KEX Hostel and Hotel Reykjavik

2.0 star property
Bayside hostel with 24-hour front desk and bar/lounge

Photo gallery for KEX Hostel and Hotel Reykjavik

Bar (on property)
Hallway
Lobby lounge
Exterior
1 bedroom, individually decorated, individually furnished

Popular amenities

  • 24/7 front desk
  • Bar
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
28 Skúlagata, Reykjavik, Capital Region, 101
  • Hallgrimskirkja
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Harpa
    ‪12 min walk‬
  • Reykjavik Harbour
    ‪19 min walk‬
  • Reykjavik (RKV-Reykjavik Domestic)
    ‪4 min drive‬

Room options

Basic Double Room, Private Bathroom, Ocean View

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Heating
Fridge
Dishwasher
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
  • 20 sq m
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Standard Shared 4-bed Dormitory, Mixed Dorm, Shared Bathroom

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Heating
Fridge
Dishwasher
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
2 bathrooms
  • 13 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 2 Single Bunk Beds

Shared 16 bed Dormitory, Mixed Dorm, Shared Bathroom

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(8 reviews)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Heating
Fridge
Dishwasher
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
2 bathrooms
  • 62 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 8 Single Bunk Beds

Family Room, Multiple Beds, Private Bathroom

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Heating
Fridge
Dishwasher
Smart TV
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
  • 40 sq m
  • Sleeps 8
  • 3 Queen Beds and 1 Queen Sofa Bed

Standard Twin Room, Shared Bathroom

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Heating
Fridge
Dishwasher
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
2 bathrooms
  • 13 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds

Classic Double Room, Private Bathroom

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Heating
Fridge
Dishwasher
Smart TV
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
  • 13 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Superior Room, Private Bathroom

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Heating
Fridge
Dishwasher
Smart TV
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
  • 17 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Queen Sofa Bed

Standard Shared 6-bed Dormitory, Mixed Dorm, Shared Bathroom

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(7 reviews)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Heating
Fridge
Dishwasher
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
2 bathrooms
  • 17 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 3 Single Bunk Beds

Shared 8-bed Dormitory, Mixed Dorm, Shared Bathroom

7.0 out of 10
Good
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Heating
Fridge
Dishwasher
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
2 bathrooms
  • 20 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 4 Single Bunk Beds

Shared Dormitory, Women only, Shared Bathroom

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Heating
Fridge
Dishwasher
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
2 bathrooms
  • 17 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 3 Single Bunk Beds

Double Room, Shared Bathroom

7.8 out of 10
Good
(8 reviews)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Heating
Fridge
Dishwasher
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
2 bathrooms
  • 16 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed OR 2 Single Beds

Deluxe Room, Private Bathroom

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Heating
Fridge
Dishwasher
Smart TV
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
  • 25 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Queen Sofa Bed

Shared 42-bed Dormitory, Mixed Dorm, Shared Bathroom

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(25 reviews)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Heating
Fridge
Dishwasher
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
2 bathrooms
  • 115 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 20 Single Bunk Beds

Family Room, Shared Bathroom

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Heating
Fridge
Dishwasher
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
2 bathrooms
  • 24 sq m
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Single Bunk Beds and 1 Queen Bed

Economy Double Room, Private Bathroom

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Heating
Fridge
Dishwasher
Smart TV
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
  • 10 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Family Quadruple Room, Shared Bathroom

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Heating
Fridge
Dishwasher
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
2 bathrooms
  • 18 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Single Bunk Bed and 1 Queen Bed

About the area

Reykjavik

KEX Hostel and Hotel Reykjavik puts you in the heart of Reykjavik, within just a 10-minute stroll of popular attractions like Laugavegur and Hallgrimskirkja. Highlights at this hostel include free in-room WiFi. .KEX Port is the hostel's own bar. Other amenities include free Wi-Fi in public areas, laundry facilities and a microwave in a common area. Buffet breakfast is available daily between 7:00 AM and 11:00 AM. .Attractions within a 20-minute walk of this Downtown Reykjavik hostel include Reykjavik Harbour and Harpa.

