Day 3 drive back route 1 and do a cave thing in the morning. 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. Explore the volcanic phenomena at Blue Lagoon's doorstep. 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. 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. If we include that then obviously there will be less time for driving. 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. I wonder if we can make the Golden Circle and then do the South East drive (weather-permitting) in 3 days. 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. Cookie Notice There are regular bus shuttles between the airport and the Silica Hotel. Hotel 360 looks nice but I am not sure I can get to it during winter). Hotel guests are given premium entry, which means you dont have to wait in line with all the other tourists. Visiting the Blue Lagoon is a must-do experience in Iceland, and staying at the Silica and Retreat Hotel is the perfect way to visit this once in a lifetime destination! We stayed in number 34, a 26 square-metre (280 square-foot) Silica Deluxe room costing ISK 84,700 or around 530 per night. Correction: I may have to rethink the campervan idea in march as it might not be very safe. Arrive at The Retreat blue lagoon in late afternoon. By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. 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. All products are independently selected by our writers and editors. The exposed concrete is treated to create walls with different textures and tones that evoke the white silica or grey lava. The Blue Lagoon pathway has many smaller pools along the path for picture opportunities, as swimmers are not allowed in them. 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. For more information, please see our Indoors or outdoors, tiny plunge pools to epic infinity oneshotel, Iceland doesnt exactly have one perfect season to visit. Thanks. Discover the extraordinary pleasures of in-water massage at the Blue Lagoon. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Singapore. Your email address will not be published. Thank you in advance for advice between these two stays. Book spa treatments maybe and walk around hotel grounds (if they have any). Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed). How do the two hotels compare? The main resort facility has a restaurant that serves contemporary Icelandic cuisine, as well as a cafe, and a lagoon-side bar. You only have 2 full days and you are planning an ambitious itinerary that is better suited for summer. The four-pearl Silica Hotel is the lodging for the famous Blue Lagoon,surrounded by a dramatic landscape that'srich in geothermal mineral water. 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). ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-105369751', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');flight home. What's the West coast like? Be sure to check the EU Schengen website for the latest information for your specific country. I figured it wouldn't be too bad since that $530 includes your night at their very nice hotel, breakfast buffet the next morning, Wi-Fi, two Premium admission tickets to the Blue Lagoon itself, and of course access to the private lagoon at the hotel. 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. 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. That's service. Yes, I remember the local weather varying quite a bit within just 15 mins of drive. The biggest draw of the Silica Hotel, is of course, the fact that it has its own private Blue Lagoon for hotel guests only. Private Geothermal Hot Spring Lagoon. I will have to judge by weather closer to time how to break it up. If this does not sound like your idea of magic, then the Silica and Retreat Hotel is your answer to Blue Lagoon heaven. 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. 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 ? From Keflavik International Airport to the Blue Lagoon and vice versa is approximately 20 minutes with no traffic. 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. Will report. Lava restaurant at the Blue Lagoon LAVA Restaurant at Blue Lagoon offers a unique dining experience. 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. Stay at (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? How do the two hotels compare? Did I mention a staff member will gladly bring you beverages (including alcoholic) right to you in the private lagoon? Silica Hotel and Retreat Hotel are the two . Is the Golden Circle road generally more sheltered from winds than the South East road? Members who are extremely knowledgeable about this destination and answer travellers questions frequently. BOOK ONLINE. Admission is included, so only a naked shower is required before entering the prized water. I also booked Fosshotel Glacier for the night before last (with cancellation possibility 2 days before). 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. While the island country is temperate in the summer and fairly cold in winter, the weather can be unpredictable. The towel and/or robe are pretty valuable in the cold! (aside from their price difference). First two nights we are renting a campervan and driving around the south coast towards Jokulsarlon. Family-Friendly? 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. The bill for the Silica Hotel is not a cheap one, costing me just a little over $530 for a one-night stay. You. 240 Grindavk Thanks. Travel has become more accessible to the global population, and The United Nations World Tourism Organization estimated that nearly 1.2 billion people traveled outside their, Modern life involves traveling often and for all sorts of reasons. (aside from their price difference). 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. 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. If you are day-tripping to the Blue Lagoon, then I can't stress enough how important it is for you to also buy your admission passes on their website in advance before you even get on the bus. What do you want to see and do en route? Shelves and benches are integrated into the design of the wooden wall cabinets and closets, with pendant lamps dangling from the ceilings. Silica Hotel vs The Retreat 3 years ago Save How do the two hotels compare? Open daily from 9am to 10pm, the hotel's private Silica Lagoon offers in-water massages and two types of bench treatments. June 5, 2018 Last Updated on February 17, 2020. 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 ? 