Guesthouse Árný

I had to change rooms three times in 24 hours during my two-night stay at Guesthouse Arny, and it made for a very frustrating experience. My first room, room 1, was right beside the shared toilet, with only a thin wall between them. Doors kept opening and closing, and someone used a hairdryer close to midnight, so I couldn’t get proper rest before an early start. When I asked about moving, Gaui, who manages the guesthouse, offered room 7 by the shared kitchen or room 6 downstairs in the basement. I chose room 6 and moved there the next morning. Then at 8:36 PM, after I got back from dinner, I received a message saying a room planning mistake meant I had to move again. Around 9 PM I packed everything and moved to room 7, next to the kitchen. The disorganization was really disappointing. The person managing the place seemed careless and quite unprofessional. More attention to detail and consideration for guests would go a long way. I don’t recommend this guesthouse if you’re planning to sleep on the Vestmann Islands.

It was clean and well priced, and we were able to use the owner’s washer and dryer. My one complaint is that all five rooms share a single shower, and there’s a huge step to get in and out of the tub. It feels like a slight hazard, so be careful not to slip.

We hadn’t booked anywhere for that night of our Iceland road trip, so we wound up here. It was very affordable and gave the trip a bit of extra adventure. I’m so glad we came to the island and stayed here. The directions before arrival were detailed and easy to follow, and the home felt cosy, like visiting family. Our beds were comfortable and the view from our room was beautiful. There was plenty of information in the living room, along with coffee and tea. They offered to keep our bags in the living room after checkout so we could explore before the ferry back to the mainland, but we had a vehicle and didn’t need to take them up on it. If we make it back, we’ll stay here again. Thanks for the lovely accommodation!

Arny is close to the IBV stadium and public pool, both of which are highlights, and the island is small enough that you can walk pretty much anywhere. Gaui, the owner and manager, did a lot to make sure guests were comfortable and got the Heimaey experience they wanted. The rooms were excellent, both in shared spaces and in the apartment, and he’d go out of his way to get you what you needed. I’d especially recommend the place to families with young kids. My six-year-old son “helped” Gaui make the beds and had some adorable conversations with him, which Gaui was happy to join in on. If you get the chance, ask Gaui about seeing puffins. There’s a map and description in the guesthouse’s main area, and he can share even more if you talk with him. He’s passionate about Iceland and the island, and you’d miss out if you didn’t chat with him at least once.