Please select your travel dates to see rates and availability
Check In
Check Out
1 room2 guests1 room, 2 guests
Info
Summary of reviewsGistihús Hólmavíkur offers a delightful retreat in the heart of Holmavík, beautifully positioned by the harbor, providing serene ocean views from many rooms. Its prime location ensures easy access to nearby attractions, including the Witch Museum and key amenities such as cafes, bars and eateries. The guesthouse is particularly noted for its cleanliness and the warm, friendly service provided by staff, adding to its charm.
The breakfast experience at Gistihús Hólmavíkur elicits mixed reviews. Many guests appreciate the well-prepared meals served at requested times and the opportunity to enjoy breakfast on a pleasant terrace. However, some find the offerings minimalistic and are disappointed by the lack of variety, particularly those seeking vegan options or more robust meal selections.
Dining at Gistihús Hólmavíkur is complemented by an intimate bistro offering homemade soups and sandwiches, although with limited meal service hours. Fortunately, a highly-regarded restaurant across the street provides additional options, praised for its delicious pizzas and fresh fish.
Rooms are clean, tidy and designed for comfort, though they can be on the smaller side. Despite the size, the modern furnishings and cozy charm, paired with excellent cleanliness, make for a welcoming stay. Some rooms offer private bathrooms and stunning sea views, enhancing the overall experience.
The guesthouse stands out for its impeccable cleanliness and quiet ambiance, ensuring a restful environment for all visitors. The staff's friendliness and attentive service create a hospitable atmosphere, further enriching the guest experience. Families will find the hotel accommodating with a lively and kid-friendly environment.
Guests generally report comfortable beds, though firmness preferences vary. While some appreciate the support, others find the mattresses too firm, indicating a mixed response. Nonetheless, overall satisfaction with the bedding and accommodation remains high.
In summary, Gistihús Hólmavíkur is an excellent choice for travelers seeking a clean, cozy and conveniently located guesthouse in Holmavík, particularly for short stays or those embarking on adventures to the Westfjords. Show more
Read review summaries for all categories
Small Hotel
This hotel provides a convenient and comfortable stay in Hólmavík. It offers easy access to local amenities and attractions, making it a suitable base for exploring the region. The friendly staff ensures a pleasant experience for all guests.
Family Friendly Hotel
Room Types
Double or Twin Room with BathroomThe twin/double room features soundproof walls, a carpeted floor, as well as a private bathroom boasting a walk-in shower and a hairdryer. The unit has 2 beds.
Double Room with Shared BathroomThe double room offers soundproof walls, parquet floors, as well as a shared bathroom featuring a bath or a shower and a hairdryer. The double room features heating and sea views. The unit offers 2 beds.
Twin Room with Shared BathroomThe twin room features soundproof walls, parquet floors, as well as a shared bathroom boasting a bath or a shower and a hairdryer. The unit has 2 beds.
Guest Reviews
Location
Gistihús Hólmavíkur boasts a prime location in the heart of Holmavík, right by the picturesque harbor, making it a gem for travelers exploring the small village. The guesthouse is aptly positioned next to the ocean, providing serene views of the sea and harbor from many of its rooms. This proximity to the water is often highlighted by guests as exceptionally beautiful.
The hotel's central position means it is just a minute's walk from attractions like the Witch Museum and conveniently near key amenities such as the local café, bar and restaurant. Across the street lies a highly praised restaurant, known for its fresh fish and amazing pizzas. The historic ambiance of Holmavík is enhanced by nearby structures, adding to the quaint charm of the area.
Guests appreciate the strategic location, especially for those continuing their journey to the Westfjords, making it an excellent start point. Cleanliness and friendly service further enhance the appeal of this guesthouse. For those planning a brief stopover or looking to immerse themselves in the tranquil setting of a small fishing village, Gistihús Hólmavíkur offers an ideal, quiet retreat in a stunning environment.
Breakfast
At Gistihús Hólmavíkur, the breakfast offerings elicit diverse opinions from guests, ranging from positive acclaim to notable criticisms. Many reviews praise the breakfast as good, very good and even top-notch, highlighting its sufficiency and satisfaction levels. A distinguishing feature includes attentive service with breakfast beautifully prepared and served at requested times. Some guests appreciated the inclusion of breakfast, along with the option to take coffee for the road and the ability to enjoy their meal on a pleasant terrace.
However, there are recurring mentions of the breakfast being quite minimalist and basic, often described as simple or Spartan. Guests noticed a lack of variety with one-sided options such as only one type of bread, ham and scant offerings of fruits or vegetables. For some, this led to a disappointing experience with a few even labeling it as the worst or most meager breakfast encountered in Iceland. Additionally, there were notes on the lack of vegan options and the somewhat unappealing presentation of cold cuts and cheese.
Therefore, while Gistihús Hólmavíkur's breakfast meets expectations for some, particularly those who enjoy a traditional, light start to their day, it might leave others craving more variety and richer options.
