How to Find the Most Affordable Hotel Through AirBnB in Reykjavik Iceland

I did my research on hotels for our family of four before leaving for Reykjavik. Hotel rooms or bunk beds in hostels are not cheap. So how do you find the most affordable, safe, and comfortable and centrally located accommodation for a family of four in Reykjavik city center?

My answer: AirBnB Apartment

Before I committed to an apartment through AirBnB I looked at several options.

Option 1: KEX Hostel
Located only 250 meters (0.15 miles) from Laugarvegur, Reykjavik’s main shopping street. KEX building was once an old biscuit factory with vintage industrial look. Guests have the options of dorms or rooms and some rooms with a private bathroom.

A six-person dorm room with a shared bathroom for three nights was $600 for four people. KEX has the options of 4, 6, 10, 16 bed dorms.

Here is the price per person per night:
4-bed dorm including bed linen, duvet and towel ISK 7,700 (about $58)
6-bed dorm including bed linen, duvet and towel ISK6, 600 (about $50)
10 bed dorm bring your own sleeping bag ISK 4,700 (about $36)
16 bed dorm bring your own sleeping bag ISK4, 300 (about $33)

KEX provides free Wi-Fi, gym, laundry room, tourist information desk, lounge area, outdoor patio, shared kitchens, a café and bar. It is at a great location.

Information:
About KEX

Option 2: OK Hotel
Located on the quiet section of Laugarvegur and 5 minutes from Hallgrímskirkja, OK Hotel is suitable for families with children.

A studio apartment with a balcony, free Wi-Fi, TV, tea and coffee maker, kitchenette, refrigerator, microwave, electric kettle, stovetop, toaster and kitchenware was $686 for three nights at booking.com for our family of four.

Information: OK Hotel on Booking.com

Option 3: AirBnB Apartment
I wrote to three hosts at AirBnB.com and narrowed my search to two. One of the apartments was a first floor apartment in a two story house with a basement located at the corner of Njálsgata and Vitastígur three minutes walk to Hallgrímskirkja and 15 minutes walk from BSI central bus station where we were dropped off by FlyBus from the airport.

This two-bedroom apartment has a fully equipped kitchen (oven, toaster, fridge, dining table and four chairs, kitchen utensils, coffee maker, coffee, sugar, salt and cooking oil and more), a bathroom, sitting room with TV, free Wi-Fi, towels, linens, chairs and more. It was $471 including AirBnB fee and cleaning fee.

Another apartment was located near the old harbor on Vesturgata. This two-bedroom apartment has a fully equipped kitchen, one bathroom, sitting room, free Wi-Fi, towel, linens and more. It was $609 including AirBnB fee and cleaning fee.

I chose the apartment at the corner of Njálsgata and Vitastígur because of its location and price. Here is the description of the apartment on AirBnB's website:

Apartment in a 108 years historical old house in the heart of Reykjavik, 2 min walk to the main shopping street everything are all within easy walking distance from the apartment. It’s an ideal location for enjoying the charm of Iceland.

The apartment is a three-minute walk from Bonus supermarket and 5 minutes walk from Sundhollin, the neighborhood indoor thermal swimming pool.

Here is the link to the apartment.

Conclusion:
AirBnB apartment in Reykjavik was suitable for our family of four. It is comparatively cheaper and there are beds and rooms for the four of us. It was safe, centrally located and close to restaurants, cafés, supermarket, tourist attractions, tour companies and walking distance to the Old Harbor.

Another important feature is the fully equipped kitchen. Eating out in Reykjavik is expensive. We prepared our breakfast and a few lunches and dinners in the apartment during our four-days/three nights stay.

If you are looking for an AirBnB apartment in Reykjavik or in other cities throughout the world please let me offer my $25 gift for you when you book with AirBnB.

If you are a solo traveler KEX Hostel may be a better choice for you. The OK Hotel is good for couples or a couple with one young child. The apartment we stayed in is not suitable for two couples because one of the bedrooms is connected to the kitchen, living room and bathroom. In other words there is no privacy in one of the bedrooms.

Note: All prices were correct at the time of my research. They may have changed to a higher or lower price now depending on the time of travel and availability.

Let me know if you have any questions about AirBnB apartments. Please leave your question or comment here.