Instead, we enjoyed our breakfast and then made our way over to the actual Blue Lagoon for the morning. Thanks. Day 2: drive along route 1 towards Jokularson and see the stuff along the route. Silica Hotel Named for the Blue Lagoon's iconic healing element and architected into a vast lava plain, Silica Hotel is a sanctuary of relaxation and rejuvenation. You only have 2 full days and you are planning an ambitious itinerary that is better suited for summer. That way you have a buffer day and you could just leave it out if there are weather problems. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Others were wading in the hotels lagoon before sitting down to a hearty meal. I would not recommend camping in winter, unless you have Arctic winter camping experience and have contacted the campsite to verify that they are open. (aside from their price difference). 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. What's the West coast like? Correction: I may have to rethink the campervan idea in march as it might not be very safe. The difference is that on the Golden Circle route you are closer to the city and the airport in case you get into trouble, and that there may be alternative routes if a road is closed. For more detail, be sure to read our complete guide on the Best Time To Visit Iceland depending on what you would like to see and do! DEFINITELY don't do a campervan in March! I wonder if we can make the Golden Circle and then do the South East drive (weather-permitting) in 3 days. Is the Golden Circle road generally more sheltered from winds than the South East road? Specifically what amenities come with the room between the two hotels? However, I will say that we probably would never stay there again. I would not recommend camping in winter, unless you have Arctic winter camping experience and have contacted the campsite to verify that they are open. How long in advance can the weather forecast be considered 'reliable' more or less? Last time I skipped the golden circle (as I only had 2 days) as I wasn't sure Golden Circle as varied as South East drive. If you are staying at a hotel, simply ask your hotel concierge to give you the number of the bus company Reykjavik Excursions. 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. 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. There is also a great selection on the A La Carte menu. Comfort and hospitality in the heart of an otherworldly landscape. Your email address will not be published. Silica Hotel: Book Your Room at Silica Hotel | Blue Lagoon Iceland Silica Hotel Comfort and hospitality in the heart of an otherworldly landscape. First two nights we are renting a campervan and driving around the south coast towards Jokulsarlon. I never suggest anyone even drive a regular vehicle that time of year unless they are an Expert Arctic winter driver. 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. It was located as far away from the . ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-105369973', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Iceland at any time and on any road in winter. a week, 3 days, 30 minutes? You get access to the blue lagoon, which ticket is it more comparable to? TheSilica Hotelis located down a gravel road, a little more than a half-mile (about onekilometer) from the Blue Lagoon resort. Thanks. You can see the Lights on the Reykjanes Peninsula, but your best chance to see them is on a tour, where you have a guide on the radio with a dozen other guides helping each other find the best show for the customers. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-105369751', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');flight home. However, if you are already staying in Reykjavik and you are keener on exploring Iceland and packing as much as you can into your trip, then I would advise against staying at the Silica Hotel. The lagoon is in fact not natural, and was caused by a man-made structure for excess water from the power . is a crystalline silica, whereas the silica which is incorporated in plants is amorphous. Limited access to the public lagoon is included, but it's a walk to all the main facilities from the hotel. From Keflavik International Airport to the Blue Lagoon and vice versa is approximately 20 minutes with no traffic. Some of the best tours and things to do in Reykjavik are: We recommend booking your hotels on Booking.com to get the best rate and many hotels offer free cancellation in case your plans change. In contrast to the large crowds and boisterous energy of the Blue Lagoon, the energy at the. 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. more. Free! Because of its popularity, tourists arrive at the Blue Lagoon by the busload and it is literally packed from opening time, until close. That's service. I am familiar with the weather changes but perhaps was lucky then. The hotel's 35 rooms come in single or double varieties, with hardwood floors and a simple decor in shades of light blue and gray. Silica Hotel vs The Retreat 3 years ago Save How do the two hotels compare? Replication can only be made with prior agreement by quoting the source with a link to the site, whether it's text, picture or video. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. The Silica Hotel is part of the large Blue Lagoon complex, which is one of Iceland's most well known tourist attractions. 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). I ate many cheese platters from the caf! If you feel like a little bit of exercise, forget the gym. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-105382267', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');The Retreat could provide a comparison. Renowned psoriasis treatments are available, along with a range of more typical body treatments, using the Blue Lagoon's branded products. 11. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. 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. The hotel offers its own private lagoon which is available for our guests every day. Get answers to your questions about Iceland, Wild camping with a vehicle is illegal in Iceland, What ,,not to do when traveling in Iceland", Taxi/Bus costs from KEF Airport to Reykjavik. How do the two hotels compare? 