Iceland's Hidden Gem: Uncover Drangshlíð INN's Magical Secrets!
Iceland's Hidden Gem: Uncover Drangshlíð INN's Magical Secrets! - A Review From A Real Traveler (Brace Yourself!)
Okay, folks. Listen up. I've just returned from a trip to Iceland, a land of fire, ice, and… well, let's just say some interesting accommodation choices. But nestled amongst the glaciers and dramatic landscapes, I stumbled upon something truly special: Drangshlíð INN. And I'm here to tell you, this ain't your average cookie-cutter hotel. Prepare for a review that's less pristine brochure and more… well, me.
First Impressions & the "Getting There" Tango:
This place is a hidden gem, alright. A good hidden gem. Getting there felt like a treasure hunt – which, honestly, added to the adventure. The accessibility? Well, let's be honest, Iceland isn't exactly known for its flat, smooth roads. But Drangshlíð INN surprised me. They've clearly put some thought into making it as accessible as possible, especially for the area, though details are scant. The car park [free of charge] was a lifesaver after a day of battling the wind. And speaking of battling, airport transfer is a huge plus, I'd highly recommend it, especially if you're anything like me and get a bit lost in the Icelandic wilderness. The "exterior corridor" was charming.
Inside the Fortress of Comfort (the Rooms, Baby!):
My room? Oh, it was a haven. Truly. First of, Wi-Fi [free], thank the gods. I didn't want to be off-grid. Secondly, the little touches. Bathrobes (I practically lived in it), slippers (perfect for thawing out post-hike), and complimentary tea (because, Iceland). And the blackout curtains – crucial for those midnight sun adventures (or, you know, just sleeping in past 6 am). My room had an Air conditioning, which was great since I visited in summer. It was a nice experience.
The desk was perfectly adequate for some work. I didn't really use the laptop workspace, but it's there if you need it. There was a seating area where you could just chill and feel all comfy and cosy.
The Bathroom Breakdown:
The bathroom was clean and well-equipped. While it didn't have all the mod cons, like, a bathroom phone (who even uses those anymore?) it was fully functional. They had a shower. Which it turns out, is very important when you take a swim in Iceland’s lagoons. Also, I have to shout out the toiletries. The soap smelled amazing, and they don't skimp on the towels, which is a big yes from me.
Food, Glorious Food (and the Occasional Hiccup):
Okay, let's talk food. The Breakfast [buffet] was… a mixed bag, honestly. The Asian breakfast option was a surprise, given the location, but I enjoyed it. The coffee/tea in restaurant was hot and strong. The buffet in restaurant overall had a decent amount of options if you're not too picky. I tried the vegetarian options, but I wouldn't necessarily call it a 'vegetarian restaurant'.
I had a bit of a hiccup with the room service [24-hour] one night, the menu lacked the things I wanted. I think I was just tired, but no matter, the snackbar was a life saver! The Poolside bar deserves a shout out. The bottle of water that they gave me, saved me.
Spa Days and Relaxation Station:
Ah, the spa. This is where Drangshlíð INN truly shines. (Let me be clear, this is the reason to book!):
- Swimming pool [outdoor] – YES! The pictures don't do it justice. Dipping into the pool, surrounded by the landscape? Pure bliss.
- They also had a sauna, which helped me relax so much!
Hygiene & Security (Because, Let's Be Real):
Iceland took cleanliness and safety very seriously. They have Hand sanitizer everywhere, and the staff were always masked. Rooms sanitized between stays, and anti-viral cleaning products were used. They even offer room sanitization which I think is a great touch.
There was also Security [24-hour] and CCTV in common areas.
The Little Things (and the Bits They Could Improve):
The staff? Mostly wonderful. There were some truly lovely people, although, I had a little problem with one staff memeber who kept making small talk, and it got a bit tiring.
The concierge was helpful in suggesting things, and other services were great, such as luggage storage. However, while there was a convenience store, it was limited.
