101 Hotel (Hverfisgata 10, 580-0101, www.101hotel.is, ISK27,900-ISK33,900) was Iceland’s first boutique hotel, with great rooms and a popular bar. For a different side of the city, try Room with a View Guesthouse (Laugarvegur 18, www.roomwithaview.is, ISK8,500-ISK25,900), whose well-appointed, vampish apartments overlook the high street, Laugarvegur.

Tourist-oriented hotels are best booked well in advance as they’re relatively scarce. A stroll away from the main drag is well-run three-star Hotel Reykjavík (Raudararstígur 37, 514 7000, www.reykjavikhotels.is, ISK17,200-ISK25,200). Or try the Hotel Leifur Eiríksson (Skólavör ustígur 45, www.hotelleifur.is, 562 0800, ISK5,260-ISK16,150), right next to the landmark Hallgrimskirkja church.

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