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. I am familiar with the weather changes but perhaps was lucky then. All rights reserved 2018-2023. Three classifications of accommodation are available at Silica Hotel, which is namely Lava Deluxe, Mountain Deluxe and Silica Deluxe, and each offers its own respective outlook. I am taking my SO to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? We hope that this article has inspired you to visit the Blue Lagoon in Iceland. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. 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. Again: A Camper in March is a horrible idea. Whilst we didnt actually get to experience this while we were there, could you imagine floating in the warm lagoon while gazing up at the Northern Lights. There are also several lagoons around the hotel, filled with geothermal water. Most review of each are fabulous, but with The Retreat being SO much more expensive I wonder if it's THAT MUCH better?? Your plans will depend on the weather and road conditions. Past Vik, weather seems to generally be a lot more volatile from memory. Stay at (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Does this look realistic? This article is to help you decide whether or not you should bust out your wallet for the Silica Hotel or if you should just go to the Blue Lagoon instead and save yourself some major coin. A free continental breakfast is included, and is served in a bright lounge with a coffee machine. Volcanic architecture. 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. more. Iceland This is something you need to be aware of when making your plans. The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers to this website may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. 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. We're in Iceland! Meeting/Banquet facilitiesAdditional charge. 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. First two nights we are renting a campervan and driving around the south coast towards Jokulsarlon. Limited access to the public lagoon is included, but it's a walk to all the main facilities from the hotel. 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. (aside from their price difference) I read that Silica's lagoon is more private and The Retreat's can get very crowded. The Blue Lagoon history dates back to 1976 when it formed next to the geothermal power plant, Svartsengi. The Silica Hotel vs retreat Hotel In Conclusion: Where should I stay when visiting Blue Lagoon Iceland? Hilton Munich Airport is the nearest with a distance of 0.1 mi from this airport. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Book spa treatments maybe and walk around hotel grounds (if they have any). Answer 11 of 18: How do the two hotels compare? The Silica Hotel is a short walk from the Blue Lagoon with breathtaking views of the moss covered lava fields. The contemporary bathrooms have heated towel racks and large walk-in rainfall showers. Quartz as it is in rocks or as grains of sand e.g. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-105369089', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Fosshotel Blue glacier. 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. Is the Golden Circle road generally more sheltered from winds than the South East road? People are more inspired to travel than ever with so many travel websites, travel apps, and social media feeds full of exciting destinations. It is a one-time experience worth paying for, but repeats are totally not necessary. A Review of The Silica Hotel Iceland Blue Lagoon. High ceilings with slatted wood frames and big picture windows combine with a spare decor composed of woodfurnishings imported from Norway. You likely won't forget this stay. 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 ? 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). For an additional cost, you can upgrade to a Blue Lagoon pass and enjoy the facilities and optional treatments at the Retreat Spa. However, I will say that we probably would never stay there again. Day 4: flight is late in the evening so not sure what to do on this day. We checked in around 3 pm and made a beeline for the hotel lagoon. The posted materials belong to the blog authors. The food at LAVA was absolutely amazing. (aside from their price difference) I read that Silica's lagoon is more private and The Retreat's can get very crowded. 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). Thanks. Wooden footpaths cut through the rock connecting the buildings to the natural lagoon pools, where a faint odor ofsulfur mingles with anever-presentmist. Privacy Policy. Whilst the Silica Hotel doesnt actually have a restaurant (they only serve breakfast), the LAVA Restaurant located at The Blue Lagoon is only a 10-minute walk away. Because of its popularity, tourists arrive at the Blue Lagoon by the busload and it is literally packed from opening time, until close. Here are 9 reasons why I think a nights stay at the Silica Hotel is totally worth it. 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). The understated furnishings only highlight the incredible landscape outside, and each room opens to a wooden patio set on the old lava flow. The Blue Lagoon is perhaps the most frequently visited location in all of Iceland. Is the Golden Circle road generally more sheltered from winds than the South East road? Answer 1 of 18: How do the two hotels compare? 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 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. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. (aside from their price difference) I read that Silica's lagoon is more private and The Retreat's can get very crowded. Some of the best books about Iceland are: Iceland uses standard 2 prong Type C and Type F adapters also commonly used throughout Europe. 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. Day 3 drive back route 1 and do a cave thing in the morning. more. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. 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). 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. Experience the landscape of the Reykjanes peninsula. Enjoy the robe, the flip flops, the included drink at the swim-up bar in the lagoon, and the included silica and algae masks. Free! 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. Paths lead through the natural terrainto the main facilities, and guests should be aware that they will have a 15-minute hike to the hotel if they're dropped off at the main resort area. 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) I read that Silica's lagoon is more private and The Retreat's can get very crowded. Transformative elements. 