Where to Stay in Vík, Iceland: Hotel Kría Review
If you’re plotting an Iceland South Coast escape and wondering where to stay in Vík, this Hotel Kría review (mountains) is your sign to book the mountain-facing room. My mom and I checked in on April 18, 2024, using Chase points, parked for free, and settled into a Mountain View Twin that traded ocean rooftops for cinematic green slopes and that iconic little church on the hill. No true balcony, but the full-height windows swing open with a safety barrier—perfect for a lungful of crisp air and a morning weather check.
Kría’s vibe is Nordic-industrial in the best way: concrete floors, exposed beams, and a calm, uncluttered lobby that funnels you toward the dining room’s floor-to-ceiling glass. That’s where breakfast happens, and it’s where the day clicks into place—quiet, scenic, and surprisingly unhurried. Go a little after opening for the freshest spread; every table gets a view, so there’s zero seat FOMO.
Our room (203) was compact but comfortable: two legit-cozy twin beds, efficient storage, soundproofed calm, and blackout curtains that make jet lag cry uncle. The bathroom’s walk-in glass stall is small—one-person choreography only—and you’ll want the bath mat ready for a little splash-out, but water pressure and heat are solid. Between the espresso setup and reliable Wi-Fi, it’s an easy home base for Reynisfjara, Dyrhólaey, and the DC-3 plane wreck—plus a short hop to charcoal-crust pizza when the craving hits.
Trip Snapshot (Dates, Room, Why Vík)
- When: April 18–23, 2024
- Where: Hótel Kría, Vík (right off the Ring Road) (Hotel Kría)
- Room: Mountain View Twin (Room 203)—two comfy twins, full-height windows that open (no true balcony), and quiet nights. (Hotel Kría)
- Why Vík: Easy day trips to Reynisfjara, Dyrhólaey, and the Sólheimasandur DC-3 plane wreck, with grocery and restaurants close by.
First Impressions & Design: Nordic-Industrial Done Right
Kría’s look is industrial in a thoughtful way: think concrete floors, exposed beams, matte textures, and a color palette that feels like Iceland’s skies—cool, moody, elegant. The common areas are uncluttered, and the dining room is the silent show-off: floor-to-ceiling glass framing mountains and changeable weather like a nature documentary you can eat toast to. The overall vibe is calm and functional, not fussy.
The Room (No. 203): Mountain View > Beach View
Yes, there are rooms facing the front/sea side, but the mountain view wins, especially in Vík where a few buildings can interrupt the sea view. From 203 we opened the full-height windows—there’s a secure glass barrier—and looked out at the green slopes and the hillside Vík Church. The room itself is compact (listed at 19 m²), but the layout is efficient and the beds are actually comfortable. (Hotel Kría)
Sleep, Sound & Blackout Curtains
We slept well. Noise was minimal, and blackout curtains did their job—exactly what you want in Iceland where sunrise/sunset times can play hopscotch with your circadian rhythm. I’d call the hotel jet-lag friendly: quiet hallways, soft-close doors, and no nightlife bleed into the rooms during our stay.
Bathroom Bits: Small Shower, Still a Win
The bathroom had a walk-in glass stall with a door, decent water pressure, reliable hot water, and just enough space for one person at a time. I noticed a little water on the floor after showering (Iceland bathrooms do that sometimes), so place the bath mat strategically. Amenities and the hairdryer did the job.
In-Room Details (Coffee, Storage, What to Expect)
Kría lists solid basics for the Mountain View category, including kettle, mini-fridge, coffee/tea, a Nespresso machine, TV, hairdryer, soundproofed walls, free Wi-Fi, and free parking. There were enough hangers for essentials (not a whole closet’s worth), simple bedside lighting, and heating that kept things cozy. (Hotel Kría)
Breakfast & Drangar Restaurant
Breakfast is included with Mountain View rooms and served 07:00–10:00 daily. The spread during our stay included fresh bread, an omelet station, and the usual continental suspects; coffee was from a standard machine plus tea service. It wasn’t a specialty-diet paradise (gluten-free labeling was limited), but you can assemble GF/DF-friendly plates from the basics. For most travelers, it’s a satisfying, unfussy start with a million-dollar view. (Hotel Kría)
Breakfast Strategy: Go Just After Opening
My tip is to head down a little after opening—enough time for staff to fully set up, but early enough that everything’s fresh and the dining room is calm. No need to hunt for a “best table”: every seat has a view thanks to those windows.
