Glacier World - Hoffell

We saw two Arctic foxes while we were there, which was a real treat. Our double room had great beds, and the shower was clean with excellent pressure. We also made use of the sauna and hot tub. Breakfast the next morning was great too.

The view of Hoffellsjokull from breakfast and the free hot tubs for residents is amazing. We planned one night and wound up extending our stay twice. The rooms were neat and clean, and breakfast was excellent. Getting to the glacier takes some effort: it's about 4 km along a riverbed, which needs a 4x4 to drive or a reasonable walk. The glacier is impressive, as are three others to the west that are similarly difficult to reach.

The setting is beautiful, and the spa area would be lovely if not for the noise. Sanding and servicing the saunas began around 8:30 or 9:00 and carried on while the hot tubs were open. With two orbital sanders running, relaxing was difficult. We also had no hot water in our room. We reported it at check-in and were told it had been fixed as staff left for the night. We brought it up again on checkout morning, when a staff member confirmed the fault and apologized. Another staff member still denied there was a problem while blaming a faulty mixer tap. No room change or goodwill offer was made, then or later, though a replacement room should have been offered. Breakfast was decent. If the hot shower works and the renovations are finished, I'm sure the place is great. It just wasn't for us.

The rooms and toilets were clean, and breakfast came with the stay. It was simple but nice. Hotel guests could use the hot tubs for free after 5, and there were nearby showers and a changing room. A really nice place to stay.