Reykjavik's Hidden Gem: Daydream at Vesturgata 17 (Icelandic Escape!)
Reykjavik's Hidden Gem: Daydream at Vesturgata 17 (Icelandic Escape!)
Daydream at Vesturgata 17: Okay, So This is Reykjavik, Actually… (A Real Review)
Alright, listen up, fellow travelers. You're scrolling, you're comparing, you're probably sick of the pristine, perfect hotel reviews. Well, I am too. So, buckle up, buttercups, because I’m about to spill some real tea on Daydream at Vesturgata 17 in Reykjavik. Forget the airbrushed brochures; this is the Icelandic escape you actually want. Or maybe not. Honestly, it depends on your mood.
First, the Setup (Meh, But Important):
Let's get the boring stuff out of the way, shall we? Accessibility: Pretty good, actually. They’ve got elevators, which is HUGE in Reykjavik. Wheelchair accessible? They claim to be, and I glimpsed some ramps and widened doorways. So, check with them directly, but it seems promising. Internet access: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms (THANK GOD). Internet (LAN) is available, but who uses that anymore? Cashless payment service: Yes! God bless the modern age.
Cleanliness & Safety: Okay, this is where Daydream is a winner. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, professional-grade sanitizing services: They’re taking it seriously. Room sanitization opt-out available? Honestly, I didn’t even think to ask, but the place felt squeaky clean. Big ups for that. And every staff member I saw seemed to follow the safety protocols. I noticed a woman come in to clean the next day after my departure. So, you can breathe a sigh of relief, even if you're a germaphobe like me.
Getting Around (The Icelandic Shuffle): Free parking is amazing! And, let's be real, getting around Reykjavik is a breeze. But if you're arriving at the crack of dawn, airport transfer is clutch. Definitely worth it to avoid that bleary-eyed bus ride. I didn’t see any car charging stations, but hey, you’re in Iceland. Gas is still king, I think…?
Okay, Now for the Good Stuff… The Stuff That Makes You Feel Something!
Arrival & First Impressions:
Stepping into Daydream isn't just checking into a hotel; it's more like… wandering into a cool friend's beautifully renovated apartment. The entrance is a little bit underwhelming, nestled in a quiet street. But the instant you walk in, it's all soft lighting, modern art, and a palpable sense of "This is a good vibe." They’ve gone for a minimalist, Scandi-chic aesthetic, but it doesn’t feel cold. It feels… inviting.
The Room (My Personal Sanctuary--Almost!):
I stayed in one with a view (highly recommended, if you can swing it). Blackout curtains: Crucial in summer, when the sun just… won't quit. Air conditioning: Thank god, because Iceland can surprise you. Free Wi-Fi? Yes! Coffee/tea maker? Yes! A mini-bar? Absolutely, because you’re in Iceland and you need to celebrate even the smallest things. The bed was comfortable, the shower had great water pressure, and the included bathrobes were a serious upgrade to my travel life. My one complaint: limited closet space. But hey, I’m a minimalist traveler, so it’s a personal issue. (Oh, god, I’m not a minimalist, am I?)
The Food & Drink (Icelandic Indulgence, Maybe?):
Okay, this is where Daydream really shines. Breakfast is AMAZING. It's a buffet, but a good one. Freshly baked bread, real butter, a weird Icelandic yogurt thing (Skyr? Get on it.), and strong coffee. They also offer room service (24-hour)! which is just… yes. A la carte in restaurant, coffee/tea in restaurant, desserts in restaurant: I didn’t touch on it. I prefer the buffet. They have a bar too. I didn’t have a chance to hit it.
Things to Do (Because Iceland isn’t just about hotels):
The Big Question: Spa? Gym? Pool? Nope, not here. This is a hotel focused on the basics and doing them well. They have the perfect location. You're a skip away from the city center, within walking distance of all the major sights, restaurants, and bars.
The "Secret Weapon":
Daydream's real secret weapon is the location. A quiet street, but steps from all the fun. Within minutes, you can wander around the lively streets, get some coffee, and enjoy the architecture. A good place to start and end your day.
The Quirks & Imperfections (Because Life Isn't Perfect):
Okay, I'm not going to pretend this place is flawless. One day, the elevator got stuck for like, 1 minute. I think the elevator broke down for like 5 minutes. Another day I was checking something and there was a loud thud outside my door. Other than that, it was great.
