The Silica Hotel vs retreat Hotel In Conclusion: Where should I stay when visiting Blue Lagoon Iceland? We're in Iceland! Are These 5 Trendy Destinations Still Worth Visiting? (aside from their price difference) I read that Silica's lagoon is more private and The Retreat's can get very crowded. Silica looks a little simple from the photos (though I am sure it is beautiful too). Silica Hotel has several rooms that are wheelchair accessible and equipped with roll-in showers. Your plans will depend on the weather and road conditions. Why You Should Be Traveling to Japan in December. a week, 3 days, 30 minutes? Thanks. First two nights we are renting a campervan and driving around the south coast towards Jokulsarlon. 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. 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 would not recommend camping in winter, unless you have Arctic winter camping experience and have contacted the campsite to verify that they are open. I will have to judge by weather closer to time how to break it up. Hi Danelle, ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-105369751', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');flight home. What do you want to see and do en route? The currency used in Iceland is the Icelandic Krna (ISK). The caf offers a complimentary breakfast and take away meals. 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. Correction: I may have to rethink the campervan idea in march as it might not be very safe. Its not just for the elite, either. A Michelin recommended experience. The pick would have to be the in-water massage. Stay at (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? (aside from their price difference). 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. Free! What do you want to see and do en route? Enter email and get our travel tips to maximise your trips. Silica Hotel vs The Retreat 2 years ago Save How do the two hotels compare? Silica Hotel is a just ten-minute walk from the Blue Lagoon. The clinic has its own changing rooms, as well as a fitness center and a yoga studio. 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. High ceilings with slatted wood frames and big picture windows combine with a spare decor composed of woodfurnishings imported from Norway. Does this look realistic? That being said, travelers deciding on the best time to go should consider what theyre hoping to do and see. If you hold a Retreat Spa ticket, you will get to experience Blue Lagoon's three-step ritual. Here are 9 reasons why I think a nights stay at the Silica Hotel is totally worth it. The picturesque landscape of lava fields surrounding the lagoon only compounds the irresistible draw for many tourists when they visit the beautiful island country. Day 3 drive back route 1 and do a cave thing in the morning. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. 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. A lot of people dont actually realise that the Blue Lagoon is located very close to Keflavik International Airport. It features its very own private lagoon for hotel guests only. I would normally plan more conservative driving distances in winter. The breakfast area was located next to the lounge room with a view over the hotels lagoon. 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. It is built into the cliff so it features a natural lava wall and the view overlooks Being the most frequented tourist attraction in Iceland, youll want to plan your visit strategically to ensure you get the most out of it. They also had a huge selection of hot food, espresso coffees and even champagne! Does this look realistic? The weather can be different across the next mountain pass or around the next bend, so you may need the skills to handle bad conditions, even if you started driving in good weather on dry roads and the forecast looked good. I never suggest anyone even drive a regular vehicle that time of year unless they are an Expert Arctic winter driver. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Probably not. This is all weather permitting obviously. You get a couple more bells and whistles but at an intense mark-up in cost. Meeting/Banquet facilitiesAdditional charge. Many travellers stopover in Iceland for a night when travelling between Europe and North America, just to spend the night at the Blue Lagoon! Accessibility Remember the 6 Ps! We spent 10 days road tripping through the south of Iceland, battling hectic weather conditions, hiking snow-covered mountains and exploring various tourist hotspots. That HAS to score some points, right? 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! This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Premium entry to the Blue Lagoon is included with your stay. When I turned up for breakfast the next morning, there were a lot of people in the hotels lagoon. 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. Fine dining at Blue Lagoon Iceland takes you into a gourmet landscape of tradition, innovation, purity, and freshness. There are several walking paths around the Silica Hotel, which take you on a journey through ancient volcanic lava fields. You only have 2 full days and you are planning an ambitious itinerary that is better suited for summer. I would normally plan more conservative driving distances in winter. The best time to visit Iceland depends on what activities you would like to do. 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. But from photos, Silica looks a lot simpler with its interior (but very nice also). This was a tricky one since we did not rent a car. It is a one-time experience worth paying for, but repeats are totally not necessary. If you feel like a little bit of exercise, forget the gym. Lava restaurant at the Blue Lagoon LAVA Restaurant at Blue Lagoon offers a unique dining experience. The walking tracks stretch on for miles through the lagoons and mossy lava fields. Whether youre in the sub-zero temperatures of Iceland or soaking up rays on the island Santorini, views seem to be better from a pool. 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. 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. But the next morning there was no visibility and a lot of snow. 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. Most review of each are fabulous, but with The Retreat being SO much more expensive I wonder if it's THAT MUCH better?? I am familiar with the weather changes but perhaps was lucky then. You only have 2 full days and you are planning an ambitious itinerary that is better suited for summer. We literally had the entire place to ourselves for at least an hour before one other couple joined us. Alternatively, you may use. TheSilica Hotelis located down a gravel road, a little more than a half-mile (about onekilometer) from the Blue Lagoon resort. Answer 11 of 18: How do the two hotels compare? The dining room is on two levels with floor to ceiling windows looking out to the lava cliffs and the blue lagoon. We also always travel with a portable battery pack which is great to keep your phone charged on long journies. 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. 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. 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Australia. DEFINITELY don't do a campervan in March! 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 ? 