Iceland The atmosphere at the Silica Hotel is very calm and serene and from the moment we arrived, we felt like we could finally breathe a sigh of relief. That's service. Do you think spending the last day there is worth it if we wouldnt be able to enjoy breakfast or the relaxing morning at Silica? An unforgettable 2-night holiday that unlocks the door to a timeless world of radiant wellbeing in the heart of a geothermal wonderland. Being the most frequented tourist attraction in Iceland, youll want to plan your visit strategically to ensure you get the most out of it. A large, warm, outdoor geothermal lagoon was created close to a large geothermal power plant that generates a large portion of southwestern Iceland's electricity, and what luck, it's also a hypnotizing blue color! I am a keen photographer so I do ned to plan extra time for photo stops. Are treatments offered at Silica Hotel? The style of the hotel is modern simplicity. It features light woods, stone and natural fibres. Never just stop by the side of the road, people have gotten killed that way, because the next driver didn't see them in the dark. Whilst the Silica Hotel doesnt actually have a restaurant (they only serve breakfast), the LAVA Restaurant located at The Blue Lagoon is only a 10-minute walk away. We spent 10 days road tripping through the south of Iceland, battling hectic weather conditions, hiking snow-covered mountains and exploring various tourist hotspots. In my case and I'm sure most cases, the hotel concierge will even call them for you to coordinate your pick-up. As mentioned above, travel time from Reykjavik to the Blue Lagoon and vice versa is approximately 40-minutes with no traffic. There are also several lagoons around the hotel, filled with geothermal water. TheSilica Hotelis located down a gravel road, a little more than a half-mile (about onekilometer) from the Blue Lagoon resort. I am taking my SO to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? It's located about 40 minutes outside of Downtown Reykjavik in the Reykjanes Peninsula. You can also book a day tour to see the Northern Lights depending on the time of year you visit! I wonder if we can make the Golden Circle and then do the South East drive (weather-permitting) in 3 days. Others were wading in the hotels lagoon before sitting down to a hearty meal. If you want to go ahead and try for both the Golden Circle and Jkulsrln with the time you have I would do the cave tour and start driving South on arrival day and plan the Golden Circle for day 3. Not worth it at all. There's also a swimming pool, fitness room, and complimentary parking. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Join our global travel community, where we empower women to wander the world with confidence! Day 3 drive back route 1 and do a cave thing in the morning. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. No, that's not a joke. 11 Shares. This rate is available with Ferienwohnung Nfelt. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct. Free! How do the two hotels compare? Most campsites are closed in winter, nights could be msierably cold, condensation could make eberything inside the vehicle damp, and taller vehicles are very vulnerable to sudden wind gusts on icy roads. more. Thank you in advance for advice between these two stays. (aside from their price difference). a week, 3 days, 30 minutes? Yes, I remember the local weather varying quite a bit within just 15 mins of drive. I assume you are experienced drivers on potentially icy roads in strong winds, will monitor weather and road conditions frequently and stay put if there are weather warnings or closed roads. Show on map, I agree to receive marketing communications and agree to the. 11 days in Iceland in September with Nordic Visitor. Most campsites are closed in winter, nights could be msierably cold, condensation could make eberything inside the vehicle damp, and taller vehicles are very vulnerable to sudden wind gusts on icy roads. I think planning the Golden Circle and Jkulsrln and back in 3 days in winter is ambitious, but possible if weather and road conditions cooperate. Discover a landmark of luxury in a landscape of wonder, Things to keep in mind before you visit the Blue Lagoon, Changes, cancellations and other booking policies, Create a personal & unique experience with our treatments, Silica Hotel - Blue Lagoon The Silica Hotel at the Blue Lagoon is a retreat from reality. I strongly suggest you get either the comfort or premium packages in the winter months. Our top recommended travel insurance companies for Iceland are: For more information, read our article on why you need to book travel insurance for your next trip! A Michelin recommended experience. Discover the extraordinary pleasures of in-water massage at the Blue Lagoon. The Retreat Hotel Iceland The Retreat Lagoon Iceland Pool So timing your stay when you first arrive or on the last night before you fly out is a great option. I also booked Fosshotel Glacier for the night before last (with cancellation possibility 2 days