Do you mean lava tube caves or ice caves? I still want to try and hire a 4x4 as my main goal is to stay flexible and see/photograph the Northern lights. Day 4: flight is late in the evening so not sure what to do on this day. Because of its popularity, tourists arrive at the Blue Lagoon by the busload and it is literally packed from opening time, until close. You can also book a day tour to see the Northern Lights depending on the time of year you visit! I am familiar with the weather changes but perhaps was lucky then. There is also a great selection on the A La Carte menu. If youre staying at the Silica Hotel, entry to The Blue Lagoon is included in the price of your stay. Any thoughts on the two hotels mentioned? The main resort facility has a restaurant that serves contemporary Icelandic cuisine, as well as a cafe, and a lagoon-side bar. While it was fun and romantic, we both agreed if we were to come back to Iceland, we would simply book a half-day trip from Reykjavik to the Blue Lagoon and purchase our own Premium access passes. Correction: I may have to rethink the campervan idea in march as it might not be very safe. Yes, I remember the local weather varying quite a bit within just 15 mins of drive. 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 . I ate many cheese platters from the caf! 11 days in Iceland in September with Nordic Visitor. I remember I liked it a lot when i stopped there for a break from driving. Admission is included, so only a naked shower is required before entering the prized water. The ritual was built around the natural elements of the lagoon: silica, algae, and minerals. The cheapest price for a room in Gunzenhausen found in the last 7 days is $32/night. Explore the volcanic phenomena at Blue Lagoon's doorstep. 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. 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. 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! Norurljsavegur 7 Discover the extraordinary pleasures of in-water massage at the Blue Lagoon. 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. Answer 11 of 18: How do the two hotels compare? (aside from their price difference) I read that Silica's lagoon is more private and The Retreat's can get very crowded. 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). more. 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. I would normally plan more conservative driving distances in winter. The bill for the Silica Hotel is not a cheap one, costing me just a little over $530 for a one-night stay. I am a keen photographer so I do ned to plan extra time for photo stops. 11 Shares. It is a one-time experience worth paying for, but repeats are totally not necessary. If you are staying at a hotel, simply ask your hotel concierge to give you the number of the bus company Reykjavik Excursions. The Retreat Hotel and Convention Centre is a luxurious resort perched right on a quaint beach in Madh Island. 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. 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. You will have to be flexible. Stay at (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Being the most frequented tourist attraction in Iceland, youll want to plan your visit strategically to ensure you get the most out of it. If you have any questions about the destination please leave these in the comments below. A large, warm, outdoor geothermal lagoon was created close to a large geothermal power plant that generates a large portion of southwestern Iceland's electricity, and what luck, it's also a hypnotizing blue color! Thanks. All rights reserved 2018-2023. We spent 10 days road tripping through the south of Iceland, battling hectic weather conditions, hiking snow-covered mountains and exploring various tourist hotspots. Both of our flights are early in the morning. Inside, the hotel has a minimalist design inspired by a sense of harmony with the natural beauty outside. 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. 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! Did I mention a staff member will gladly bring you beverages (including alcoholic) right to you in the private lagoon? That way you have a buffer day and you could just leave it out if there are weather problems. Silica Hotel is a just ten-minute walk from the Blue Lagoon. 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. You get a couple more bells and whistles but at an intense mark-up in cost. Free! 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. This hotel is a short walk from the Blue La. This is all weather permitting obviously. Silica Hotel vs The Retreat 2 years ago Save How do the two hotels compare? 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 MinimalistScandinavianfurnishings include cube stools, couches, and sleek sitting chairs. 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 would normally plan more conservative driving distances in winter. Or just focus on the South East drive and spend last day in the Retreat. 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. 2023 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. Again: A Camper in March is a horrible idea. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. I wonder if we can make the Golden Circle and then do the South East drive (weather-permitting) in 3 days. I am taking my SO to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? We also always travel with a portable battery pack which is great to keep your phone charged on long journies. The landscape was like nothing Ive ever seen before. Here at Oyster, we embrace just about any excuse to hit the road, but what really, Pool at Sicilys Hotel Avalon Sikani After checking into the hotel, dipping into the pool is high on the vacation agenda. We noticed that most hotel guests visited The Blue Lagoon in the afternoon after they checked in. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct. Unforgettable cuisine. You only have 2 full days and you are planning an ambitious itinerary that is better suited for summer. 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. 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). 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. Many people visiting the Blue Lagoon in the afternoon/evening stay for a meal after bathing. Custom-made facades and screens within the spa and hotel feature a. An unforgettable 2-night holiday that unlocks the door to a timeless world of radiant wellbeing in the heart of a geothermal wonderland. Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Silica Hotel vs The Retreat 3 years ago Save How do the two hotels compare? Private Geothermal Hot Spring Lagoon. The clinic has its own changing rooms, as well as a fitness center and a yoga studio. Stay at (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Or just focus on the South East drive and spend last day in the Retreat. 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. . I read that Silica's lagoon is more private and The Retreat's can get very crowded. 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. 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. 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. I was also so confused that I drove for about 40 mins in the wrong direction with no spaces to turn around, water on either sides of the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Silica Hotel Grindavik, Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland 1 Rm, 2 Guests See All Grindavik Hotels Overview Full Review Photos Room Rates Amenities Map Pros Adjacent to the famous Blue Lagoon and its spa Stunning landscape of mountains and lava flows Private geothermal bathing pool Understated rooms have patios with incredible views I am a keen photographer so I do ned to plan extra time for photo stops. 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. The Blue Lagoon is perhaps the most frequently visited location in all of Iceland. Lego 79015 - Der TOP-Favorit unserer Produkttester. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-105370593', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car and worrying about being blown off the road as the wind picked upJust thought I should share the experiences with wife who can be bit more squeamish about these things :) this can get addictive. First two nights we are renting a campervan and driving around the south coast towards Jokulsarlon. There are many different ways to explore southwest Iceland's natural treasures. Remember the 6 Ps! Past Vik, weather seems to generally be a lot more volatile from memory. How do the two hotels compare? Indoors or outdoors, tiny plunge pools to epic infinity oneshotel, Iceland doesnt exactly have one perfect season to visit. All of the 35 spacious and light-filled . June 5, 2018 Last Updated on February 17, 2020. 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. 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. Cookie Notice Day 3 drive back route 1 and do a cave thing in the morning. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-105369089', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Fosshotel Blue glacier. Or just focus on the South East drive and spend last day in the Retreat. a week, 3 days, 30 minutes? I am familiar with the weather changes but perhaps was lucky then. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. The Silica Hotel vs retreat Hotel In Conclusion: Where should I stay when visiting Blue Lagoon Iceland? 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. Silica Hotel has several rooms that are wheelchair accessible and equipped with roll-in showers. The style of the hotel is modern simplicity. Its quite expensive so you want to allow plenty of time to enjoy yourself. What do you want to see and do en route? 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. 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 ? This means you can enter Iceland and travel between other European countries for up to 90 days per stay. I read that Silica's lagoon is more private and The Retreat's can get very crowded. Does this look realistic? a week, 3 days, 30 minutes? Factor this into your plans for the day and give yourself a time cushion to shower (yes you MUST shower both before you get in the lagoon and after you get in the lagoon), and to lounge around. 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). I am taking my SO to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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 ? 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. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. 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. Iceland is part of the European Schengen zone, which typically provides 90 days of free entry every 180 days to visitors from many countries. HubPages is a registered trademark of The Arena Platform, Inc. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners. 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. Free! In addition the weather can change quickly, since there are many microclimates in Iceland. I'm having trouble finding comparisons to these two options. Take a walk or run around the hotel. The hotel is very family friendly, and offers children's robes and floating. You can buy a universal adapter that will work in any country and has extra ports for USB cables to charge your phone and other devices. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. I booked Retreat in the end as I know I will probably regret it not staying there. 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 something you need to be aware of when making your plans. 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 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. It has the unique mix of minerals and seawater algae that's found only in Iceland. While we're here we are staying at the hotel right next to the Blue Lagoon, the Silica Hotel! High ceilings with slatted wood frames and big picture windows combine with a spare decor composed of woodfurnishings imported from Norway. Any recommendations for caves/glacier tours? Any thoughts on the two hotels mentioned? 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. Full hour-long massages can be takenin-water, while floating gently on a rubber mat. 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). What do you want to see and do en route? I never suggest anyone even drive a regular vehicle that time of year unless they are an Expert Arctic winter driver. 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. Answer 1 of 18: How do the two hotels compare? Shelves and benches are integrated into the design of the wooden wall cabinets and closets, with pendant lamps dangling from the ceilings. Day 2: drive along route 1 towards Jokularson and see the stuff along the route. The Silica Hotel at the Blue Lagoon outside of Reykjavik was an outstanding experience. Fine dining at Blue Lagoon Iceland takes you into a gourmet landscape of tradition, innovation, purity, and freshness.