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. 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. Be sure to check the EU Schengen website for the latest information for your specific country. This was a tricky one since we did not rent a car. That HAS to score some points, right? To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. (aside from their price difference). Being the most frequented tourist attraction in Iceland, youll want to plan your visit strategically to ensure you get the most out of it. It features light woods, stone and natural fibres. Correction: I may have to rethink the campervan idea in march as it might not be very safe. You can also book a day tour to see the Northern Lights depending on the time of year you visit! This is something you need to be aware of when making your plans. 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. This is a country bordering the Arctic Circle in winter. The breakfast area was located next to the lounge room with a view over the hotels lagoon. The towel and/or robe are pretty valuable in the cold! Indoors or outdoors, tiny plunge pools to epic infinity oneshotel, Iceland doesnt exactly have one perfect season to visit. How do the two hotels compare? 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. We spent the morning drinking tea on our balcony, soaking in the unique and serene mossy landscape. Are These 5 Trendy Destinations Still Worth Visiting? Is it worth it. However, owing to the fluid's high concentration of silica, proper drainage did not occur and a beautiful body of water took shape. No legitimate company that cares about it's customers would offer that due to the dangers of winter plus the ridiculously small percentage of campgrounds that are open during winter. Answer 11 of 18: How do the two hotels compare? This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. What do you want to see and do en route? Book spa treatments maybe and walk around hotel grounds (if they have any). Again: A Camper in March is a horrible idea. Yes, I remember the local weather varying quite a bit within just 15 mins of drive. X, Vanessa. I saw a few of those few years back in March and they looked so cosyI wanted the flexibility to hunt for the northern lights but I suppose I could do it with the car just the same. 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 ? Stay at (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? As mentioned above, travel time from Reykjavik to the Blue Lagoon and vice versa is approximately 40-minutes with no traffic. The 4000sq-m spa is at the heart of the hotel, connecting the Retreat hotel to the public lagoon. The landscape was like nothing Ive ever seen before. You only have 2 full days and you are planning an ambitious itinerary that is better suited for summer. Conditions can be so much worse than you can imagine. On the day of my arrival, am I entitled to breakfast before I have checked in? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-105369751', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');flight home. Admission is included, so only a naked shower is required before entering the prized water. You will have to be flexible. Iceland The best part, the hotels lagoon is large enough that if anyone else is around, you might not even see them! and our 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 youre planning a trip to Iceland, the Blue Lagoonis sure to be high on your list of must-see places. It is just so unique. The cheapest price for a room in Gunzenhausen found in the last 7 days is $32/night. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-105359385', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Iceland for 3 nights beginning of March and last night I wanted to stay somewhere special and want to make the right choice. Enter email and get our travel tips to maximise your trips. Open daily from 9am to 10pm, the hotel's private Silica Lagoon offers in-water massages and two types of bench treatments. Meeting/Banquet facilitiesAdditional charge. As I mentioned before, there are two different places to stay on site while at The Blue Lagoon: The Retreat or Silica Hotel. 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 Does this look realistic? The risk of losing money on bookings already made is just something that you need to accept when you are making self-driving plans for winter. This year my girlfriend and I decided to go to Iceland in February, and it just so happened to cross paths with Valentine's Day. 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. While traveling, our number one tip is to use a free Charles Schwab Debit Card which gives unlimited worldwide ATM Fee Refunds and the true exchange rate. 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). Transformative elements. I figured hey, why not try to stay at the Silica Hotel for Valentine's Day? Silica looks a little simple from the photos (though I am sure it is beautiful too). Hotel guests are given premium entry, which means you dont have to wait in line with all the other tourists. Day 4: flight is late in the evening so not sure what to do on this day. Silica Hotel vs The Retreat 2 years ago Save How do the two hotels compare? No legitimate company that cares about it's customers would offer that due to the dangers of winter plus the ridiculously small percentage of campgrounds that are open during winter. Cookie Notice more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. What's the West coast like? a week, 3 days, 30 minutes? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-105359385', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Iceland for 3 nights beginning of March and last night I wanted to stay somewhere special and want to make the right choice. Silica looks a little simple from the photos (though I am sure it is beautiful too). I am taking my SO to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I am taking my SO to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. One of Iceland's most popular places, The Blue Lagoon, is located about 6 miles (10 km) from Reykjavik and close to the fishing village of Grendavik. Whilst the lagoon at the hotel is pretty amazing, and in my opinion, just as good as the real thing, you probably still want to experience the actual Blue Lagoon as well. Volcanic architecture. Otherwise, I am not sure how else to break the journey up; first day on arrival, we obviously won't make it very far in any case, whether the weather is good or poor. Here at Oyster, we embrace just about any excuse to hit the road, but what really, Pool at Sicilys Hotel Avalon Sikani After checking into the hotel, dipping into the pool is high on the vacation agenda. Thanks. I am familiar with the weather changes but perhaps was lucky then. Explore the volcanic phenomena at Blue Lagoon's doorstep. Or just focus on the South East drive and spend last day in the Retreat. Or just focus on the South East drive and spend last day in the Retreat. We used the private lagoon for hours up until it closed at midnight, and went to the larger public lagoon earlier in the day using the two included Premium admission passes. 1 night was perfect for us, 2 nights would be the max I'd spend as there's nothing else to do here but the spa and the nearby Fagradalsfjall volcano hike (which I recommend highly). Culinary classics. (aside from their price difference) I read that Silica's lagoon is more private and The Retreat's can get very crowded. The serene atmosphere makes the Silica popular with couples, as well as with those seeking treatments for a variety of skin conditions. A night at Silica Hotel featuring five luxurious hours at the Retreat Spaan exquisite subterranean sanctuary that brings you into harmony with the rejuvenating powers of the volcanic earth. You likely won't forget this stay. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Last time I skipped the golden circle (as I only had 2 days) as I wasn't sure Golden Circle as varied as South East drive. Why stay at The Retreat hotel Blue Lagoon Iceland? Wall mounted flat-screen TVs come standard along with mini-fridges, but there are no tea kettles or coffeemakers. We spent 10 days road tripping through the south of Iceland, battling hectic weather conditions, hiking snow-covered mountains and exploring various tourist hotspots. But the next morning there was no visibility and a lot of snow. It was much lower key and relaxing than what I saw of Blue Lagoon and the price is better to at $29 per person vs Blue Lagoon's $45. Your plans will depend on the weather and road conditions. 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). You only have 2 full days and you are planning an ambitious itinerary that is better suited for summer. Read more about the Lagoon's history and healing here. I am taking my SO to Iceland for 3 nights beginning of March and last night I wanted to. Alternatively, you may use. Most review of each are fabulous, but with The Retreat being SO much more expensive I wonder if it's THAT MUCH better?? As well as a private lagoon (complete with swim-up direct access to the bar), the spa includes access to the Blue Lagoon Ritual, a three-step face and body routine utilising the silica, algae and mineral elements of the lagoon in a nourishing . Silica looks a little simple from the photos (though I am sure it is beautiful too). Correction: I may have to rethink the campervan idea in march as it might not be very safe. Required fields are marked *. 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. I am a keen photographer so I do ned to plan extra time for photo stops. 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. They have a 4-course tasting menu which changes daily and features traditional Icelandic dishes. First two nights we are renting a campervan and driving around the south coast towards Jokulsarlon. The best time to visit Iceland depends on what activities you would like to do. In addition the weather can change quickly, since there are many microclimates in Iceland. But from photos, Silica looks a lot simpler with its interior (but very nice also). PRICE FROM $412. Thanks. I was also so confused that I drove for about 40 mins in the wrong direction with no spaces to turn around, water on either sides of the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. While the island country is temperate in the summer and fairly cold in winter, the weather can be unpredictable. Thank you We Are Travel Girls for featuring my article! I am taking my SO to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? This is all weather permitting obviously. This year alone, you might have a big family get-together in another state, an annual ski trip with college buddies, and a cousins wedding halfway across the country. 11 Shares. I read that Silica's lagoon is more private and The Retreat's can get very crowded. This is something you need to be aware of when making your plans. Full hour-long massages can be takenin-water, while floating gently on a rubber mat. 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). You. Are treatments offered at Silica Hotel? At our Madh Island beach resort, you can spend a day on the beach while spending a relaxing night indoors. Thanks. How long in advance can the weather forecast be considered 'reliable' more or less? Silica Hotel vs The Retreat 3 years ago Save How do the two hotels compare? Travelers only seeking housing close to the Blue Lagoon can check out the Northern Light Inn, which is nearby and has much lower rates. This is all weather permitting obviously. We arrive 11am on Day 1 and I thought to take the route up towards Gullfoss and down on Road 30 and stay first night somewhere around road 30 or 1 (need to find a place. I would normally plan more conservative driving distances in winter. 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. I wonder if we can make the Golden Circle and then do the South East drive (weather-permitting) in 3 days. They offered a massive selection of fruits, salads, Skyr (Icelandic yoghurt), meats, cheeses, eggs done every way possible, little morsels of sweets and pastries galore. I saw a few of those few years back in March and they looked so cosyI wanted the flexibility to hunt for the northern lights but I suppose I could do it with the car just the same. Thank you in advance for advice between these two stays. What do you want to see and do en route? 