What's nearby

  • Laugavegur - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Hallgrimskirkja - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Harpa - 12 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Reykjavik City Hall - 14 min walk - 1.2 km
  • Reykjavik Harbour - 19 min walk - 1.6 km

Getting around

  • Reykjavik (RKV-Reykjavik Domestic) - 6 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Svarta Kaffið - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Microbar - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Skál! - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪BrewDog Reykjavík - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Aktu Taktu - ‬1 min walk

About this property

KEX Hostel and Hotel Reykjavik

Bayside hostel with 24-hour front desk and bar/lounge
As a guest of KEX Hostel and Hotel Reykjavik, you'll find a library, multilingual staff, and gift shops/newsstands. Public spaces have free WiFi. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. KEX Hostel and Hotel Reykjavik also features tour/ticket assistance, concierge services, and laundry facilities.

This Reykjavik hostel is smoke free.

  • 43 guestrooms or units
  • 4 levels
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Staff members are multilingual
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Library
  • Gift shop
  • No smoking on site
  • Microwave in a common area
  • Fridge in a common area
  • Locker space
  • Bar or lounge
KEX Hostel and Hotel Reykjavik offers 43 accommodations with shared/communal kitchens and blackout curtains. Each accommodation is individually furnished and decorated. This Reykjavik hostel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Fridges and microwaves are provided. Housekeeping is offered on a daily basis and hairdryers can be requested.

Languages

English, Icelandic

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • No on-site parking available

Food and drink

  • Daily buffet breakfast available 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM for a fee: ISK 2,700 per person
  • A bar/lounge

Restaurants on site

  • KEX Port

Things to do

  • Books
  • Games
  • Library
  • Piano

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Laundry facilities

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Laundry facilities
  • Lockers
  • Luggage storage
  • Shared microwave
  • Shared refrigerator

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Outdoors

  • On the bay

Accessibility

  • No lift

More

  • 4 floors
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer (on request)
  • Private or shared bathroom
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Cleaning supplies
  • Dishwasher
  • Hob
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator
  • Shared kitchen access
  • Toaster

More

  • Heating
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: anytime
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Fee for buffet breakfast: from approximately ISK 2700 per person

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards and cash
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector and a first aid kit
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. No on-site parking is available. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express and cash. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector and a first aid kit in all accommodation. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

We should mention

  • This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).

Property is also known as

Kex Hostel
Kex Reykjavík
Kex Hostel Reykjavík Reykjavik
Kex Hostel Reykjavík Hostel/Backpacker accommodation
Kex Hostel Reykjavík Hostel/Backpacker accommodation Reykjavik

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at KEX Hostel and Hotel Reykjavik?

KEX Hostel and Hotel Reykjavik offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

Are there any beaches close to KEX Hostel and Hotel Reykjavik?

The closest beach to KEX Hostel and Hotel Reykjavik is Nautholsvik Geothermal Beach (2.7 km).

Does KEX Hostel and Hotel Reykjavik serve breakfast?

Sure does, buffet brekkie is offered daily between 7:00 AM and 11:00 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at KEX Hostel and Hotel Reykjavik?

No, KEX Hostel and Hotel Reykjavik does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at KEX Hostel and Hotel Reykjavik?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM. Check-out time is 11:00 AM.

Are pets allowed at KEX Hostel and Hotel Reykjavik?

No, pets are not allowed.

KEX Hostel and Hotel Reykjavik Reviews

Reviews

8.4

Very good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 327 out of 637 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 188 out of 637 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 65 out of 637 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 35 out of 637 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 22 out of 637 reviews

8.4/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.2/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