before). Admission is included, so only a naked shower is required before entering the prized water. Required fields are marked *. I am familiar with the weather changes but perhaps was lucky then. There are a lot more tourists in Iceland than I expected so being able to relax in the hotels lagoon without too many other people around was definitely one of the highlights. I am taking my SO to Iceland for 3 nights beginning of March and last night I wanted to. First two nights we are renting a campervan and driving around the south coast towards Jokulsarlon. Factor this into your plans for the day and give yourself a time cushion to shower (yes you MUST shower both before you get in the lagoon and after you get in the lagoon), and to lounge around. To receive our articles and reviews straight to your inbox Subscribe Here. 2023 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. (aside from their price difference). Specifically what amenities come with the room between the two hotels? Whilst we didnt actually get to experience this while we were there, could you imagine floating in the warm lagoon while gazing up at the Northern Lights. more. If you are day-tripping to the Blue Lagoon, then I can't stress enough how important it is for you to also buy your admission passes on their website in advance before you even get on the bus. The staff are very helpful and very friendly, and the private lagoon is very relaxing. You will have to be flexible. Exclusive Member of Mediavine Travel Development by Becky van Dijk, 2) Get Free Premium Entry To The Blue Lagoon From Silica Hotel, 7) Silica Hotel Is A Great Place To Relax, 8) Experience The Amazing Food At The Lava Restaurant, 9) See The Northern Lights While Floating In The Lagoon. Silica Hotel: Book Your Room at Silica Hotel | Blue Lagoon Iceland Silica Hotel Comfort and hospitality in the heart of an otherworldly landscape. I never suggest anyone even drive a regular vehicle that time of year unless they are an Expert Arctic winter driver. The Silica Hotel vs retreat Hotel In Conclusion: Where should I stay when visiting Blue Lagoon Iceland? https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g608874-d643977-Reviews-Silica_Hotel-Grindavik_Reykjanes_Peninsula.html, https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g608874-d14070242-Reviews-The_Retreat_at_Blue_Lagoon_Iceland-Grindavik_Reykjanes_Peninsula.html. Did I mention a staff member will gladly bring you beverages (including alcoholic) right to you in the private lagoon? What are the opening hours for Silica Lagoon? Personally, I waited until our last day and only got one-way bus tickets to the Silica Hotel, and then paid for a one-way bus ticket from the Silica Hotel to Keflavik International Airport. Most review of each are fabulous, but with The Retreat being SO much more expensive I wonder if it's THAT MUCH better?? Thanks. One of the Blue Lagoon Iceland hotel is named Silica Hotel and the other one is a highly recommended hotel, brand new, opened in 2018 and is named The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland. Fine dining at Blue Lagoon Iceland takes you into a gourmet landscape of tradition, innovation, purity, and freshness. This is something you need to be aware of when making your plans. I read that Silica's lagoon is more private and The Retreat's can get very crowded. How do the two hotels compare? Perhaps you could visit the day that you arrive so youll have all day to spend there and then you can enjoy breakfast the next morning before heading off on the rest of your iceland trip. For those after something a little more simple, there is takeaway sushi, sandwiches and healthy snacks available at the Silica Hotel or the Blue Cafe. Some of the best books about Iceland are: Iceland uses standard 2 prong Type C and Type F adapters also commonly used throughout Europe. We stayed in number 34, a 26 square-metre (280 square-foot) Silica Deluxe room costing ISK 84,700 or around 530 per night. Alternatively, you may use. book flight now or wait until Efling Strike is over? This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Correction: I may have to rethink the campervan idea in march as it might not be very safe. 28 Feb-1 Mar (1 night) Lava Deluxe Price from USD 607 Mountain Deluxe Price from USD 655 Silica Deluxe Price from USD 655 Lava Restaurant Culinary classics. A free continental breakfast is included, and is served in a bright lounge with a coffee machine. For an additional cost, you can upgrade to a Blue Lagoon pass and enjoy the facilities and optional treatments at the Retreat Spa. I made it to the hotel that looks like a shelf of books (forgot the name). Arrive at The Retreat blue lagoon in late afternoon. The Silica Hotel is a short walk from the Blue Lagoon with breathtaking views of the moss covered lava fields. The mineral-rich blue waters of the lagoon and Iceland's beautiful landscape are an attractive combination you cannot miss. