Pávi Guesthouse

The shared space felt pretty lifeless, and I’ve stayed in plenty of cheap hostels with much better things to do or a nicer common area. The kitchen is very small for the number of rooms, too. As for the bathrooms, the second floor has only two toilets, each with a shower. If two people are showering, there’s nowhere to use the toilet. I found separate toilets and showers on the third floor, so why not have that setup everywhere? They also weren’t cleaned often enough. I only saw cleaning staff once in my three nights, and there was no reception or other staff around. The room itself is very basic, which is okay, but nothing special. The carpet on the stairs and at the entrance badly needs replacing. We checked prices and realized that for double the money we could have stayed at a much better hotel. Looking back, that would have been worth it. A hostel should be dirt cheap or offer good value for what it charges, especially if its prices are higher than usual.

The biggest drawback is the building access: there’s no elevator, so hauling heavy bags up the stairs can be tough. Reception may be unattended, and you might have to self-check in or call staff, depending on when you arrive. Shared bathrooms are small and can be less tidy at busy times. Street noise and other guests can also be a problem for light sleepers. On the plus side, Guesthouse Pavi is handy for exploring Reykjavík without a car. It’s near Hlemmur bus station and within walking distance of major sights, shops, cafés, and restaurants. Rooms range from basic shared-bathroom options to private and family rooms with en-suites. They’re simple and functional, with a clean Scandinavian look. The shared kitchen and common areas are useful if you want to save on meals in an otherwise pricey city. For budget travelers who care more about location and practicality than luxury, it’s a solid choice. Booking a private room, checking arrival arrangements ahead of time, and using the kitchen can help make the stay go smoothly.

Our room was small, but practical enough for a short visit, with a wardrobe and chair. Guesthouse Pavi is simple and nothing fancy, though clearly well cared for and comfortable. The shared kitchen was tidy and had what we needed for a quick meal, and we really appreciated how clean everything was, including the shared bathrooms and showers. I forgot to take photos, but I’d still highly recommend this clean, affordable place in Reykjavík.

The kitchen was in really good shape, and the seating area was great for eating or just chilling. Rooms were neat and tidy, and the shared washrooms were well maintained. All in all, a good place to stay.