The four-pearl Silica Hotel is the lodging for the famous Blue Lagoon,surrounded by a dramatic landscape that'srich in geothermal mineral water. If you are staying at a hotel, simply ask your hotel concierge to give you the number of the bus company Reykjavik Excursions. We had the hotels lagoon mostly to ourselves for the afternoon. Yes, I remember the local weather varying quite a bit within just 15 mins of drive. The pick would have to be the in-water massage. Day 4: flight is late in the evening so not sure what to do on this day. Silica Hotel vs The Retreat 2 years ago Save How do the two hotels compare? 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. The Retreat Hotel and Convention Centre is a luxurious resort perched right on a quaint beach in Madh Island. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. For our purposes, the Silica Hotel was 100% worth every dollar. Day 2: drive along route 1 towards Jokularson and see the stuff along the route. Day 3 drive back route 1 and do a cave thing in the morning. For those after something a little more simple, there is takeaway sushi, sandwiches and healthy snacks available at the Silica Hotel or the Blue Cafe. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Join our global travel community, where we empower women to wander the world with confidence! We were really in need of some downtime when we arrived at the Silica Hotel. When I turned up for breakfast the next morning, there were a lot of people in the hotels lagoon. Basically, you lie on a floating bed in the warm milky blue geothermal waters, while the therapist massages mineral-rich oil all over your body. That's service. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. This is something you need to be aware of when making your plans. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Whatever you do, do NOT get a taxi from Reykjavik to the Blue Lagoon or the Silica Hotel, or you will be staring at a $140 USD taxi receipt. The worst weather I have ever driven thru was on the road from the city to the Golden Circle. We even woke up early and used the private lagoon one more time before heading to the airport. However, I will say that we probably would never stay there again. And there aren't many nice hotels (from looks of it) until closer to skaftafell/jokulsarl on road 1 from what I gather. I read that Silica's lagoon is more private and The Retreat's can get very crowded. Is the Golden Circle road generally more sheltered from winds than the South East road? 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. Or just focus on the South East drive and spend last day in the Retreat. Iceland 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 private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed). Correction: I may have to rethink the campervan idea in march as it might not be very safe. If you're looking for a Blue . Hotel 360 looks nice but I am not sure I can get to it during winter). How long in advance can the weather forecast be considered 'reliable' more or less? (aside from their price difference) I read that Silica's lagoon is more private and The Retreat's can get very crowded. Correction: I may have to rethink the campervan idea in march as it might not be very safe. A Review of The Silica Hotel Iceland Blue Lagoon. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-105369089', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Fosshotel Blue glacier. The Blue Lagoon pathway has many smaller pools along the path for picture opportunities, as swimmers are not allowed in them. The Blue Lagoon history dates back to 1976 when it formed next to the geothermal power plant, Svartsengi. Do you mean lava tube caves or ice caves? This means you can enter Iceland and travel between other European countries for up to 90 days per stay. In addition the weather can change quickly, since there are many microclimates in Iceland. Hotel 360 looks nice but I am not sure I can get to it during winter). 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. 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. Does this look realistic? Its quite expensive so you want to allow plenty of time to enjoy yourself. 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. There are also several lagoons around the hotel, filled with geothermal water. First two nights we are renting a campervan and driving around the south coast towards Jokulsarlon. 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. How do the two hotels compare? TheSilica Hotelis located down a gravel road, a little more than a half-mile (about onekilometer) from the Blue Lagoon resort. Renowned psoriasis treatments are available, along with a range of more typical body treatments, using the Blue Lagoon's branded products. Correction: I may have to rethink the campervan idea in march as it might not be very safe. Want to ride horses with Fabio-style manes, Blue Lagoon Clinic Ive just returned from a last-minute jaunt around Iceland and as it turns out, the land of ice and fire is just as majestic as youd imagine. All products are independently selected by our writers and editors. While the island country is temperate in the summer and fairly cold in winter, the weather can be unpredictable. Free! It is very isolated, so basically your only options for that day will be private lagoon, public lagoon, or relax at the hotel. 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. Being the most frequented tourist attraction in Iceland, youll want to plan your visit strategically to ensure you get the most out of it. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Indoors or outdoors, tiny plunge pools to epic infinity oneshotel, Iceland doesnt exactly have one perfect season to visit. Also, how many nights would you recommend? What do you want to see and do en route? If you did not purchase bus tickets yet, you can walk inside the terminal and buy them there; it is very easy. Your plans will depend on the weather and road conditions. more. Answer 11 of 18: How do the two hotels compare? Silica Hotel: Book Your Room at Silica Hotel | Blue Lagoon Iceland Silica Hotel Comfort and hospitality in the heart of an otherworldly landscape. Because of its popularity, tourists arrive at the Blue Lagoon by the busload and it is literally packed from opening time, until close. 