Höfn - Berjaya Iceland Hotels Iceland

Iceland's Hidden Gem: Uncover Höfn's Luxury at Berjaya Hotel!

Iceland's Hidden Gem: Berjaya Höfn - Forget Instagram, This is REAL! (And OMG, That Lobster!)

Okay, let's be honest. Iceland. It's beautiful, ethereal, everyone's got photos, and you're slightly intimidated. I was. But then I found Berjaya Hotel in Höfn, and suddenly, the whole "Instagram-perfect" Iceland thing melted away, replaced by… well, reality. Awesome reality. And, holy lobster, the best darn lobster I've ever eaten in my life (more on that crucial detail later).

This isn't your typical sterile hotel review. This is me, spilling the beans (and maybe a little bit of coffee) on a place that surprised me, charmed me, and even, dare I say, comforted me during a trip across this incredible country.

First Impressions, First Panic Attack (Kidding! … Mostly)

Getting to Höfn is part of the adventure. The drive? Epic. The winding roads? Slightly terrifying, especially in a rental car that felt about as sturdy as a wet tissue against the Icelandic winds. But Berjaya? Finding it was a breeze. Accessibility is a definite plus. While I didn't personally test the full wheelchair accessibility, the website looked promising, and I noticed a lift immediately, which is a big win when you're juggling luggage and trying not to trip over your own feet.

My first thought? "Wow, it's…modern." Okay, maybe not breathtakingly charming, but clean, well-maintained, and a huge relief after some of the more rustic (read: potentially drafty) accommodations I’d seen previously. Check-in/out [express] was a life-saver after that long drive. And a 24-hour front desk? Bless you, Berjaya. That's peace of mind. Plus, car park [free of charge] – a massive win in a country where parking can cost more than a decent meal!

Rooms: Beyond the "Clean" Checklist

My room? Non-smoking, thankfully. Air conditioning, even though I didn't need it, was there. Free Wi-Fi – the lifeblood of the modern traveler, and it worked perfectly. I've stayed in hotels where the Wi-Fi is slower than a glacier melting, but not here. Internet Access – wireless was a dream! And the complimentary free water was a lifesaver!

But it was more than just functional. They had thought about comfort. Blackout curtains (essential for those midnight sun shenanigans), a safe box, and even slippers! The little details made a difference. And yes, the bathroom was clean. REALLY clean.

Where the Magic Happens: Food, Food, Food (Seriously, Listen Up!)

Alright, let's get to the heart of the matter: the food. This is where Berjaya shines. And where my life was changed by the lobster.

Restaurants: They have multiple. You've got options!
Asian Cuisine in Restaurant: A welcome surprise and a delicious one. I didn’t expect it, and I ate happily.
International Cuisine in Restaurant: You're in Iceland, so you should get some!
A la carte in restaurant: Always a plus!
Breakfast [buffet]: A massive spread. Think everything from your standard Western breakfast (bacon, eggs – the works) to fresh fruit, pastries, and, yes, even Asian breakfast options. It was a feast. I probably ate way too much.
Breakfast service: It was glorious.
Coffee/tea in restaurant: I had like 10 cups a day.
Desserts in restaurant: They will be the end of me.
Coffee shop: (See above. I’m addicted.)
Poolside bar: Tempting, especially on a sunny day, although I didn’t get a chance to use it.
Salad in restaurant: Some healthy options, for when you've decided you're had enough of the other stuff (which by the way, will probably never happen).
Snack bar: Perfect for grabbing some quick bites.
Vegetarian restaurant: I am not a vegetarian, but it's a nice option to have!

AND THE LOBSTER?!

Okay, deep breaths. The lobster. Höfn is lobster country, and Berjaya's restaurant? It delivers. I ordered the grilled lobster, and for one glorious, slobbery hour, the rest of the world (Instagram included) simply ceased to exist. Fresh, tender, perfectly cooked. The butter? Divine. Honestly? It's worth the trip to Höfn alone. I'm not exaggerating! I went back the next night. I’m already dreaming about returning.

