not the destination, it's the practical Reykjavik base before or after the real trip.
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