OK Studios

We were unsure about booking OK after seeing the check-in complaints, but ours went better than expected. You buzz reception from outside the restaurant, then wait to be let into the restaurant, not the door on the left. Go left inside, past the kitchen on your right, and use the phone. Press the top button, then the green call button. If nobody answers, try again. The receptionist tells you your room number after you open the safe the phone is on. The elevator is a few steps ahead on the right. It was dark when we arrived, and the restaurant lighting is dim, so the entrance wasn't obvious. The studio was roomy for two adults, with a nice decor, a spacious bathroom, and body wash, shampoo, and conditioner. The kitchenette had coffee, tea, cooking supplies, a mini fridge, and a microwave. Shops and bars are an easy walk away. Parking takes a little figuring out, since you need to use another street, but once you know the layout it makes sense.

Laugavegur gets extremely noisy, with busy foot and car traffic all day. At night there were speeding cars and people screaming, though it quieted down after 5am on the weekend. Despite that, I had a pleasant stay and would recommend it. The rooms are warm and clean, with a distinctive fisherman style that varies a bit from room to room. Beds are comfortable, and the shower is powerful and hot. You get everything needed to self cater, including a fridge/freezer, sink, microwave, hob, cutlery, pots, and pans. The TV is okay, with UK channels only, though who goes on holiday to watch TV?

We spent 8 days here and had a great time. The studios are a good size and have what you need to cook some meals. They made Iceland feel more like somewhere we lived for a while than somewhere we were just visiting, which suited our more adventurous trip. The central location and funky decor were a big part of the appeal. It's a different sort of stay from a traditional hotel. There's no daily housekeeping, though the housekeepers were incredibly friendly at check-in and checkout. Entry to the building and your room uses a punch code sent before check-in. We'd definitely come back.

I've stayed here twice and really like it. The balcony studios have amazing views, and the rooms stayed warm without needing extra radiator heat. Showers were clean and hot, and there's a cute kitchenette for cooking instead of eating out. The decor is adorable, and the location makes it easy to get to tours or wander around.