Getting Cozy: Relaxing and Amenities

Berjaya really tries to give you a little bit of everything. They have:

Bar: Perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring.
Spa/sauna: The website said there was a spa-related option, but I was too busy eating lobster. That being said, it would be nice to have a little relaxation after a long day of activities.
Gym/fitness: If you have the willpower after stuffing yourself at the buffet, go for it.
Pool with view: I saw it! Looked promising!
Sauna: (See spa, above.)
Steamroom: (See spa, above, again.)
Swimming pool [outdoor]: Okay, it's Iceland. I didn't brave the pool, though tempting, it seemed a little bit brisk.
Massage: Highly recommend after a long, cold hike!
Fitness center: (See gym)
A la carte in restaurant Very practical and great
Bottle of water: Yes, please!
Room service [24-hour]: The ultimate luxury for a lazy day.
Happy hour: Drinks! Always a good idea.
Soup in restaurant: Warming and delicious.
Bicycle parking Nice place to leave your bikes.
Family/child friendly I see lots of happy families when I was there!
Luggage storage Just for you if you need it!
Car park [on-site] Car park is very practical!
Car power charging station Very practical!
Air conditioning in public area Useful on a warm day.
Audio-visual equipment for special events This is awesome for events!
Business facilities Including meetings
Currency exchange Always a plus!
Daily housekeeping Clean rooms every day
Doorman, Elevator Always a plus
Facilities for disabled guests Great for disabled guests.
Food delivery I did not try to order food.
Gift/souvenir shop Useful to buy gifts!
Indoor venue for special events It's a good idea!
Invoice provided Practical for bookkeeping!
Ironing service Useful to have!
Laundry service Very practical!
Meeting/banquet facilities Good for meetings
On-site event hosting Practical to have.
Safety deposit boxes Good for your wallet!
Seminars Great idea!
Terrace Very practical!
Xerox/fax in business center If you need those!

Cleanliness and Safety – In a Post-Pandemic World

Okay, I'm a worrier. I'm not ashamed to admit it. But Berjaya made me feel safe. They take cleanliness and safety seriously.

Anti-viral cleaning products: Good.
Cashless payment service: Excellent.
Daily disinfection in common areas: Seriously reassuring.
First aid kit: Just in case.
Hand sanitizer: Everywhere.
Hot water linen and laundry washing: Good to know.
Hygiene certification: A good sign.
Rooms sanitized between stays: A must.
Professional-grade sanitizing services: Another good sign.
Staff trained in safety protocol: They seemed knowledgeable and vigilant.

They have more specific measures too, like:

Individually-wrapped food options: Makes sense!
Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: I noticed this.
Safe dining setup: They seemed careful.
Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Good to know, though I'll admit, I mainly cared about the lobster.
Staff trained in safety protocol: Helpful as well.

While not perfect, they took precautions.

The Imperfections (Because, Let's Be Real)

Nothing's perfect. The decor is… functional. Not exactly "boutique chic." And while the staff are friendly, it's not always that chatty, overly gushing type of service you find in some hotels. But honestly? I

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Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into a gloriously messy Icelandic adventure, specifically centered around Höfn and the Berjaya Iceland Hotels. Forget your pristine, perfectly-formatted itineraries. This is the real deal, baby. Get ready for some emotional whiplash and questionable decisions.

Höfn & Beyond: A Saga of Sizzling Lobster and Soul-Crushing Wind (and Everything In Between)

Day 1: Arrival - And the Great Lobster Hunt Begins!

Morning (or Whatever Time the Plane Actually Lands): "So, Iceland. Right. Let's do this." (That was me, bleary-eyed, stumbling off the plane at Keflavik. Pretty sure I’d accidentally packed mismatched socks. Classic.) The transfer ride to Höfn was… scenic. Like, ridiculously scenic. Glaciers shimmering, mountains jutting out like teeth. I spent half the time drooling and the other half desperately trying to remember the Icelandic word for "breath-taking." (Turns out, it's "andardrottning," which, as someone who struggles with the English word "onomatopoeia," I won't be using often.)
Afternoon: Check-In & Initial Panic: Berjaya Iceland Hotels. Ah, the promised land. Actually, pretty decent! Clean, warm (essential), and that lobby smell… that clean, slightly-chlorinated, vaguely-of-pine-needles hotel smell. Loved it. Unpacked, which felt less like "unpacking" and more like explosively shoving a suitcase's worth of clothes into a closet. Panic level 3: "Did I buy enough snacks?"
Evening: Lobster Time (Finally!): Okay, the main event. Höfn is lobster central, the Mecca of crustacean cuisine. I'd been dreaming of this meal since I booked the trip. Didn't know where to go, so ended up at a place called Pakkhús. (I think? Memory blurry.) The lobster… oh, the lobster! It was divine. Melt-in-your-mouth, sweet, juicy, with that subtle sea-kissed flavor. I ate so fast, I'm pretty sure I didn't even chew the last few bites. I may or may not have ended up with lobster sauce on my face. Worth it. Then spent the next hour wandering around, vaguely lost, and generally feeling like I'd achieved peak happiness.

