Northern Light Inn & Max's Restaurant

I can't say enough good things about this hotel. The amenities are top notch with even heated towel rack in the bathroom. The food at Max's Restaurant is amazing. We even got to experience the staff in an emergency. On Feb 8, 2024 I was awakened by a knock at the door with a pleasant smile and announcement, "Time to evacuate. We have an eruption." The staff was extremely organized and calm throughout the evacuation and all got out safe. It was surprising to see how close the eruption was to the hotel. Thank you all for an incredible stay. Thankfully a volcanic eruption isn't always on the agenda.

Had an amazing stay here in September 2023, the staff was all very friendly. They arranged transportation from the airport and had a convenient shuttle to the blue lagoon down the road. Very nice cozy rooms, several relaxing reading/gathering areas with wonderful views of the hills around it. You can sign up at the front desk when checking in for a wake up call if the northern lights come out & I was lucky enough to be there on a night they did. The restaurant was absolutely amazing, I ate there for dinner & breakfast. The dinner is a restaurant experience while the breakfast is a pretty typical spread, but the food was amazing for both meals. I would definitely love to come back.

Our stay at the Northern Lights Inn for two nights was an exquisite experience, offering a slice of Icelandic charm. The rooms struck a perfect balance between coziness and pristine cleanliness, making our stay exceptionally comfortable. Hotel’s ambiance is a testament to Icelandic culture, enveloping guests in a warm, local atmosphere.

The lounge, with its crackling fireplace, became our favorite spot for relaxation, while the cinema lounge provided a unique touch of entertainment. What truly set this hotel apart was the outstanding staff; their genuine friendliness and eagerness to assist with everything from taxi bookings to arranging our visit to the Blue Lagoon was commendable.Shame I did not catch their names but everyone was very helpful and they even pointed out to us that northern lights were coming out.

The restaurant's staff mirrored this high level of service, displaying excellent organization and a warm demeanor that made our dining experiences delightful. Every meal was a pleasure, enhanced by the staff's evident pride in their work.

The hotel is a gem that promises not just a stay, but an experience infused with the warmth and beauty of Iceland. It's a place we'd wholeheartedly recommend for anyone looking for a home away from home in this stunning country.

Only one tiny comment is that there is no mini fridge in the rooms but probably there must be a reason for it.

Very good three stars hotel in the Blue Lagoon area.
Much cheaper than actual 4 stars hotel at the blue lagoon with very short (either 5 minutes by car or 20 min paved walk) distance between the Blue lagoon and the hotel.

Spacious and clean rooms with TV, en-suite bathroom and surprisingly modern 4 parts recycling been (I never came across it in hotel rooms).
Everything was properly working.
Our room had a view towards the thermal power station. We slept with our window opened and I found constant low sound from the power station’s turbines quite comforting - kind of sea or a waterfall.
Another room for our family was facing inner courtyard. It was absolutely quiet, but I personally preferred the one facing the power station.
Night view at the power station is better then during day time as the station is lit.
The hotel has Honesty bar where you can have tea coffee, some drinks and snacks with free access. You only have to put down what you took in a journal. To be paid later on checking out.
The reception desk personnel was very helpful and friendly.
The restaurant was very good, worth going even you are not hotel guest.
They offer tasting of variation of single malt Icelandic Whisky - very interesting, I recommend to try
The breakfast was very good, plenty of choice.
Plenty of free parking in fount of the hotel.

We were a family of four travelling to Iceland for 2 nights and staying at the northern light in. We had a great time, the staff is so friendly, the room was perfect for 2 adults and 2 teenagers and the max restaurant served wonderful meals both for breakfast and dinner. The ‘honesty lounge’ is a great addition with games, puzzles and a cozy fire at night, and the view is stunning. We even got to see the northern light 😊 We will be back!

We loved our stay at the Northern Lights inn and we are definitely planning to visit again soon. The hotel staff were great and knowledgeable about the local area and things to do. The food at max’s restaurant was delicious and service was great. Was a bit unsure about having a power station next door. But it wasn’t an issue at all. our room overlooked the power station, and at night, it was lit up in lots of different colours and was really quite beautiful, fascinating and not noisy at all. You couldn’t hear a thing from inside the room. Great location to see the Northern Lights and reception, give you a call when the lights are active, so you don’t miss them after midnight. Great base for lots of the most popular tings to do on a short trip to Iceland but would recommend hiring a car to get around. Our stay was worth every penny and I would recommend to anyone to stay here.

Lovely hotel, obviously ideally located for the Blue Lagoon. Restaurant also excellent. The main point of doing a review is to call out how amazing the staff were and how there were happy to go way above and beyond. We were at the hotel when there were a lot of earthquakes, which caused the Blue Lagoon to be closed. They had been amazing anyway but due to a disturbed nights sleep and most people being there to visit the lagoon, they comped our dinner and drinks. There was no need to do that and it was certainly a lovely gesture. Certainly can’t blame anyone for an earthquake!