1 room: 2 guests. A Review of The Silica Hotel Iceland Blue Lagoon. A free continental breakfast is included, and is served in a bright lounge with a coffee machine. Or just focus on the South East drive and spend last day in the Retreat. (aside from their price difference) I read that Silica's lagoon is more private and The Retreat's can get very crowded. The mineral-rich blue waters of the lagoon and Iceland's beautiful landscape are an attractive combination you cannot miss. Does this look realistic? The hotel provides a wake-up call service throughout the evening. But if your budget allows you to splash out for just one night, spend it at the Silica Hotel! We noticed that most hotel guests visited The Blue Lagoon in the afternoon after they checked in. Want to ride horses with Fabio-style manes, Blue Lagoon Clinic Ive just returned from a last-minute jaunt around Iceland and as it turns out, the land of ice and fire is just as majestic as youd imagine. Last time I skipped the golden circle (as I only had 2 days) as I wasn't sure Golden Circle as varied as South East drive. How do the two hotels compare? 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. How long in advance can the weather forecast be considered 'reliable' more or less? We saw several groups of locals out for a morning run around the lava fields. (aside from their price difference) I read that Silica's lagoon is more private and The Retreat's can get very crowded. First two nights we are renting a campervan and driving around the south coast towards Jokulsarlon. 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 ? Sunset over the lava field walking to the Blue Lagoon from the Silica Hotel. Alternatively, you may use. We may receive a small commission when you make a purchase using our link. Re: Silica Hotel vs The Retreat 3 years ago Save Bad weather can hit in Iceland at any time and on any road in winter. Limited access to the famous Blue Lagoon (open to the public) is included, but the hotel has its own beautifully designed geothermal lagoon that's exclusive to guests. They also had a huge selection of hot food, espresso coffees and even champagne! They would then make use of the hotels lagoon the next morning after breakfast. Again: A Camper in March is a horrible idea. 426. The Blue Lagoon is on just about every person who visits Icelands wish list. Fine dining at Blue Lagoon Iceland takes you into a gourmet landscape of tradition, innovation, purity, and freshness. The understated furnishings only highlight the incredible landscape outside, and each room opens to a wooden patio set on the old lava flow. The hotel has its own smaller private lagoon, so that guests need not compete with the public for space in the touristy medicinalwaters. 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! In my case and I'm sure most cases, the hotel concierge will even call them for you to coordinate your pick-up. It was very relaxing with the vast majority of guests swanning around the breakfast room in their bathrobes. Stay at (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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 would not recommend camping in winter, unless you have Arctic winter camping experience and have contacted the campsite to verify that they are open. Arrive at The Retreat blue lagoon in late afternoon. 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 ? The Retreat Lagoon Wandering around the Retreat Lagoon was like stepping foot onto another planet. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. There are many different ways to explore southwest Iceland's natural treasures. The posted materials belong to the blog authors. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-105359385', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Iceland for 3 nights beginning of March and last night I wanted to stay somewhere special and want to make the right choice. 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. Remember the 6 Ps! 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. The hotel rooms also feature views over the lava fields. For more information, please see our I am familiar with the weather changes but perhaps was lucky then. You will have to be flexible. You can see the Lights on the Reykjanes Peninsula, but your best chance to see them is on a tour, where you have a guide on the radio with a dozen other guides helping each other find the best show for the customers. Inside, the hotel has a minimalist design inspired by a sense of harmony with the natural beauty outside. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-105369089', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Fosshotel Blue glacier. Any thoughts on the two hotels mentioned? Answer 1 of 18: How do the two hotels compare? Arrive at The Retreat blue lagoon in late afternoon. High ceilings with slatted wood frames and big picture windows combine with a spare decor composed of woodfurnishings imported from Norway. I made it to the hotel that looks like a shelf of books (forgot the name). The staff are very helpful and very friendly, and the private lagoon is very relaxing. It was such a peaceful experience walking through the lava fields on our way to the Blue Lagoon. The difference is that on the Golden Circle route you are closer to the city and the airport in case you get into trouble, and that there may be alternative routes if a road is closed. Hotel 360 looks nice but I am not sure I can get to it during winter). Privacy Policy. (aside from their price difference) I read that Silica's lagoon is more private and The Retreat's can get very crowded. BOOK ONLINE. Answer 11 of 18: How do the two hotels compare? more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Hi Danelle, Connect with like-minded female travelers, gain valuable travel advice, and make unforgettable memories through our curated events, meet-ups, and luxury getaways. We also always travel with a portable battery pack which is great to keep your phone charged on long journies. The Luxury admission is very much not worth the money, you can save yourself a few hundred dollars on that right off the bat, in case you were considering it. Correction: I may have to rethink the campervan idea in march as it might not be very safe. Unforgettable cuisine. Conceived for wellness and designed for wellbeing, each room is the foundation of an enchanting experience.