Day 2: Glacier Gazing & Wind-Induced Meltdown

Morning: Glacier Hike! (Or Attempt Thereof): Booked a guided glacier hike. The picture on the website made it look like a leisurely stroll. Lies! All lies! It was more like a vertical climb up an icy cliff face while battling a relentless wind that tried to surgically remove my eyebrows. The views, though, were breathtaking. Seriously. I actually did use the word breathtaking! So much so that it was hard to breathe, the wind doing its best to choke me up. Still, the ice caves were otherworldly – shimmering blue labyrinths carved by time and erosion. A total spectacle.
Afternoon: The Wind's Revenge: Back in Höfn. And the wind. Oh, the wind. It was a beast. Seriously, I thought I was going to be blown straight into the sea. This is where the emotional whiplash began. One minute, I was euphoric over the glacier; the next, I was huddled in the hotel lobby, fighting back tears because my hair was a tangled mess, my nose was running, and I couldn't even enjoy my perfectly good coffee. I’d forgotten my hat and gloves. I am a moron. I’m not sure the hotel staff appreciated my dramatic, wind-blasted state, either.
Evening: Dinner, and (Briefly) Finding My Center: Went for dinner somewhere else. Think it was called Humarhöfnin. Lobster again, obviously. This time, I paced myself. I savored every bite, and even – get this – took notes (in my travel journal, which now looks like a ransom note). The calming effect of delicious, properly-chewed lobster was a balm to my wind-ravaged soul. Walked back to the hotel. Saw some Northern Lights. Briefly. Enough to go, "Woah. Pretty." And then… I was asleep. Exhausted.

Day 3: Waterfalls, Black Sand, and Self-Doubt

Morning: Waterfalls & Waterfall Regret: Decided to go on a driving trip. Picked a waterfall that looked pretty. Didn't check the weather forecast. Mistake. It wasn’t so much a waterfall as a torrential torrent. Spent most of the time squelching through mud, getting soaked to the bone, and wondering why I hadn't just stayed in bed. The waterfall was still stunning, in a "massive, powerful force smacking you in the face" kind of way.
Afternoon: Black Sand Beach Bliss (and Sand-Everywhere-Annoyance): A black sand beach! Amazing! (Also a sand-everywhere situation). The black sand, the wild waves crashing… it was surreal. Spent way too long trying to take the perfect photo of a lone seabird. Never achieved it (the seabird was deeply uninterested), but the process was fun. Started questioning my life choices. Did I really need to go to so many places? Was I just ticking boxes? Was I destined to be a travel cliché?
Evening: Another Lobster, Another Meltdown (Maybe): I had to eat more lobster. Had the mental capacity of a small, angry sea creature. Might have looked at the menu through my tears. At this point, I'm not even sure if I was eating lobster or just staring into the abyss. Then, I might have cried. (Okay, I probably cried.) This trip was a total rollercoaster. But I think. I think. I was loving it.

Day 4: Departure - Until Next Time, Iceland (and You, Beautiful, Horrible Wind!)

Morning: Last Lobster Breakfast, Then Goodbye: Had a final (smaller) lobster breakfast. Ate it slowly, enjoying the last taste of heaven. Checked out of the Berjaya, which I'd grown oddly fond of.
Afternoon: Travel to next stage - Iceland. Drive to next stage, filled with scenic viewing spots.
Evening: Flight Back to the airport. Contemplated going back to the lobster place one last time. Maybe next time. I have a feeling. I will return.

Final Thoughts (and Utter Chaos):

Iceland, you glorious, unpredictable, wind-swept, lobster-laden, soul-stirring beast. You broke my heart a little, and you mended it completely. I'm bruised, battered, and probably still have sand in my socks, but I wouldn't trade this chaotic adventure for anything. Next time, though… I'm bringing more hats, gloves, and a therapist. And maybe an industrial-strength lobster craving.

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Höfn's Berjaya Hotel: The Real Deal or Just Another Tourist Trap? (Let's Be Real, It's Complicated...)

Okay, spill the beans. Is Berjaya Hotel in Höfn truly "luxury," or are we talking glorified motel vibes?