Dinner at Drangar: Icelandic Char & Picture-Window Vibes
We tried Drangar, the in-house restaurant, open 18:00–21:00. The menu leans traditional Icelandic cuisine with a modern twist; I ordered the Icelandic char and it was spot-on—clean, buttery, and plated with simple precision. The room glows at dusk; between the high ceilings and the glass, it almost feels like you’re eating outdoors without the wind trying to steal your napkin. (Hotel Kría)
Facilities & Scene: Game Room Wins, Bar Buzz, Strong Wi-Fi
There’s no gym, sauna, or hot tub that I noticed, but the game room is unexpectedly great: pool table, ping-pong, dartboard, and board games in good condition. The atmosphere skewed adult-friendly during our visit—low drama, easygoing. I didn’t note posted hours; it felt available as long as you’re respectful of noise. The bar got pleasantly lively in the evening, and while we didn’t sample cocktails, the hotel lists a daily happy hour 16:00–19:00 if you’re planning your pre-dinner timing. (Hotel Kría)
Wi-Fi? Stable enough for uploading photos and casual streaming—no issues.
Location Gold: What’s Nearby and How Long It Takes
This is where Kría shines for a road-trip base on the South Coast:
- Reynisfjara Beach: ~14 minutes’ drive.
- Dyrhólaey: ~22 minutes’ drive.
- Sólheimasandur DC-3 Plane Wreck: ~22 minutes to the parking lot, then either a ~40-minute walk each way or hop the Plane Wreck Shuttle from the car park (about 10–15 minutes each way during operating hours). We chose the shuttle—less drama, more photos. (Hotel Kría)
- Groceries: Krónan in Vík is your go-to for snacks, water, and quick breakfasts or car picnics. (Guide to Iceland)
- Nearby Eats: The surprise hero was Black Crust Pizzeria—they use charcoal-infused dough and do fun topping combos. I fell hard for a pie with date pesto as the sauce; if you spot it, order it. (Guide to Iceland)
What I Loved (and What I’d Tweak)
Loved
- Location: Central for the big-ticket sights without feeling tourist-trappy. (Hotel Kría)
- Design & Cleanliness: Industrial-Nordic, tidy, and well maintained.
- Dining Room Windows: Breakfast and dinner with floor-to-ceiling views—chef’s kiss. (Hotel Kría)
Would Tweak (minor)
- Shower footprint: Small for tall humans; keep that bath mat ready.
- Hanger count: Enough for a capsule wardrobe, not a full trunk show.
Who It’s For / Who Might Skip
Perfect for:
Travelers who want clean design, quiet rooms, included breakfast, and a South Coast base with easy parking and day-trip logistics. (Hotel Kría)
Maybe skip if:
You want spa amenities (sauna/hot tub) or a larger-format bathroom. Kría is about sleek essentials, not resort vibes.
Practical Tips, FAQs & Booking Notes
- Room to request: Mountain View Twin, and if available, ask about rooms similar to 203 for that top-floor feel with full-height windows that open (glass barrier in place). (Hotel Kría)
- Check-in/Check-out: 15:00 / 11:00; late checkout to 14:00 for a fee (subject to availability). (Hotel Kría)
- Breakfast: 07:00–10:00 and included in Mountain View bookings. Strategy: go just after opening for the freshest spread. (Hotel Kría)
- Dinner at Drangar: 18:00–21:00; the Icelandic char is a strong pick. (Hotel Kría)
- Bar: Happy hour 16:00–19:00 daily. (Hotel Kría)
- Parking: Free and plentiful on site. (Hotel Kría)
- Key access: We had physical keys (not mobile), which worked just fine.
- Game room: Pool, ping-pong, darts, board games; treat it like a library—fun, not rowdy.
- Getting to the DC-3: If you’re short on time or energy, the Plane Wreck Shuttle from the Sólheimasandur lot saves you the long walk. (icelandia.com)
Final Approach: Would I Stay Again?
Yes. For a 3–4 night South Coast base, Hótel Kría hits the sweet spot: design-forward, quiet, and practically located with a dining room that makes even cloudy mornings look glamorous. If you’re choosing views, pick the mountains—no rooftops, just moody moss and a little church keeping watch.