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. I highly recommend combining your visit with a night stay at the Silica Hotel, which is located just 10 minutes walk from the Blue Lagoon. I am taking my SO to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? You will have to be flexible. Thanks for submitting such a great post Amanda and for being such an important member of our community! (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). This is all weather permitting obviously. You likely won't forget this stay. Stay at (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. 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. It is both comfortable and affordable. Any thoughts on the two hotels mentioned? Silica Hotel at Blue Lagoon Iceland has been welcoming Booking.com guests since Feb 15, 2022 Most popular amenities Free parking Free WiFi Spa Non-smoking rooms Facilities for disabled guests Fitness center Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms Bar Property Highlights Top Location: Highly rated by recent guests (9.3) Breakfast Info The Blue Lagoon is only a 20-minute bus ride from Keflavik Airport, the only international airport in Iceland. From hiking to sightseeing to guided tours, the region is rich with enchantments and ripe for discovery. DEFINITELY don't do a campervan in March! The forecast starts being reliable about 48-24 hours ahead of time, but you will still have to check every morning before you start driving and if necessary change your plans. Any thoughts on the two hotels mentioned? 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. 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. And there aren't many nice hotels (from looks of it) until closer to skaftafell/jokulsarl on road 1 from what I gather. Both of our flights are early in the morning. 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 worst weather I have ever driven thru was on the road from the city to the Golden Circle. Love all the advice in the article. At our Madh Island beach resort, you can spend a day on the beach while spending a relaxing night indoors. Our 17 Favorite Spa Resorts Around the World, 8 Beautiful Hotel Pools You Can Only Find in Europe, The Best Time to Visit Iceland: A Guide for Every Season, Adjacent to the famous Blue Lagoon and its spa, Stunning landscape of mountains and lava flows, Understated rooms have patios with incredible views, Guests must walk to dining (only breakfast is on-site), No in-room tea- or coffee-making facilities. On the day of my arrival, am I entitled to breakfast before I have checked in? 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. This is something you need to be aware of when making your plans. Read more about Iceland before you go! Is the Golden Circle road generally more sheltered from winds than the South East road? And is going on snowmobil fun? Hotel 360 looks nice but I am not sure I can get to it during winter). I am taking my SO to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? This is hands down your best option if you have not rented a car. Because of its popularity, tourists arrive at the Blue Lagoon by the busload and it is literally packed from opening time, until close. 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. 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. This is all weather permitting obviously. Thank you We Are Travel Girls for featuring my article! 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. Required fields are marked *. Iceland There are many different ways to explore southwest Iceland's natural treasures. 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. We spent the morning drinking tea on our balcony, soaking in the unique and serene mossy landscape. 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 would not recommend camping in winter, unless you have Arctic winter camping experience and have contacted the campsite to verify that they are open. The Retreat Lagoon Wandering around the Retreat Lagoon was like stepping foot onto another planet. Not worth it at all. Is it worth it. How do the two hotels compare? The lagoon is in fact not natural, and was caused by a man-made structure for excess water from the power . I read that Silica's lagoon is more private and The Retreat's can get very crowded. The exposed concrete is treated to create walls with different textures and tones that evoke the white silica or grey lava. I managed to secure a last-minute reservation (which basically came down to me refreshing their website on my cellphone every 1520 minutes for about two weeks, haha). Thanks. We saw several groups of locals out for a morning run around the lava fields. You get access to the blue lagoon, which ticket is it more comparable to? 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. Hotel 360 looks nice but I am not sure I can get to it during winter). Correction: I may have to rethink the campervan idea in march as it might not be very safe. Day 2: drive along route 1 towards Jokularson and see the stuff along the route. Quartz as it is in rocks or as grains of sand e.g. (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 is perhaps the most frequently visited location in all of Iceland. I am taking my SO to Iceland for 3 nights beginning of March and last night I wanted to. 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). 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. "Discover the Breathtaking Beauty of Iceland's Blue Lagoon Hotel -#iceland #bluelagoonmocktail #hotel #nature #top10 Audio Credits: Song: 'Miguel Johnson -. Silica Hotel vs The Retreat 3 years ago Save How do the two hotels compare? 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-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. 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 never suggest anyone even drive a regular vehicle that time of year unless they are an Expert Arctic winter driver. Past Vik, weather seems to generally be a lot more volatile from memory. 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 . The Silica Hotel is part of the large Blue Lagoon complex, which is one of Iceland's most well known tourist attractions. How could you come to Iceland and not visit this magical geothermal wonderland? You only have 2 full days and you are planning an ambitious itinerary that is better suited for summer. 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. Yes, I remember the local weather varying quite a bit within just 15 mins of drive. It was made up of massive black bubbles of lava that have hardened and in some cases, hollowed over thousands of years and are now covered in green moss and snow. Answer 11 of 18: How do the two hotels compare? For an additional cost, you can upgrade to a Blue Lagoon pass and enjoy the facilities and optional treatments at the Retreat Spa. road tripping through the south of Iceland, Blue Lagoon Entry with Roundtrip Transfers, South of Iceland Full-Day Tour from Reykjavik, DK Eyewitness Top 10 Iceland (Pocket Travel Guide), Everything You Need To Know Before Visiting Icelands Blue Lagoon, 10 Things You Cant Miss In Reykjavik, Iceland, 11 Most Instagrammable Places In Southern Iceland, 8 Stops Not To Miss On Icelands Ring Road, Road Trip Inspiration: 10 Must-See Places In Southern Iceland, How To See The Northern Lights In Iceland, Iceland: A 3 Day Itinerary In The Land Of Fire And Ice, Iceland Road Trip: 5 Epic Hidden Gems To Seek Out, 7 Ways To Go Off The Beaten Path In Iceland, THE 20 BEST GIRLS GETAWAYS IN EUROPE FOR FALL, THE ULTIMATE ICELAND CAMPERVAN FIRST TIMERS GUIDE. 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