Alright, alright, let's be honest. "Luxury" in Iceland is... nuanced. Forget the marble bathrooms and gold-plated faucets. Berjaya in Höfn is more *Icelandic* luxury, if that makes sense. Think cozy, clean, and with a view that'll make your jaw drop (weather permitting, of course – Iceland is a fickle mistress). It’s not the Ritz, but it’s a damn sight better than some of the guesthouses I've stayed in that felt like museum pieces.

I mean, picture this: I arrived, jet-lagged to oblivion, and stumbled into the lobby. Definitely not a roaring fire and tuxedo-clad bellhops. More like a friendly receptionist who looked like she'd just wrestled a sheep (in a good way!). But the *view* from my room? Boom! Glaciers as far as the eye could see. That, my friends, is the real luxury. Forget thread count, gimme that iceberg porn! Just don’t expect a butler. You’re in Iceland, not a Downton Abbey sequel.

The Lobster Restaurant - Is it really worth braving the crowds (and the price tag)?

Ugh, the lobster. The *legendary* lobster. Okay, deep breaths. Yes, it's expensive. Let's get that out of the way. You’re going to wince when the bill arrives. BUT... (and this is a big but, like, a Icelandic-fjord-sized but), the lobster is *insane*. Like, melt-in-your-mouth, "I might just sell my kidneys to eat this again" insane.

Here’s the thing: I went at peak season. The place was PACKED. I waited. I grumbled. I saw tourists doing the selfie dance with their plates. It was a *scene*. But then, that lobster arrived. And you know what? All the grumbling, all the waiting, all the tourist hordes? Vanished. Poof! Just me, a gigantic plate of lobster (and probably a slightly insane grin). I'm not saying it’s a perfect experience. Sometimes, you're jammed in like sardines. But the lobster? Worth it. Absolutely, unequivocally, worth it. Just... maybe book in advance and brace yourself financially.

Oh, the butter sauce... I'm drooling just thinking about it. Seriously. If you skip the lobster, you're essentially saying "I don't like joy."

What's the deal with the rooms? Comfy? Cramped? What about those views everyone raves about?

The rooms? Okay, let's be real. They're *rooms*. Mostly straightforward, functional. Don't expect to host a ballroom dance in them. But they are clean, which is a HUGE win in Icelandic hospitality. And the views? Yes, the views are real. Depending on your room, you'll be treated to either glacial majesty or dramatic mountain scapes.

I remember waking up one morning, the sky just a riot of pink and orange over the glaciers. I literally just sat there, in my pajamas, for a solid hour, just... staring. It was the kind of view that makes you feel profoundly insignificant and utterly connected to the entire universe all at once. (Cheesy, I know, but it's true!). So yes, focus on the view, the rooms are... rooms. They serve their purpose to sleep and get ready for another day. No complaints from me.

How's the service? Are the staff friendly? Or do they have that famously stoic Icelandic vibe?

The service? Generally pretty good. The staff is generally friendly, not the super-gushing, overly-fake kind you might encounter elsewhere. They're genuinely helpful, and most speak excellent English. You'll find helpful information for your trip while you are staying at the hotel.

I had a minor crisis (lost luggage, you know how it is), and the receptionist was a lifesaver. She helped me sort it out, even though it wasn’t the hotel’s fault. That kind of genuine helpfulness goes a long way. So, yeah, the service is solid. Not over-the-top. Just... good, reliable, Icelandic hospitality with a friendly twist.

Okay, let's talk about the downsides. What's the catch? Anything to avoid?

Alright, the truth serum moment. The downsides... Well, it's Iceland, so "expensive" is a constant companion. The bar prices are what you'd expect and some times you may find yourself wandering around looking for a grocery store. Don't expect a massive, 24/7 party scene in Höfn. If you're looking for non-stop nightlife, this isn't your town.

Also, noise can be an issue. Thin walls, especially if you are staying in a room near the restaurant. Bring earplugs. Seriously. And maybe a sense of humor. Because you'll need it when you're driving around Iceland, and the weather decides to throw everything at you. But really, the downsides are minor. The location, the views, and the lobster... they more than make up for it.

And sometimes, and on some rooms, the internet can be a bit spotty. But who cares? You're in Iceland! Get off your darn phone and LOOK around!

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Iceland's Hidden Gem: Uncover Höfn's Luxury at Berjaya Hotel!