Dinner
Gistihús Hólmavíkur offers a quaint and intimate dining experience with a cozy bistro available for both breakfast and dinner. The in-house bistro, while offering limited hours and a selection of meals, serves delicious homemade soups and sandwiches and provides a charming terrace that overlooks the harbor. Guests can end their evening with a glass of wine while enjoying the picturesque views.
However, it's wise to plan meal times carefully, as the bistro operates under limited hours and there's no guarantee of getting specific dishes. For those who arrive late or leave early, the restricted service times may pose a challenge.
Fortunately, just across the street lies an excellent restaurant, praised for its delicious cuisine and amazing pizza. This additional dining option ensures guests have ample opportunity to enjoy good food during their stay. Rjis Cafe, in particular, is noted for its sublime offerings and is a popular choice among visitors.
While the rooms at Gistihús Hólmavíkur are compact and some face the parking lot, the warm hospitality and kindness of the staff, coupled with the serene waterside location, add to the guesthouse’s appeal. For those planning to visit, it's recommended to arrange dinner plans in advance to fully enjoy the culinary delights available both on-site and nearby.
Rooms
Gistihús Hólmavíkur offers a delightful stay characterized by cleanliness and comfort, albeit with some spatial limitations. The rooms are notably small, a common feature in Iceland, often lacking adequate space for luggage and some amenities. Despite their size, they are efficiently designed, modern and exude a cozy charm.
Guests appreciate the cleanliness with the rooms and bathrooms consistently noted for their immaculate condition. Several rooms offer beautiful views of the sea or harbor, adding a pleasant touch to the stay. The accommodations are functional; some rooms come with private bathrooms, while others feature shared facilities which are also well-maintained.
Comfortable beds and modern furnishings, though sparse, contribute to a welcoming environment. While the selections at breakfast might be basic, it is sufficient for an overnight stay. Overall, Gistihús Hólmavíkur provides a clean, tidy and comfortable option for travelers, particularly suitable for short stays.
Beds
Gistihús Hólmavíkur receives a mix of feedback regarding its beds with a strong lean towards positive remarks. Guests frequently describe the beds and bedding as comfortable, cozy and conducive to a good night's sleep, making "comfortable beds" a recurring theme in their reviews. Many found the mattresses to be supportive and terms like "good bed" and "noble beds" are used, highlighting a generally favorable impression.
However, there are mentions of firmness that may not suit everyone's preference. Terms like "very firm" and "rock hard" beds indicate that some guests found the mattresses to be overly stiff, suggesting a need for a mattress topper for those who prefer a softer sleeping surface. While the bedding itself is typically described as comfortable, a few guests noted that the pillows and duvets could use improvement, particularly mentioning the polyester doona as being "very hot."
Overall, most guests enjoy a comfortable sleep at Gistihús Hólmavíkur, though those sensitive to harder mattresses might experience some discomfort.
Cleanliness
Gistihús Hólmavíkur consistently impresses guests with its remarkable cleanliness. Many reviewers highlight the overall cleanliness of the establishment, describing it as extremely clean, well-maintained and neat. The rooms are frequently mentioned as being very clean and tidy, ensuring a comfortable and pleasant stay. The bathrooms, although occasionally noted as small, are upheld to a high standard of cleanliness. The guesthouse is recognized for its peaceful and quiet ambiance, providing a clean and calming environment for visitors. With meticulous attention to cleanliness, Gistihús Hólmavíkur guarantees a spotless and welcoming experience, making it a standout choice for travelers seeking a clean and cozy accommodation.
Staff
Gistihús Hólmavíkur receives high praise for its exceptional staff. Guests consistently highlight the friendly and accommodating nature of the hosts, who go above and beyond to ensure a welcoming atmosphere. The owner is frequently described as lovely, extremely helpful and informative, making guests feel right at home.
The staff at Gistihús Hólmavíkur are noted for their attentiveness and exceptional friendliness. Whether it's the manager's facilitative approach, the warm welcome from the receptionist or the helpful and courteous service throughout, guests find themselves well taken care of. There is a strong focus on providing a comfortable experience, supported by the owner's willingness to assist with any needs.
While there is mention of some bluntness in service, the overwhelming sentiment remains positive with phrases like super friendly staff, gracious hosts and a very nice reception from the owner and his daughter. From language assistance to a friendly demeanor, the staff's efforts create a pleasant and hospitable environment that leaves a lasting impression on guests. Despite a singular mention of rudeness, the overall consensus portrays a dedicated and amiable team committed to enhancing the guest experience.
Family
Gistihús Hólmavíkur is a welcoming destination for families traveling with children. Numerous guests have highlighted that it is a nice place to stay with kids, emphasizing the hotel's kid-friendly environment. The centrally located breakfast corridor often sees children, creating a lively atmosphere in the mornings. Evenings in the dining room are noted to be fun, providing an enjoyable space for families to relax. Additionally, the hotel features a kiddie-friendly waste disposal system, making it convenient for families. Many guests recommend this place to families, reinforcing its reputation as a family-friendly option.
No, Gistihús Hólmavíkur doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Gistihús Hólmavíkur.
No, Gistihús Hólmavíkur doesn't allow dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at Gistihús Hólmavíkur.