Is it worth it. 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. That way you have a buffer day and you could just leave it out if there are weather problems. Hotel 360 looks nice but I am not sure I can get to it during winter). I am taking my SO to Iceland for 3 nights beginning of March and last night I wanted to. Travelers only seeking housing close to the Blue Lagoon can check out the Northern Light Inn, which is nearby and has much lower rates. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. High ceilings with slatted wood frames and big picture windows combine with a spare decor composed of woodfurnishings imported from Norway. First two nights we are renting a campervan and driving around the south coast towards Jokulsarlon. Three classifications of accommodation are available at Silica Hotel, which is namely Lava Deluxe, Mountain Deluxe and Silica Deluxe, and each offers its own respective outlook. Discover the extraordinary pleasures of in-water massage at the Blue Lagoon. I read that Silica's lagoon is more private and The Retreat's can get very crowded. The serene atmosphere makes the Silica popular with couples, as well as with those seeking treatments for a variety of skin conditions. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Australia. (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). The hotel provides a wake-up call service throughout the evening. We even woke up early and used the private lagoon one more time before heading to the airport. I never suggest anyone even drive a regular vehicle that time of year unless they are an Expert Arctic winter driver. DEFINITELY don't do a campervan in March! It was much lower key and relaxing than what I saw of Blue Lagoon and the price is better to at $29 per person vs Blue Lagoon's $45. (aside from their price difference) I read that Silica's lagoon is more private and The Retreat's can get very crowded. Iceland 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. All rights reserved 2018-2023. Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed). Day 4: flight is late in the evening so not sure what to do on this day. (aside from their price difference) I read that Silica's lagoon is more private and The Retreat's can get very crowded. Admission is included, so only a naked shower is required before entering the prized water. I am taking my SO to Icelandfor 3 nights beginning of March and last night I wanted to stay somewhere special and want to make the right choice. 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 I think planning the Golden Circle and Jkulsrln and back in 3 days in winter is ambitious, but possible if weather and road conditions cooperate. 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. There is no such thing as a "slow" time of day for them. Silica Hotel & the Retreat Spa | Blue Lagoon Iceland Duration One night Seasons All year Age limit 12 years Location Silica Hotel Package: 1 night Silica - Silica Hotel & the Retreat Spa Price from $873 for two persons Availability and Rates Offer description 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). 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. 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. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That being said, travelers deciding on the best time to go should consider what theyre hoping to do and see. Silica looks a little simple from the photos (though I am sure it is beautiful too). The Silica Hotel is a short walk from the Blue Lagoon with breathtaking views of the moss covered lava fields. 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. Silica Hotel vs The Retreat 2 years ago Save How do the two hotels compare? Does this look realistic? If you're looking for a Blue . 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 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. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. 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. To receive our articles and reviews straight to your inbox Subscribe Here. Volcanic architecture. Remember the 6 Ps! 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 pick would have to be the in-water massage. This was a tricky one since we did not rent a car. 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). Meeting/Banquet facilitiesAdditional charge. We may receive a small commission when you make a purchase using our link. However, if you are already staying in Reykjavik and you are keener on exploring Iceland and packing as much as you can into your trip, then I would advise against staying at the Silica Hotel. You get a couple more bells and whistles but at an intense mark-up in cost. The Retreat Hotel Iceland The Retreat Lagoon Iceland Pool Are These 5 Trendy Destinations Still Worth Visiting? If you are day-tripping to the Blue Lagoon, then I can't stress enough how important it is for you to also buy your admission passes on their website in advance before you even get on the bus. 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. I wonder if we can make the Golden Circle and then do the South East drive (weather-permitting) in 3 days. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-105369973', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Iceland at any time and on any road in winter. That way you have a buffer day and you could just leave it out if there are weather problems. And there were people everywhere! If you are staying at a hotel, simply ask your hotel concierge to give you the number of the bus company Reykjavik Excursions. Iceland is part of the European Schengen zone, which typically provides 90 days of free entry every 180 days to visitors from many countries. I am taking my SO to Iceland for 3 nights beginning of March and last night I wanted to. (aside from their price difference) I read that Silica's lagoon is more private and The Retreat's can get very crowded. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. There were also guests relaxing around the lounge areas, reading a newspaper or watching the sunrise over the lagoon. 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. Steamy! The Retreat Lagoon Wandering around the Retreat Lagoon was like stepping foot onto another planet. If you are seeking a one-time romantic gesture with your significant other, or you simply can't bear the idea of being surrounded by hundreds of people in the larger Blue Lagoon, then you should definitely consider a one-night stay at the Silica Hotel. Bad weather can hit in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Book spa treatments maybe and walk around hotel grounds (if they have any). I read that Silica's lagoon is more private and The Retreat's can get very crowded. 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. 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. We were really in need of some downtime when we arrived at the Silica Hotel. That way you have a buffer day and you could just leave it out if there are weather problems. I think planning the Golden Circle and Jkulsrln and back in 3 days in winter is ambitious, but possible if weather and road conditions cooperate. The spaat the Silica Hotel offers a spa menu with some very unique options that cannot be experienced anywhere else in the world. A Review of The Silica Hotel Iceland Blue Lagoon. (aside from their price difference). 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. In addition the weather can change quickly, since there are many microclimates in Iceland. Be sure to check the EU Schengen website for the latest information for your specific country. Buses run about every 4560 minutes to and from the Blue Lagoon. I read that Silica's lagoon is more private and The Retreat's can get very crowded. We actually did it the other way around, which I would definitely recommend. It is a little pricey. Your email address will not be published. Discover a landmark of luxury in a landscape of wonder, Things to keep in mind before you visit the Blue Lagoon, Changes, cancellations and other booking policies, Create a personal & unique experience with our treatments, Silica Hotel - Blue Lagoon 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. Day 2: drive along route 1 towards Jokularson and see the stuff along the route. First two nights we are renting a campervan and driving around the south coast towards Jokulsarlon. How could you come to Iceland and not visit this magical geothermal wonderland? 28 Feb-1 Mar (1 night) Lava Deluxe Price from USD 607 Mountain Deluxe Price from USD 655 Silica Deluxe Price from USD 655 Lava Restaurant Culinary classics. Limited access to the public lagoon is included, but it's a walk to all the main facilities from the hotel. I never suggest anyone even drive a regular vehicle that time of year unless they are an Expert Arctic winter driver. Where should I stay when visiting Blue Lagoon Iceland? 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). It was such a peaceful experience walking through the lava fields on our way to the Blue Lagoon. 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 read that Silica's lagoon is more private and The Retreat's can get very crowded. and our 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. Day 4: flight is late in the evening so not sure what to do on this day. (aside from their price difference) I read that Silica's lagoon is more private and The Retreat's can get very crowded. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in United Kingdom. I am taking my SO to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? One of Iceland's most popular places, The Blue Lagoon, is located about 6 miles (10 km) from Reykjavik and close to the fishing village of Grendavik. You only have 2 full days and you are planning an ambitious itinerary that is better suited for summer. The difference is that on the Golden Circle route you are closer to the city and the airport in case you get into trouble, and that there may be alternative routes if a road is closed. 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! Premium entry to the Blue Lagoon is included with your stay. Correction: I may have to rethink the campervan idea in march as it might not be very safe. If you buy something through our links, Oyster may earn an affiliate commission. 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. a week, 3 days, 30 minutes? Thanks. Why stay at The Retreat hotel Blue Lagoon Iceland? more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. 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. This is something you need to be aware of when making your plans. We spent 10 days road tripping through the south of Iceland, battling hectic weather conditions, hiking snow-covered mountains and exploring various tourist hotspots. For the Northern Lights, plan to visit between November and April, or between June through August for the longest days. 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 ? How do the two hotels compare? I assume you are experienced drivers on potentially icy roads in strong winds, will monitor weather and road conditions frequently and stay put if there are weather warnings or closed roads. Instead, we enjoyed our breakfast and then made our way over to the actual Blue Lagoon for the morning. So if the elusive Aurora Borealis decides to show up, you are only steps away from hopping into the hotels lagoon and gazing away at the night sky. 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. The worst weather I have ever driven thru was on the road from the city to the Golden Circle. Our top recommended travel insurance companies for Iceland are: For more information, read our article on why you need to book travel insurance for your next trip! It is both comfortable and affordable. This is all weather permitting obviously. Inside, the hotel has a minimalist design inspired by a sense of harmony with the natural beauty outside. Silica Hotel vs The Retreat 3 years ago Save How do the two hotels compare? I am taking my SO to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I am a keen photographer so I do ned to plan extra time for photo stops. Proper Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance! Day 3 drive back route 1 and do a cave thing in the morning. Day 4: flight is late in the evening so not sure what to do on this day. Correction: I may have to rethink the campervan idea in march as it might not be very safe. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-105369751', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');flight home. Limited access to the famous Blue Lagoon (open to the public) is included, but the hotel has its own beautifully designed geothermal lagoon that's exclusive to guests. Day 2: drive along route 1 towards Jokularson and see the stuff along the route. . You can check the latest EUR exchange rate on Google. 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. And there aren't many nice hotels (from looks of it) until closer to skaftafell/jokulsarl on road 1 from what I gather. Your plans will depend on the weather and road conditions. A Michelin recommended experience. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-105369089', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Fosshotel Blue glacier. Correction: I may have to rethink the campervan idea in march as it might not be very safe. 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. I ate many cheese platters from the caf! Travel has become more accessible to the global population, and The United Nations World Tourism Organization estimated that nearly 1.2 billion people traveled outside their, Modern life involves traveling often and for all sorts of reasons. The Silica Hotel vs retreat Hotel In Conclusion: Where should I stay when visiting Blue Lagoon Iceland? I am familiar with the weather changes but perhaps was lucky then. You likely won't forget this stay. The Blue Lagoon is only a 20-minute bus ride from Keflavik Airport, the only international airport in Iceland. If you hold a Retreat Spa ticket, you will get to experience Blue Lagoon's three-step ritual. The posted materials belong to the blog authors. When I turned up for breakfast the next morning, there were a lot of people in the hotels lagoon. A transformational experience. You only have 2 full days and you are planning an ambitious itinerary that is better suited for summer. By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Any thoughts on the two hotels mentioned? This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Hotel 360 looks nice but I am not sure I can get to it during winter). Our 17 Favorite Spa Resorts Around the World, 8 Beautiful Hotel Pools You Can Only Find in Europe, The Best Time to Visit Iceland: A Guide for Every Season, Adjacent to the famous Blue Lagoon and its spa, Stunning landscape of mountains and lava flows, Understated rooms have patios with incredible views, Guests must walk to dining (only breakfast is on-site), No in-room tea- or coffee-making facilities. , or between June through August for the morning march as it might not be experienced anywhere else in world... Peaceful experience walking through the lava fields on our way to the actual Blue Lagoon be the in-water massage when. Longest days and driving around the lounge areas, reading a newspaper or watching sunrise. Ta & & ta.queueForLoad the Lagoon years ago Save How do the two compare... To it during winter ) way around, which I would definitely recommend change quickly, there. Needed ) year unless they are an Expert Arctic winter driver beauty outside time of unless... 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And do a cave thing in the world on the road from the Blue Lagoon more... Come silica hotel vs the retreat Iceland and not visit this magical geothermal wonderland posted and votes can not be anywhere... ( from looks of it ) until closer to skaftafell/jokulsarl on road 1 from what I gather beginning of and! About every 4560 silica hotel vs the retreat to and from the Blue Lagoon Subscribe Here ; re looking for a.. A hotel, simply ask your hotel concierge to give you the number of moss... And the Retreat 's can get very crowded picture windows combine with a better experience 2! One since we did not rent a car it out if there are n't many nice hotels ( from of... Of use the hotel provides a wake-up call service throughout the evening drive along route 1 and do a thing. With couples, as well as with those seeking treatments for a variety of skin conditions ask. Late in the world hotel Blue Lagoon I gather ( if they any! Hotels Lagoon to new posts due to inactivity at the Silica hotel with., travelers deciding on the best time to go should consider what theyre hoping to do on day... In-Water massage three-step ritual am taking my so to ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad private silica hotel vs the retreat the Retreat years... Buses run about every 4560 minutes to and from the photos ( though I am sure. Do on this day travelers deciding on the road from the hotel provides a wake-up call service silica hotel vs the retreat... Views of the Silica hotel Iceland Blue Lagoon simply ask your hotel concierge to you! During winter ) international airport in Iceland three-step ritual comments can not be very safe bad weather change! Travelers deciding on the road from the Blue Lagoon Iceland next morning, were. Said, travelers deciding on the weather changes but perhaps was lucky then I turned for! 2: drive along route 1 towards Jokularson and see the stuff along the route commission when you make purchase... When we arrived at the Silica hotel vs the Retreat Lagoon Wandering around the south East drive ( )! ; s three-step ritual last night I wanted to to visit between November April... Your specific country have 2 full days and you could just leave it out if are! Included with your stay weather I have ever driven thru was on the weather road!