Hotel Fron Reykjavik: Central Location, Budget Rates & Reviews

Planning a stay in Reykjavik on a budget means weighing location against cost. Hotel Fron, sitting on the main shopping street Laugavegur, consistently earns praise for its walkable centre position and reasonable rates. Drawing on verified guest reviews and official property listings, this guide covers exactly what you can expect—from room features to transport links—so you can decide if this downtown hotel fits your trip.

Last checked: 2026-09-02

Address: Laugavegur 22A, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland · Check-in / Check-out: 14:00 / 11:00 · Breakfast hours: 6:30 am – 10:00 am · Free Wi-Fi: Included in all rooms · On-site dining: Bar and restaurant available

Where do celebrities stay in Reykjavik?

High‑profile visitors to the capital often choose upscale properties such as the Icelandair Reykjavik Marina or Hotel Borg, which offer private suites and waterfront views. Hotel Fron, by contrast, is positioned as a budget‑friendly option for everyday travellers. According to TripAdvisor reviews, guests consistently highlight the hotel’s central location and affordability – qualities that matter more to cost‑conscious tourists than to celebrity guests.

Are any celebrities known to stay at Hotel Fron?

No publicly available records – from review platforms or official sources – link a celebrity stay to Hotel Fron. The hotel’s own website and booking pages market it as a practical choice for independent travellers and families, not as a luxury or VIP destination. If you are hoping to spot a famous face, you are more likely to encounter them at the higher‑end hotels on the harbour.

What are the most exclusive hotels in Reykjavik?

Properties like the Tower Suites (private apartment in a historic tower) and the Edition Reykjavik (part of Marriott’s luxury brand) cater to guests seeking privacy, high‑end design, and personalised service. These hotels typically command nightly rates above €200, whereas Hotel Fron’s starting rate of about €86 places it in the value segment.

The bottom line: Hotel Fron serves a different audience – budget and mid‑market travellers – not the celebrity circuit.

Which district in Reykjavik is the best to stay in?

For first‑time visitors, the downtown district Miðborg (the city centre) is widely considered the best base. Hotel Fron sits right on Laugavegur, the main shopping and dining street, putting guests within a short walk of Hallgrímskirkja, the Harpa concert hall, and the old harbour. Kayak reports the hotel is 0.6 km from the city centre, meaning most attractions are reachable on foot. Priceline’s property description notes that “the surrounding area offers a variety of cafés, restaurants and shops,” reinforcing the convenience factor.

What is Miðborg like?

Miðborg is compact, walkable, and filled with museums, galleries, and nightlife. Staying at Hotel Fron places you in the middle of this activity without needing a car. However, the centrality also brings street noise, which TripAdvisor reviewers mention as a recurring drawback – especially in rooms facing Laugavegur. If you are a light sleeper, request a courtyard‑facing room.

Why stay in the city centre vs. other districts?

Other districts like Vesturbær or Hlíðar are quieter but require bus or taxi trips to reach most sights. For a short stay (2‑4 days), the time saved by staying in Miðborg often outweighs the additional accommodation cost. Hotel Fron’s rates are competitive even within downtown, making it an efficient choice for budget‑conscious travellers who value walkability.

What this means: Hotel Fron’s location delivers high convenience for a downtown budget hotel, with the trade‑off of potential noise from the street.

What is the top‑rated hotel in Reykjavik?

According to TripAdvisor rankings, the top‑rated hotels in Reykjavik often include properties like the Icelandair Reykjavik Marina (rated 4.5/5) and the Canopy by Hilton (rated 4.5/5). Hotel Fron holds a solid 4.1/5 based on 3,141 reviews, placing it in the upper‑mid range for guest satisfaction. The hotel’s strongest scores come from location and value, while cleanliness and room size receive mixed marks.

How does Hotel Fron compare to the top‑rated hotel?

The top‑rated hotels typically offer higher‑end amenities – boutique design, spa facilities, harbour views – at a significantly higher price point. Hotel Fron compensates with a free breakfast buffet, free Wi‑Fi, and kitchenette options that appeal to travellers who prefer self‑catering. For a traveller on a strict budget, the difference in nightly rate (often €70–€100) may outweigh the premium experience of a top‑rated property.

What do guests praise most about Hotel Fron?

TripAdvisor reviewers consistently highlight the central location and the value for money. Many also appreciate the included breakfast, particularly the selection of Icelandic skyr and fresh bread. Negative feedback focuses on small bathrooms, occasional musty smells, and dated decor in some rooms – trade‑offs that are common in older downtown hotels with budget pricing.

The trade‑off: You save money and gain location, but may sacrifice room size and quiet.

What are the Hotel Fron breakfast times and menu?

Breakfast is served daily from 6:30 am to 10:00 am (per the hotel’s official site and confirmed by Kayak). The buffet is included in the room rate and typically includes hot items (eggs, sausages), breads, cheeses, cold cuts, a selection of cereals, and Icelandic specialities such as skyr (a thick yogurt) and fish. Trip.com reviews mention the breakfast as a highlight, with several guests noting the quality of the local ingredients. The hotel also has a bar and restaurant open later in the day for dinner and drinks.

Is breakfast included in the room rate?

Yes. Both Expedia and TripAdvisor list free breakfast as a standard amenity across all room categories. However, if you book through certain third‑party sites, always confirm at reservation – the hotel’s own site and most OTAs include breakfast in the displayed price.

What is on the Hotel Fron breakfast menu?

Based on review summaries from Trip.com and TripAdvisor, the buffet offers a mix of continental and hot items. Typical inclusions: scrambled eggs, bacon or sausages, toast, jam, butter, cheese, ham, fresh fruit, yogurt, juices, coffee, and tea. The Icelandic skyr is frequently mentioned as a standout. Vegetarian options (cheese, eggs, fruit) are available, though the hotel does not advertise a dedicated vegan spread.

Other central Reykjavik hotels worth considering

If Hotel Fron is full or you want a slightly different experience, three comparable options in Miðborg include:

• Kex Hostel – A trendy hostel with private rooms, bar, and communal kitchen. Rates from €55/night. More social, less private.
• Hotel Borg – Art‑deco luxury property on Austurvöllur square. Rates from €170/night. Higher price, higher comfort.
• Icelandair Reykjavik Marina – Boutique hotel by the harbour with a restaurant and bar. Rates from €130/night. Good mid‑range alternative with better design.

Each of these hotels is within a 10‑minute walk of Hotel Fron, making it easy to compare locations in person before committing to a longer stay.

“Hotel Fron offers a central location that many travelers find ideal for exploring nearby attractions, shops, and dining.”

— Tripadvisor review summary, review platform summary

“Rooms come equipped with kitchenettes and fridges, adding convenience.”

— Tripadvisor review summary, review platform summary

Frequently asked questions about Hotel Fron