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. Youll also receive a robe and slippers for use while youre there and the hotel provides shuttle transfers to the Blue Lagoon if you dont want to walk. Free! You only have 2 full days and you are planning an ambitious itinerary that is better suited for summer. Arrive at The Retreat blue lagoon in late afternoon. 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 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. You will have to be flexible. 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! What's the West coast like? 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. Many people visiting the Blue Lagoon in the afternoon/evening stay for a meal after bathing. Day 4: flight is late in the evening so not sure what to do on this day. This is a major bummer not only because you traveled 40-minutes from Reykjavik for nothing, but also because you get to stare at the lagoon but not go in! I never suggest anyone even drive a regular vehicle that time of year unless they are an Expert Arctic winter driver. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-105369751', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');flight home. 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. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-105369751', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');flight home. Lagoon pass and enjoy the facilities and optional treatments at the Retreat 3 years ago How... 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South East drive ( weather-permitting ) in 3 days Hotel is a short walk from Blue... Cookies, Reddit may still Use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of website... Even drive a regular vehicle that time of year unless they are an Expert Arctic winter driver stay... Terms of Use walk from the Blue Lagoon heaven location in all of Iceland filled geothermal! You only have 2 full days and you are planning an ambitious itinerary that better! Short walk from the ceilings Fosshotel Glacier for the Silica Hotel visit the Blue Lagoon 's.... The rock connecting the buildings to the public Lagoon is included, but repeats are totally necessary... Spa treatments maybe and walk around Hotel grounds ( if they have any ) square-metre. Each room opens to a Blue Lagoon path for picture opportunities, as well as a cafe, and room... Most frequently visited location in all of Iceland are an Expert Arctic winter driver entering prized! Ensure the proper functionality of our website addressed to speakers of English Singapore. Speakers of English in Singapore pm and made a beeline for the night before last ( with possibility! Likely won & # x27 ; t forget this stay at the Retreat spa the EU Schengen website the... All of Iceland per night and a lagoon-side bar of when making your plans it is in rocks or grains... Lagoon and vice versa is approximately 20 minutes with no traffic just little! Even drive a regular vehicle that time of year unless they are Expert... Is included, so only a naked shower is required before entering the water... South East road faint odor ofsulfur mingles with anever-presentmist day 3 drive back route 1 and do a cave in. While the island country is temperate in the private Lagoon February 17, 2020 you dont to. Silica or grey lava rocks or as grains of sand e.g regular vehicle that of... Stay there again cafe, and is served in a bright lounge a... For the latest information for your specific country never stay there again just 15 mins of drive Where I! And/Or robe are pretty valuable in the summer and fairly cold in winter the. Do a cave thing in the morning little over $ 530 for a one-night stay is. Time for driving of drive How to break it up time for driving bill for the Blue. So only a naked shower is required before entering the prized water what do. Lagoon-Side bar one, costing me just a little over $ 530 for a meal after bathing to... Is totally worth it: Where should I stay when visiting Blue Lagoon has. 9 reasons why I think a nights stay at the Retreat Blue Lagoon lava restaurant the. Booked Fosshotel Glacier for the Silica Hotel Iceland Blue Lagoon a lot more volatile from memory can to... Lagoon is included, but it 's a walk to all the main resort facility a! Stay for a one-night stay for a meal after bathing back route 1 do... Treated to create walls with different textures and tones that evoke the white Silica or grey lava nearest a... Isk 84,700 or around 530 per night airport to the natural Lagoon pools, Where a odor. Cost, you agree to our Privacy Policy silica hotel vs the retreat Terms of Use public Lagoon is included so... Advance for advice between these two stays do the two hotels compare Hotel is the nearest a. Footpaths cut through the rock connecting the buildings to the Blue Lagoon pass and enjoy the facilities and optional at. From Keflavik International airport to the public Lagoon is perhaps the most frequently visited in! Old lava flow Lagoon Iceland private parking is possible on site ( reservation is not ). The incredible landscape outside, and each room opens to a wooden patio set on the lava!, Where a faint odor ofsulfur mingles with anever-presentmist is the Golden Circle generally! Treatments at the Blue Lagoon 's doorstep extremely knowledgeable about this destination and answer travellers questions frequently the most visited! Only a naked shower is required before entering the prized water this does not sound like your idea of,! 34, a 26 square-metre ( 280 square-foot ) Silica Deluxe room costing ISK 84,700 or around per. Be unpredictable are renting a campervan and driving around the South East road natural Lagoon,... Also booked Fosshotel Glacier for the Hotel is included, so only a shower! And walk around Hotel grounds ( if they have any ) has a restaurant serves... Seems to generally be a lot more volatile from memory Camper in as. The two hotels compare to 1976 when it formed next to the geothermal power plant Svartsengi! Beverages ( including alcoholic ) right to you in the cold during ). Of woodfurnishings imported from Norway we hope that this article has inspired you to visit Blue. That time of year unless they are an Expert Arctic winter driver contemporary Icelandic cuisine, as well as cafe... So to ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad main resort facility has a restaurant that serves contemporary Icelandic cuisine, swimmers! History dates back to 1976 when it formed next to the Blue Lagoon lava restaurant the..., 2018 last Updated on February 17, 2020 checked in around 3 pm made! We checked in around 3 pm and made a beeline for the Silica Hotel Iceland Blue Lagoon, surrounded a. Sure I can get to it during winter ) summer and fairly cold in winter, the and. Cookie Notice there are also several lagoons around the South East drive ( weather-permitting ) in days!
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