Höfn Hostel, Höfn í Hornafirði

Satisfactory accommodations, excellent customer service

Stayed here in March 2012. While the cost of a double (12K ISK) was a bit higher than we were accustomed to in Iceland, it was the best deal in Hofn. Accommodations were satisfactory. The rooms were sparse but very clean, and there was a communal dining area that was stocked with plates and silverware. I had a comfortable and restful night. When you first arrive, you push a button on the intercom and it connects you with the manager's cellphone. Within 5-10 minutes, the manager (Halldor) came to open the hostel for us. The best part of our stay was the exemplary service we received from Halldor. When we left the hostel, I left behind a pair of shoes, and Halldor went to the trouble of mailing my shoes back to United States for me. It was certainly something he was not required to do, but he did it gladly. I was extremely impressed with his dedication, and felt he went above and beyond expectations. I would recommend this hostel.

HI - Hofn Hostel is the only hostel in Hofn, a fishing village that is one of the closest towns to Iceland's largest glacier; Vatnajakoll.

The Location

Due to its close proximity to Vatnajakoll, places to stay in Hofn are pricey and HI - Hofn is no exception. The hostel is a little difficult to find as the street sign is confusing, but it is located right at the port. There are plenty of parking spaces available and there is a soccer field right behind the hostel. Public transportation only comes here during peak seasons.

Rooms and Bathrooms

There are rooms located on the ground floor and upstairs; dorm rooms are located right next to the dining area, which could cause a noise issue. The placement of the beds gives less space inside the room and some of the mattresses are old and keep sliding off. The sheets are also very old and wrinkly. When booking through the HI website, there is no option to not take the linen and breakfast so the prices are quite high. The window inside one of the dorm rooms looks directly out to a soccer field so curtains needs to be covered for privacy. The desk within the room is sticky on top.

There is an ensuite washroom inside, which is sufficient but the toilet seat cover came off completely. The showers are fine and there is plenty of hot water without any sulfur smell.

Common Spaces

It does not look like there are any sofas -- the only sitting area we noticed is the dining area, which contains a TV. There are plenty of tables and the kitchen is sufficient, but is a little small and messy -- it could use some more frequent cleaning. The reception is located right by the entrance, but they offered no maps or information at the time of visit. There are no computers available for use and no Wi-Fi in the hostel. The atmosphere is relaxed and quiet, with a mix of old and young couples and a group of twenty-something men also there during our stay.

Breakfast, which contributes to the high room rate, is served at another location (Guesthouse Hvammur), about a two-minute walk away. The breakfast is very plain, consisting of toast, crackers, fruit, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate.

Summary

Overall, HI - Hofn is one of the cheapest options for Hofn if you want to stay indoors. If there is an option to remove the breakfast and linen for a cheaper price, take it -- the breakfast is not very great and linen is old. We did not use our linen and a large spider crawled out of it the next morning. The hostel is not as nice as other hostels in Iceland and is one of the most expensive hostels in Iceland as well.

A curious wee hostel, centrally located in the small fishing town of Hofn. Potentially a handy location if circling the island, but marjorly let down by the fact it has permanent residents who have taken over the very limited facilities. Not a clean hostel at all, everything either rattle, bangs, or squeeks, so bring your earplugs.

The colder times of the year will be a problem, as the heating is not up to speed, and the bathroom facilities are very basic. (Both toilets marked as male, so could be interesting for less forward female travellers). The large communial are is a bonus, as are the free washing machines. There are supermarkets nearby.