6/10 Okay

Sophia

Disliked: Amenities
Note that this hostel is currently under construction, a fact that I found was grossly unadvertised. There is this no access to the hotel bar or many common areas for that matter. Kitchen available but in dirty condition, unappetizing both to cook and eat there. I mostly spent free time in the cafes as the few common areas were either dingy looking or full of men well over the age of 30 making you feel slightly uncomfortable. I realize this is not the hostel’s fault, but nonetheless still a feature of the place. The rooms have a funky smell to them, likely due to the sheer amount of people sleeping in them. If the snoring does not wake you up, which granted is common in larger sleeping rooms, the construction outside or the door to the dorms that won’t work until a fourth or fifth push surely will! Do not expect anything but the bed you will sleep in as you will need to pay for a lock, towel, etc. I’ve stayed in many hostels before, and found myself pretty disappointed by this one. This could be largely due to construction, but why not make that clear? I sure hope I did not pay the prices they normally charge considering that I had access to a fraction of the amenities.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Erin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hostel is in a nice location with great view, fun decor, very walkable area despite the construction happening currently, and the facilities were kept clean and in good condition. Beyond the cleanliness and convenience, the staff were really kind and went out of their way to help out. Especially appreciated free luggage storage for a bit after check out while waiting for transport to airport, and the loan of a few travel essentials I'd forgotten.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

2/10 Terrible

Marina

Travelled with group
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service
My first stay was better but my second was really bad! $8 to rent a towel and got locked inside the bathroom on the 4th floor. Loud people by the dorms at 1:30am - I reported to the front desk and he did nothing. 4 am these people were still there. Found out that one is sleeping on the couch- oh well, we all want to sleep for free! Linen was dirty and im pretty sure it wasnt changed from previous guest. Had hair all over. Duvet covers are not changed on each guest FOR SURE. Disgusting parking is extremely difficult - dont ever park by dominos pizza across the street! we got fined ! Hostel staff said it was okay to park there on the weekends 🙄🙄🙄 Don’t give wrong information!!!!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ashley

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location, construction nearby prevented on site parking but there was close by public parking.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marina

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice hostel, multiple bathrooms and showers. Great location Each floor has its own kitchen - very convenient Very clean and linen were cozy! Downsides : parking is extremely difficult and no towels for ppl in dorms
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

henry

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Close to the ocean.

Nice hostel. Well located. Easy access to restaurants and attractions. But they charge almost $9 US for a towel which I think is ridiculous. Other than that everything is okay.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Dannielle, Winston Salem

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location, very clean, and super friendly and helpful staff! Quite old so the room was hot and humid due to poor ventilation. All in all great choice for budget travelers!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Eden-Lise

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely hostel! The staff here are friendly and amazing. Location is great.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

David, Fairfax

Hard to find free parking.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

austin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean, nice staff, easy to get to
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

6/10 Okay

Anna

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Muhamad Humam

Liked: Amenities
It was great service
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Isaac

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hostel was nice. It is right by the ocean with Mountain View’s / city behind it. Easy to get around. Bathrooms were a bit dirty but over all I enjoyed my stay.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Olatunji

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Kex, my go to hostel in Reykjavik

Amazing hostel with reasonable prices. Had an upgrade from 42 bed to 6 bed at no cost.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Danielle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cynthia

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
There is currently construction going on around the building but the hostel provides free earbuds as a solution! However, I wish I had known in advance. All good, the stay was decent regardless.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nathan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Employees were nice, the room comfortable, and the hostel was clean. It was a perfectly decent place to stay. I do feel a bit bad I didn’t check out properly, I nearly missed my bus to the airport. Heads up that the FlyBus is picking up a handful of blocks away until the renovations at Kex are complete
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Justin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice and cheap hostel! Perfect for the price, nice and clean. Under going some construction at the moment so excited to see it when its all finished. Would recommend.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Leslie Ann

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 9 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Viviana

Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

6/10 Okay

Xenia

Travelled with partner
Disliked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Reception was on the 2nd floor and there was no elevator.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Sara

Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

4/10 Poor

Rolando Rochester

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

6/10 Okay

Juan Pablo

Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Staff & service, room comfort
Disliked: Cleanliness

Nice hostel

Lovely place, although their were under refurbishment so there was no bar or restaurant available. The bathrooms are very dark and smell damp. The property doesn't seem to be cleaned often, many times I used the bathrooms they were dirty and overflowing with toilet paper. The kitchen was also not very well looked after, it could be more stocked with essential items like mugs and cutlery. The 49 people room is well divided so it doesn't feel like there are that many people in there. My only coment are the metal lockers that make A LOT of noise even if you try to be quiet, so that's not ideal in a room so full of people.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024