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 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 exposed concrete is treated to create walls with different textures and tones that evoke the white silica or grey lava. 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. 11 days in Iceland in September with Nordic Visitor. If youre planning a trip to Iceland, the Blue Lagoonis sure to be high on your list of must-see places. Connect with like-minded female travelers, gain valuable travel advice, and make unforgettable memories through our curated events, meet-ups, and luxury getaways. Are These 5 Trendy Destinations Still Worth Visiting? I am taking my SO to Iceland for 3 nights beginning of March and last night I wanted to. 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). Stay at (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I still want to try and hire a 4x4 as my main goal is to stay flexible and see/photograph the Northern lights. How do the two hotels compare? This rate is available with Ferienwohnung Nfelt. Silica Hotel vs The Retreat 2 years ago Save How do the two hotels compare? High ceilings with slatted wood frames and big picture windows combine with a spare decor composed of woodfurnishings imported from Norway. Day 3 drive back route 1 and do a cave thing in the morning. 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. Several travel companies within Iceland offer various Blue Lagoon experiences, including both vacation day trips as well as quick lay-over trips to the lagoon. It was located as far away from the . We checked in around 3 pm and made a beeline for the hotel lagoon. DEFINITELY don't do a campervan in March! Full hour-long massages can be takenin-water, while floating gently on a rubber mat. If this does not sound like your idea of magic, then the Silica and Retreat Hotel is your answer to Blue Lagoon heaven. Does this look realistic? Limited access to the public lagoon is included, but it's a walk to all the main facilities from the hotel. Admission is included, so only a naked shower is required before entering the prized water. We literally had the entire place to ourselves for at least an hour before one other couple joined us. Thanks. Buses run about every 4560 minutes to and from the Blue Lagoon. Your email address will not be published. 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. This post may contain affiliate links. There are regular bus shuttles between the airport and the Silica Hotel. From Keflavik International Airport to the Blue Lagoon and vice versa is approximately 20 minutes with no traffic. This company will send a shuttle to your hotel to scoop you up and bring you to the bus terminal in Reykjavik, which will have a bus that can bring you to either the Blue Lagoon or the Silica Hotel for around $20 one-way or $40 round trip. Silica looks a little simple from the photos (though I am sure it is beautiful too). 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). You only have 2 full days and you are planning an ambitious itinerary that is better suited for summer. I wonder if we can make the Golden Circle and then do the South East drive (weather-permitting) in 3 days. In my case and I'm sure most cases, the hotel concierge will even call them for you to coordinate your pick-up. 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. And there were people everywhere! I am a keen photographer so I do ned to plan extra time for photo stops. You will have to be flexible. I ate many cheese platters from the caf! The cheapest price for a room in Gunzenhausen found in the last 7 days is $32/night. (aside from their price difference) I read that Silica's lagoon is more private and The Retreat's can get very crowded. 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. Basic includes zero frills, charging you extra for anything down to the use of a towel, while luxury includes flip flops, a towel, robe, and even drinks and a dinner reservation at Lava, the restaurant attached to the lagoon (you can skip this one, I'll explain in another post). 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 ? Enjoy a variety of tours and activities during your stay. Arrive at The Retreat blue lagoon in late afternoon. (aside from their price difference). 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. Thanks for submitting such a great post Amanda and for being such an important member of our community! First two nights we are renting a campervan and driving around the south coast towards Jokulsarlon. Premium entry to the Blue Lagoon is included with your stay. and our 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. Family-Friendly? The 4000sq-m spa is at the heart of the hotel, connecting the Retreat hotel to the public lagoon. 11. 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. 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. There is no such thing as a "slow" time of day for them. Again: A Camper in March is a horrible idea. Silica types with crystalline and amorphous structure are found in nature and are also produced synthetically. We noticed that most hotel guests visited The Blue Lagoon in the afternoon after they checked in. 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. We used the private lagoon for hours up until it closed at midnight, and went to the larger public lagoon earlier in the day using the two included Premium admission passes. The biggest draw of the Silica Hotel, is of course, the fact that it has its own private Blue Lagoon for hotel guests only. Answer 11 of 18: How do the two hotels compare? If we include that then obviously there will be less time for driving. The Blue Lagoon is only a 20-minute bus ride from Keflavik Airport, the only international airport in Iceland. There are several walking paths around the Silica Hotel, which take you on a journey through ancient volcanic lava fields. 1 room: 2 guests. In contrast to the large crowds and boisterous energy of the Blue Lagoon, the energy at the. "Discover the Breathtaking Beauty of Iceland's Blue Lagoon Hotel -#iceland #bluelagoonmocktail #hotel #nature #top10 Audio Credits: Song: 'Miguel Johnson -. 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. The atmosphere at the Silica Hotel is very calm and serene and from the moment we arrived, we felt like we could finally breathe a sigh of relief. Be sure to check the EU Schengen website for the latest information for your specific country. 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