The Verdict: Should You Book Daydream at Vesturgata 17?
Yes, if you:
- Want a stylish, comfortable base for exploring Reykjavik.
- Appreciate cleanliness and good safety measures.
- Value a good breakfast and convenient location.
- Enjoy a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
No, if you:
- Need a full-service resort with a spa and pool.
- Require constant entertainment and amenities.
- Prefer impersonal chain hotels with the same cookie-cutter feel.
- Want to feel like a queen in a castle.
My Emotional Verdict: Loved This! I loved my stay at Daydream. It felt like a much-needed reset, a chance to recharge before hitting the Icelandic road. This isn't a hotel that wows you with bells and whistles. It's a hotel that quietly delights you. It makes you feel at home, like you’re actually on vacation.
(Now, the Money Shot: The Offer!)
Tired of Cookie-Cutter Hotels? Escape the Ordinary at Daydream at Vesturgata 17!
Book your stay today and unlock:
- Exclusive offer for first-time guests: Get a complimentary bottle of Icelandic craft beer upon arrival.
- Free! Complimentary upgrade to a room with a city view (subject to availability).
- Guaranteed peace of mind: Enjoy our commitment to exceptional cleanliness and safety.
- Unbeatable Location Step out to explore the heart of Reykjavik and take in the beauty of the city and its environment.
Don't just visit Iceland. Experience it. Book your stay at Daydream at Vesturgata 17 today!
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Day Dream Vesturgata 17: Reykjavik - Oh, Iceland, You Weird, Beautiful Beast! (A Messy Itinerary)
Okay, so here we go. Day Dream Vesturgata 17, Reykjavik. Sounds fancy, right? More like a place my brain decided to book for itself, a chaotic symphony of "must-sees" and "pretty sure I'll regret this" that I'm attempting to wrangle into something resembling a cohesive plan. Wish me luck. I’ll probably need it.
Day 1: Arrival and Existential Dread in the Land of Fire and Ice (and Expensive Coffee)
Morning (7:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Land at Keflavik Airport (KEF). Ugh, airports. The smell of stale dreams and duty-free perfume always gets to me. Managed to avoid a total mental breakdown on the plane, which is a win, I guess. Immigration was surprisingly smooth. Then… the Blue Lagoon bus. Heard so much hype. Let's hope it lives up. (Spoiler alert: it does not. Not in the way I expected.)
- Quirky Observation: Did you know they have automatic doors everywhere here? Even on the bathrooms? Seriously. Prepare to feel like a well-behaved robot.
Afternoon (10:00 AM - 3:00 PM): The Blue Lagoon. Right. So, the water is that milky blue. Gorgeous. But, the sheer number of people? Felt like floating in a giant, geothermal soup of humanity. Tried to embrace the relaxation, but ended up mostly worrying about my hair getting ruined. The silica mask? Felt amazing for like, five minutes, then kinda started to… itch.
Afternoon (3:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Reykjavik - Check-in at Vesturgata 17. Found the place. It's… quaint. And the key code feels like an obstacle course. Dropped my luggage, nearly tripped over myself, and then… coffee. The only thing that truly matters. Coffee in Reykjavik is stupidly expensive. Like, "should I eat this week or afford a latte" expensive. The existential dread is starting to settle.
Evening (6:00 PM - Late): Stroll along Laugavegur (main shopping street). Window-shopped for ridiculously overpriced Icelandic wool sweaters. (Dreaming of sheep, already). Got hopelessly lost and ended up wandering into Harpa Concert Hall (amazing architecture!). Ended the day with some fish and chips that were surprisingly good. Felt a pang of sadness at finishing, as one does.
- Emotional Reaction: Iceland is insanely beautiful. And insanely expensive. The combo is… challenging. Already feeling the pressure of the “must-see” list. Starting to wonder what else I'm supposed to be doing.
Day 2: Golden Circle… and a Moment of Pure, Unadulterated Joy.
Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Golden Circle Tour: Thingvellir National Park (where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet). Holy. Crap. This place is surreal. The landscape, the history… the sheer, untamed vastness. It’s easy to feel small, but also… connected. I'm starting to understand why the locals call this landscape home.
