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Guest house · Reykjavik · Capital Region

Guesthouse Galtafell

A homely guesthouse on a quiet street in Reykjavik's shopping district, within walking distance of the city's restaurants, parks, and cultural attractions.

  • Garden views from select rooms
  • Central yet peaceful location
  • 24-hour reception and security
8.6 Great 1853 reviews Booking.com 8.6 · 1853 reviews

About

Guesthouse Galtafell

Guesthouse Galtafell is a 4-star guesthouse set in a characterful building on Laufasvegur, a quiet street lined with embassies and within a five-minute walk of Reykjavik's central shops and eateries. The property offers garden views, a shared lounge with a dining table, and a range of rooms from doubles to self-catering apartments.

Guests consistently highlight the warm, personal hospitality of the hosts, who go out of their way to make stays comfortable – from arranging taxis to sharing local knowledge. With a solid 8.6 guest rating from over 1,800 reviews, it's a reliable choice for travellers who value a homely atmosphere over anonymous hotel polish.

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • Safe deposit box
  • 24-hour reception
  • VIP check-in/ -out

In brief

What works, what to weigh

+

Strengths

3 reasons to book
  • Warm, personal hospitality — The hosts are repeatedly described as caring, friendly, and helpful – from making pharmacy calls on a bank holiday to arranging taxis and sharing local knowledge.
  • Central yet peaceful location — Set on a quiet street among embassies, yet just a five-minute walk to Reykjavik's shops, restaurants, lake, and parks. Easy walking access to most attractions.
  • Good value in an expensive city — Guests note that the price is fair for Reykjavik, with some receiving upgrades to apartments and praising the plentiful breakfast as a cost-saver.

Worth weighing

3 to weigh
  • Dining scores lower than other categories — The breakfast is praised by many, but the overall dining rating is the weakest area. Some guests may find options limited compared to full hotels.
  • Limited in-room amenities in basic rooms — The Double or Twin Room lists only a shower and heating – no mention of a TV, coffee machine, or seating area. Guests might need to request extras.
  • Street parking may be required — Parking is described as 'nearby' or 'on the street outside' – there's no on-site garage. Availability may vary, especially in peak season.

01 — Rooms

Rooms & rates

High season: summer dates usually book out a few weeks ahead.

Double or Twin Room Private Bathroom

  • 1 King-size bed
  • Shower
  • Heating

Apartment Ground Floor

  • 1 King-size bed
  • Shower
  • Coffee machine
  • Heating
  • Bathtub

02 — Amenities

Services & amenities

Everything included at this stay — the facilities and essentials, at a glance.

Property

  • 24-hour reception
  • 24-hour security
  • Luggage storage
  • Key access
  • VIP check-in/ -out

Comfort

  • Wi-Fi
  • Heating
  • Sitting area
  • Garden furniture
  • Flat-screen TV

Food & drink

  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Electric kettle
  • Dining table
  • Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Services

  • Housekeeping
  • Paid airport shuttle
  • Safe deposit box
  • Free toiletries

03 — Reviews

What guests say

Recent verified reviews from guests who stayed here.

8.6
Great 1853 reviews

Guest-rated 8.6/10 from 1,853 reviews

Booking.com · 8.6 · 1853 reviews
Rooms and cleanliness8.0
Location9.0
Dining7.0
Price and service8.0
8.6Verified guest

“Very close to the centre and the port, with a wonderfully warm welcome.”

8.6Verified guest

“The location was perfect for what I needed – in a shopping area near central Reykjavik's restaurants, the lake, and a park. A comfortable base.”

8.6Verified guest

“Central but quiet, surrounded by embassies. The breakfast offered plenty – cereals, cheeses, meats – and was the best I had in Reykjavik.”

8.6Verified guest

“The owners treated me like family – caring, kind, and always ready to solve any issue immediately. The food was abundant, and I even managed to cover lunch and dinner without extra spending, which helped a lot given how expensive Iceland is. Thank you!”

8.6Verified guest

“Thory and Arni, the hosts, are delightful – they make the place welcoming. The building is unusual with an interesting history. We could walk everywhere – theatres, museums, coffee shops, restaurants – and plan to return in summer.”

8.6Verified guest

“Fantastic value – we booked a double with shared bathroom and got an apartment with kitchenette, private bathroom, and sofa area. Friendly hosts, easy street parking, and a five-minute walk to the centre. Highly recommend.”

04 — Location

Getting around Reykjavik

The property sits in Reykjavik.

Shopping district: The guesthouse sits in Reykjavik's shopping area, with boutique stores and services just steps away. Guests mention easy access to shops and restaurants.

Parks and recreation: Several parks are within walking distance, popular with families and those seeking green space in the city. The lake and park are also close by.

Cultural attractions: Theatres, museums, and galleries are all reachable on foot, making it easy to explore Reykjavik's culture without a car.

Laufasvegur 46, Reykjavik, Capital Region, 101, Iceland

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05 — Good to know

Policies & conditions

Hotel details are shown for reference. Final rate terms are confirmed on the partner’s site at booking.

Check-in
From 15:00-23:59
Check-out
By 11:00
Cancellation
Free cancellation on many rates — terms on booking page
Payment
Pay-at-hotel available on many rates; final terms at booking
Pets
Not allowed
Property
9 rooms

06 — Questions

Frequently asked

What time are check-in and check-out?

Check-in is from 15:00 to 23:59, and check-out is until 11:00.

Is parking available?

Yes, there is parking nearby, though it's not an on-site garage. Guests have described parking on the street outside.

Are pets allowed?

No, pets are not allowed at Guesthouse Galtafell.

Does the guesthouse offer airport shuttle service?

Yes, a paid airport shuttle is available. Guests can arrange it through the staff.

Do rooms have coffee and tea facilities?

The Studio and Apartment room types include a coffee machine; tea and coffee facilities are noted as an amenity. The basic Double or Twin Room does not list them.

The bottom line

For travellers who want a central base with a personal touch, Guesthouse Galtafell delivers. It's not a luxury hotel, but its combination of location, hospitality, and price makes it a smart pick for a Reykjavik city break.

8.6Stay Atlas verdict

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