We stayed two nights at the start of our Icelandic adventure in September 2023 and it was a perfect place to begin our trip. The staff was so kind and welcoming. The hotel is clean and our room was as spacious as any of our rooms during our time in Iceland. Bathrooms in Iceland are small so know going into it that you won't have a lot of room to do anything aside from what you're in there to do...how much time do you actually spend in the bathroom anyway? :) Breakfast was delicious, plenty of good and healthy food to start your day. And on our second night, the Northern Lights were out. The front desk staff knocked on our door to alert us (you have to request this every morning) and out we went. It was, of course, amazing! The hotel has plenty of chill out areas and a cozy fireplace room with games, tables, and an honor snack bar. And the restaurant! The food was incredible, and the windows overlooking the lava fields and power plant was such a great backdrop. When we return to Iceland, we will definitely stay here again. Oh! And we forgot an item at the hotel when we checked out but since it's so close to the airport, it was no problem swinging back through to pick it up on the way to KEF, so the location was also perfect!

Great location close to the Blue Lagoon with shuttle service. Rooms were clean and spacious. Added pickup from the airport and it was easy to see our driver and he got us out very quickly. Restaurant was amazing, food and drinks were delicious. Everyone we interacted with were helpful and very nice.

First time in Iceland — very happy with everything at Northern Lights Inn. The best part is that you can ask hotel to call you if there’s Northern Lights activity!!! You go outside and just have to look up!

Service is awesome — everybody is very friendly. We had to leave early for the airport, they actually offer a 4am breakfast!

Rooms are very clean! Very spacious! Everything I needed were there. (I wish i could’ve asked for firm pillows).

I would recommend staying here! The Blue Lagoon is 5 mins by car. There is a shuttle so very convenient.

Easy check in and out. Lovely guest area to sit and enjoy complimentary tea or coffee. Our room was spacious and clean! Love the proximity to the Blue Lagoon and the airport...made it an easy drive for us.
Max restaurant had delicious food and the staff was very friendly. Overall a great stay and would recommend it!

The room was very clean and presentable. The service was unmatched. Everyone was extremely friendly and explained everything thoroughly. Made dinner reservations, the shuttle to the lagoon was prompt. As advertised I signed up for a wake up call if the Northern Lights appeared during the night and was woke up at 3 AM to go see the lights. The gentleman also helped up set up our phones to the best settings for pictures. I had a great time and would come back.

Loved our stay here for our first night in Iceland! It was nice to stay outside of Reykjavik, right next to the Blue Lagoon (without Blue Lagoon prices), and even got a view of the Northern Lights. The option to have the front desk do a wake up call when the Northern Lights appear was a great bonus!

Honestly, we can not fault our stay at all. The service was second to non, nothing was too much trouble. We ate at Max's restaurant, and the food was exceptional and really good value for money.
I unfortunately left my phone in the taxi on our way to the airport - it had our tickets downloaded on there! This was returned to me by the manager coming off his night shift. Thank you so much!
We can not wait to go back - and can not rate this hotel any more highly.

We didn’t stay here but came for lunch after the blue lagoon, and wow…by far the best food we have had in Iceland so far. My wife got the fish and chips. Absolutely loved it. I just got the cheeseburger and fries and it had more flavor than I’ve had other places so far. Also our server, Nina was amazing, the most friendly person we’ve had here!

Easy trip from KEF. 2 minutes to the Blue Lagoon. Staff was very helpful and rooms were very clean. I found it very interesting that they have an honor policy when it comes to getting soda, beer, chips ect...

In Max's Restaurant, I definitely recommend the fish & chips. They were awesome!!

Great location, convenient way to finish our Iceland trip. Large spacious room and bathroom. Close to the airport. Free shuttle to the Blue Lagoon, perfect end to an 11 day journey around Iceland. Max’s restaurant has a great view, great food and staff also. Grindavik is a quick 10mm drive south for mor dining options if necessary.

We came to Max’s restaurant after visiting the Blue Lagoon. We didn’t stay at the inn. The staff were friendly, the views from the floor to ceiling windows are magnificent.

Food pricing is very fair and the taste is decent. We got the soup, fish and chips and chicken schnitzel and the food was fresh and hot. Service was great and the ambience excellent. I definitely recommend if you’re in the area and looking to grab a bit.

We spent two lovely nights here at the Inn. Our room was clean and comfortable and the staff was so lovely. The location is perfect - walking distance from the Blue Lagoon - and one of the front desk workers helped us find a path for a fantastic short family hike. The included breakfast is fantastic - lots of Icelandic + American breakfast choices. We also ate dinner one night at Max's Restaurant which was delicious. All of our meals were excellent. Would definitely stay here again if we return to Iceland!

Everyone who works at the NLI were very welcoming and very accommodating. We showed up 4 hours before our booking and Anna at the front desk allowed us to stay in the hotel and rest while we waited. Everyone else was very patient and kind during our entire stay. We will 100% be back!