- Anecdote: Nearly fell into a particularly muddy puddle trying to get a photo of a waterfall. Dignity… abandoned.
Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Geysir Geothermal Area: Strokkur erupts every few minutes. Mesmerizing. The smell of sulfur is… distinctive. The water is hot. The geysers are powerful.
Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Gullfoss Waterfall: Majestic. Powerful. Soaked. I stood there and got drenched. My camera may be dead. But the image is etched in my brain. THIS is what Iceland is about. This is what I'm here to see.
Evening (6:00 PM - Late): Dinner at a place in Reykjavik. Can't even remember the name, just that I had the best lamb stew of my entire life. Pure, unadulterated flavour. Went back for seconds, then sat staring out the window and feeling a sense of profound gratitude. A moment of true happiness. Actually, maybe I'll go back for a third.
- Opinionated Language: The Golden Circle is NOT to be missed. Everyone says it. They’re right. It's a slap in the face like no other. A beautiful, powerful, face-slap.
Day 3: Reykjavik Exploration and a Quest for the Elusive Northern Lights (and Not Getting Lost)
Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Reykjavik City exploration. Hallgrímskirkja church. Went up to the top for the view. Wow. Seriously, the colours of this city are insane. Explored the harbour, got some fish, the normal.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM): The Sun Voyager sculpture - Beautiful. The amount of wind on the other hand! Nearly got blown into the ocean.
Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Northern Lights Hunt. I think I'm prepared. Let's see.
Evening (6:00 PM - Late): Northern Lights HUNT. We drove far out of the city and waited. And waited. And waited. Then, the elusive green ribbons began to dance across the sky! Cried. Maybe. Definitely cried. It was more beautiful, more ethereal, than anything I can ever truly remember. Life-altering. The most beautiful thing I've ever witnessed. I'll remember this forever. A moment of total awe.
- Emotional Reaction: The Northern Lights. Just… go. Don't hesitate. Don't hesitate to chase them. They're magic. Pure, unadulterated magic.
Day 4: The South Coast, Volcanoes, and a Farewell (and a Slight Panic Attack)
Morning (8:00 AM - 1:00 PM): South Coast day trip. Black sand beaches, waterfalls, and glaciers, oh my! Skógafoss waterfall. Seljalandsfoss waterfall. Both were absolutely stunning. The cliffs are tall. The spray is cold. But I'm happy to be here.
Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): The Dyrhólaey Arch. Amazing! Puffins were out! I was so excited. Also, very windy.
Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Lava fields. A quick, scenic drive.
Evening (6:00 PM - Late): Drinks at a bar, somewhere in Reykjavik. Reflecting on the trip. Planning the next one. Saying goodbye. The sadness is starting to creep in. Going home is cool. But I could never leave.
- Rambling: I'm not quite ready to go home. But Iceland has done a number on me. This place is a wild, beautiful thing. I've done so many things that I am so happy I got the opportunity to do. This trip has done so much good, for me.
Day 5: Departure
Morning (8:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Packing. The dread. My suitcase is a mess. Will I need to buy a new one at the airport?
Morning (11:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Last-minute Reykjavik souvenir shopping. Another coffee.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Transfer to Keflavik Airport. Goodbye Iceland! Until next time.
Afternoon (3:00 PM - onwards): Flight home. Processing everything. Planning my return.
Imperfection: I definitely didn't see everything I wanted to see. And I probably spent too much money on coffee. And my hair still smells like sulfur. But… I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Iceland, you magnificent, messy, beautiful beast. I'll be back. I promise. Also, I think I’m going to learn Icelandic. Just need to master that key code first…
Daydream at Vesturgata 17: Seriously, Is This Heaven? (Or Just a Really Nice Coffee Shop?) - Your Messy Guide
Okay, so, what *is* Vesturgata 17? I'm seeing a lot of...stuff.
Right, buckle up, because it's not just a coffee shop. Think of it as a portal. A portal to… I don't know, something better? It's a cafe, a gift shop, a book nook, a vibe... all crammed into a glorious, slightly-chaotic, absolutely-charming little building. It’s like stumbling into someone’s incredibly stylish, yet slightly messy, living room. Expect mismatched furniture, books spilling out from bookshelves, and the lingering scent of seriously good coffee. And Icelandic wool, of course. So. Much. Wool.
