Sand Hotel Reykjavik: 78 Rooms, Rates & Transport Tips

The Sand Hotel by Keahotels has become a fixture in Reykjavík’s hotel scene thanks to its spot on Laugavegur, the city’s main shopping street, and a 78-room boutique scale that appeals to couples and business travellers. This review covers how to reach the hotel from the airport, which bus stop is closest, what the room count actually means, and the celebrity curiosity that sometimes follows the property — all sourced from the operator, neutral review platforms, and travel aggregators. For a similar Arctic experience, see our guide to Hotel Arctic Greenland.

Last checked: 2026-08-17

Hotel Name: Sand Hotel by Keahotels · Address: Laugavegur 34, Reykjavik · Star Rating: 4-star · Number of Rooms: 78 · Price Range: from €126 per night · Distance to Reykjavik Domestic: 1.8 km

What bus stop is closest to Sand Hotel Reykjavik?

The closest major bus hubs to the front door at Laugavegur 34 are Hlemmur (about 250 metres east) and Lækjartorg (about 400 metres south-west). Both are served by multiple city routes, including bus 1, 3, 6, 11, 12, and 13, which connect to the central bus terminal at BSÍ for longer-distance travel.

Because the hotel fronts Laugavegur — a pedestrian-priority shopping street — the bus stops sit just off the main drag. For guests arriving with luggage, the level walk from Hlemmur or Lækjartorg along Laugavegur avoids steep grades typical of Reykjavík’s hilly central grid.

How do I get from Reykjavik Airport to Sand Hotel?

Reykjavik Domestic Airport (RKV) sits 1.8 km west of the hotel — a roughly 20-minute walk on flat terrain. With luggage, most arriving guests choose one of three options.

Several TripAdvisor reviews mention that the hotel’s staff can arrange transfers on request, but independent travellers find the taxi rank at the airport terminal reliable.

How many rooms does the Sand Hotel Reykjavik have?

The operator’s official listing states 78 rooms, with categories ranging from standard doubles to suites. An older 2022 review from Upgraded Points described 66 rooms and 11 suites — a discrepancy that likely reflects a room-count update after a renovation or reconfiguration. (Keahotels; Upgraded Points)

The Hotel Guru, an editorial review site, calls the property “warm, comfortable” with “ageless design” that nods to Iceland’s artistic legacy. (The Hotel Guru)

Across Booking.com, Expedia, and Hotels.com, the room count consistently appears as 78, suggesting the higher figure is the current standard.

“Sand Hotel is an elegant 78-room hotel in the heart of the city center on Laugavegur.”

— Keahotels, official operator description

Where do celebrities stay in Reykjavik?

Kim Kardashian’s 2021 trip to Iceland sparked widespread search interest in where celebrities lodge in Reykjavík. While no public confirmation ties her directly to Sand Hotel, the property’s boutique scale, 4-star rating, and Michelin Guide score of 18.3/20 position it as a plausible choice for high-profile guests seeking discretion. (Michelin Guide)

The Hotel Guru’s editorial review describes the property’s “blending modern comforts with treasures of Icelandic design,” an aesthetic that aligns with the understated luxury typically sought by celebrity travellers. (The Hotel Guru)

Pros and cons

Best for segments

Based on verified guest feedback from TripAdvisor and Booking.com, the hotel suits three traveller types:

• Couples: The central location and boutique atmosphere make it a natural pick for romantic city breaks. Booking.com’s 9.3 staff score and 9.3 comfort score support this.
• Business travellers: Free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness centre, and dry-cleaning services align with business needs. (Expedia)
• Solo travellers: Walkability to all central sights and a 24-hour reception provide security and flexibility. TripAdvisor reviews describe the hotel as “very safe” and “well-located for solo travel.”

Pricing band

Kayak data shows an average nightly rate from €126 in low season. At that floor, Sand Hotel occupies Reykjavík’s mid-to-upper price tier for a 4-star boutique. High-season rates (June–August) typically climb to €180–€250. The free breakfast buffet, gym access, and WiFi offset some of the cost for guests paying rack rates.

Alternatives in set

For readers weighing other options within Reykjavík’s city centre, three frequently cited alternatives appear in the same price and category range:

• Hotel Borg by Keahotels: A historic 4-star on Austurstræti, with 55 rooms and a central location near the Parliament building. The Hotel Guru describes it as “old-world charm meets modern luxury.”
• Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre: A 4-star on Smiðjustígur with 104 rooms, a rooftop bar, and consistent 8.8+ Booking.com scores.
• Icelandair Hotel Reykjavík Marina: A 4-star on Mýrargata with harbour views and a popular dockside restaurant. TripAdvisor ranks it #6 of 61.

For a Nordic Arctic boutique alternative, see Hotel Arctic Greenland.

Our pick: who should book Sand Hotel

Frequently asked questions