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Lava restaurant at the Blue Lagoon LAVA Restaurant at Blue Lagoon offers a unique dining experience. If you hold a Retreat Spa ticket, you will get to experience Blue Lagoon's three-step ritual. Reykjavik is about 40 minutes away by car, and Keflavik International Airport is a 20-minute drive to the north. Arrive at The Retreat blue lagoon in late afternoon. Proper Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance! MinimalistScandinavianfurnishings include cube stools, couches, and sleek sitting chairs. If you do plan to go NL hunting on your own at night, make sure to scout out safe (and official) places to park in daylight. Admission varies from basic, comfort, premium and luxury. What do you want to see and do en route? For our purposes, the Silica Hotel was 100% worth every dollar. But if your budget allows you to splash out for just one night, spend it at the Silica Hotel! Make sure you check the bus schedule and plan accordingly, otherwise you'll get out of the lagoon, shower, get your things and walk out only to see a license plate driving away into the distance, and have to wait around for the next one, losing precious time in the beautiful country. If you did not purchase bus tickets yet, you can walk inside the terminal and buy them there; it is very easy. You get a couple more bells and whistles but at an intense mark-up in cost. Premium entry to the Blue Lagoon is included with your stay. We didn't have an option for Silica as it was completely booked, but I can definitely recommend the retreat hotel and it gave us access to the retreat spa. I did the South East route a few years back by myself and it was very memorable (also in March but it may have been later in March). We visited the Blue Lagoon both early morning and in the evening. From Keflavik International Airport to the Blue Lagoon and vice versa is approximately 20 minutes with no traffic. I figured hey, why not try to stay at the Silica Hotel for Valentine's Day? Hotel guests are given premium entry, which means you dont have to wait in line with all the other tourists. I am taking my SO to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? This article is to help you decide whether or not you should bust out your wallet for the Silica Hotel or if you should just go to the Blue Lagoon instead and save yourself some major coin. In any case, I will probably have to pick/reserve hotels on route (and hope I can make it to them otherwise it will be expensive). Secret Lagoon which claims to be Iceland's oldest swimming pool dating back to 1891. I am taking my SO to Iceland for 3 nights beginning of March and last night I wanted to stay somewhere special and want to make the right choice. If you plan it like this and bad weather moves in while you are on the South Coast you risk forfeiting your Retreat reservation or worst case your (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Or just focus on the South East drive and spend last day in the Retreat. 426. This is all weather permitting obviously. Thanks for submitting such a great post Amanda and for being such an important member of our community! Your plans will depend on the weather and road conditions. Indoors or outdoors, tiny plunge pools to epic infinity oneshotel, Iceland doesnt exactly have one perfect season to visit. Would it not be worth it renting a small 4WD camper thingy just in case the weather might be reasonable (and book hotels along the route in case it is not). This is all weather permitting obviously. First two nights we are renting a campervan and driving around the south coast towards Jokulsarlon. Thanks. Members who are extremely knowledgeable about this destination and answer travellers questions frequently. What's the West coast like? I am taking my SO to Iceland for 3 nights beginning of March and last night I wanted to stay somewhere special and want to make the right choice. The bill for the Silica Hotel is not a cheap one, costing me just a little over $530 for a one-night stay. Book spa treatments maybe and walk around hotel grounds (if they have any). Read more about the Lagoon's history and healing here. You. The Blue Lagoon pathway has many smaller pools along the path for picture opportunities, as swimmers are not allowed in them. It is built into the cliff so it features a natural lava wall and the view overlooks It is very isolated, so basically your only options for that day will be private lagoon, public lagoon, or relax at the hotel. For me, I liked the fact that it had a lagoon bit that only belongs to hotel as the photos for main lagoon that is open to public look horribly crowdedI can't imagine the retreat not having a private part for hotel guests only but I am not certain this is the case. What's the West coast like? The landscape was like nothing Ive ever seen before. Silica looks a little simple from the photos (though I am sure it is beautiful too). Paths lead through the natural terrainto the main facilities, and guests should be aware that they will have a 15-minute hike to the hotel if they're dropped off at the main resort area. 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