Is the coffee actually... good? Because some "hidden gems" have, let's be honest, terrible coffee.
Are you kidding me? The coffee is *divine*. Like, "waking up in Iceland" good. Honestly, I think I had three lattes the first time I went. And I don't even *like* lattes that much. But something about the atmosphere, the slightly-too-warm room, and the perfect foam... it got me. My only regret? Not taking a picture of the perfect heart they drew in the foam. It’s probably gone by now. Damn it. Next time.
What about the food? Anything beyond the usual pastries?
Beyond the pastries? Okay, so, I haven't personally *lived* on more than the pastries, because, you know... pastries. They’re delicious. But I do believe they have some sandwiches and other light bites. Truthfully, I was too busy basking in the glow of the fairy lights to pay *that* much attention. I saw a couple of people with what looked like glorious-looking sandwiches, however. I'll have to ask next time. Maybe I'll get a sandwich this time! (Probably not).
Okay, I get it, you love it. Is there a catch? Like, is it ridiculously crowded?
YES. The Catch. Ugh. Because it's wonderful – and because, I'm not gonna lie, I *want* it to myself – it's getting popular. The cozy factor means it fills up *fast*. Expect a queue, especially during peak hours. Embrace the chaos! That's part of the charm, right? Find a seat. Be prepared to share a table. And prepare to be seduced by the smell of roasted perfection.
I'm on a budget. Is this place going to bankrupt me? Iceland IS expensive...
Alright, so, it's not *cheap*. Let's be honest, Iceland in general is brutal on the wallet. But it's not highway robbery either. The coffee is reasonably priced for what you get, and the quality is better than most. The gifts are... well, tempting. You know, the Icelandic wool blankets and the quirky little trinkets? Budget accordingly. Because resisting them? *Impossible*. I may, or may not, have bought a pair of ridiculously soft mittens. Don't judge me. Everyone needs mittens.
What's the *vibe* like? Is it Instagram-perfect or actual, like, cozy?
It’s definitely Instagrammable. Like, *very*. But it’s NOT just for show! It’s genuinely cozy. Picture this: Books you can actually *touch* (and probably borrow, if you're feeling daring), a crackling fire (metaphorically, probably, depending on the season), and the hum of quiet conversation. There's a mix of locals and tourists, all just... chilling. Trying to escape the rain, the wind, and the general intensity of everyday life. It’s a sanctuary. A beautiful, slightly chaotic, and utterly lovely sanctuary. Honestly, it felt like a hug. From Reykjavik. Seriously.
Gifts? What's good to buy there? Aside from the mittens. Because you mentioned those.
Mittens are a must, obviously. Especially if you're from somewhere with a real winter. But beyond that, look for the hand-knitted wool hats, the Icelandic design books, and the quirky little cards. I saw some gorgeous ceramics last time. But be warned: it's easy to leave with your suitcase feeling significantly heavier. And your wallet? Lighter, but happier. Maybe. You know, it depends. Did you get the mittens? Good.
Okay, I'm convinced. How do I *find* this hidden gem?
Ah, the joy of the hunt! It’s in downtown Reykjavik, on Vesturgata 17. It’s not *that* hidden. But it feels like a secret, doesn't it? Look for a charming little building with a welcoming glow. You’ll know it when you see it. Seriously, just wander around, get lost a little (that's part of the fun in Reykjavik!), and then *boom*. Vesturgata 17. Prepare to be charmed. Prepare to be caffeinated. Prepare to buy mittens.
Seriously, one more thing... what's the BEST thing? What's the *ultimate* Vesturgata 17 experience?
Okay, okay, this is my take, and it might just be the coffee talking, but bear with me. The *ultimate* experience? On a rainy afternoon, snag a seat by the window (good luck!), order a perfect latte (with the foam art, if you're lucky!), and lose yourself in a good book. Or just people-watch. Or daydream. Or do absolutely *nothing* and just breathe in the atmosphere. Listen to the low hum of conversation, the clinking of mugs, and the occasional burst of laughter. Let the cozy vibes wash over you. It's pure, unadulterated bliss. That’s it. That's the whole point. And, okay, maybe buy the mittens. You'll thank me later. I promise.
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