The Verdict (Finally!):
Look, Drangshlíð INN isn't perfect. But it's got heart. It's got character. And it offers an experience that transcends the typical hotel stay. It's about connecting with Iceland, embracing the unexpected, and finding those moments of pure, unadulterated joy.
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My Offer to You (Because You Deserve It):
Book your stay at Drangshlíð INN NOW and get a complimentary Icelandic massage AND a bottle of local, handcrafted Brennivín (the spirit of Iceland!). Trust me, you'll need it after a day of exploring! That's a whole lot of relaxation and a little liquid courage to enjoy the magic of Iceland.
Click here to book your Icelandic adventure! You won't regret it!
Luxury Unveiled: St. Petersburg's Most Exclusive Hotel Awaits
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. We're going to Iceland, and trust me, the only thing certain about this trip is that it's going to be gloriously, wonderfully, messy. This is my attempt to experience Drangshlíð INN by Ourhotels Iceland.
Icelandic Chaos: A Trip in Progress (And Probably a Bit of a Disaster)
Day 1: Arrival and Existential Dread (Kinda)
- Morning (ish): LAND! (Well, Reykjavik Airport technically, but "land" sounds more epic). My plane landed, and my soul felt…meh. Maybe it was the pre-dawn flight, maybe it was the pressure of this whole Iceland thing, or maybe it was just that I somehow managed to spill coffee down my favorite sweater on the way. Whatever it was, I was teetering on the precipice of "could be amazing" or "could be a colossal waste of money."
- Afternoon: Got to the rental car place. They gave me a tiny, angry-looking 4x4. "Perfect for the rugged Icelandic terrain!" the guy cheerfully chirped. I just hoped it wouldn't be eaten by a rogue glacier. Then, the drive to Drangshlíð INN. The "picturesque" scenery? Absolutely breathtaking. The sheer vastness? Slightly terrifying. The fact that I had to navigate on the "right" side of the roads made my knuckles whiter than the glacial ice caps.
- Early Evening: Arrived at Drangshlíð INN. Okay, first impression? Instagram-worthy. Seriously, the views! The hotel itself is comfy, charming. My room? Nice, a good bed. It was the promise of a good night's sleep after a tough day of travel with my emotions. I found myself staring at the sheep outside, feeling a deep kinship with their stoic, woolly existence. We're two of a kind, me and the sheep, just trying to survive in a beautiful, slightly overwhelming world.
- Late Evening: Decided: "Must eat!" After a minor debate on whether I could handle the Icelandic restaurant which was a short drive from the hotel, I chose the easier option, which was to buy some groceries and snacks. Then… sleep. My brain was fried.
Day 2: Waterfalls and Wonders (and a Near Avalanche of Emotional Breakdown)
- Morning: Hello world! I woke up to… well, mostly rain. The weather forecast? "Unpredictably unpredictable." Brilliant. Decided to go ahead with planned waterfall exploration, because what else am I going to do? I'll become a recluse in my hotel room? Not this time. The drive took a bit.
- Early Afternoon: Skógafoss waterfall: Holy. Mother. Of. Water. It was HUGE. The spray was like a million tiny needles on my face. Took some photos, because tourist, always a tourist, and then almost tripped on a rock and fell down the bloody hillside. My dignity: slightly bruised. But the waterfall…wow. It even made me realize I'm happy to be here.
- Late Afternoon: Sólheimajökull Glacier: Okay, this is where it got real. I booked a glacier walk, and suddenly I'm staring at a massive wall of ice, realizing I'm about to walk on it. The guides were these rugged, smiling Vikings (no, not actual Vikings, just built like them), and the whole thing was an experience. The crunch of the ice under my crampons was exhilarating and terrifying. I actually found myself, for a brief moment, feeling connected.
- Evening: Back at Drangshlíð INN, ate dinner. I'm finally relaxed, or at least semi-relaxed. The entire day I spent thinking about my own life, my own future, and where I stand in the grand scheme of things. I like it here. Now, I'm finally calm. Hopefully, tomorrow will continue the trend.
Day 3: More Chaos and Maybe, Just Maybe, Some Sanity
- Morning: Today, I'll head to the Reynisfjara black sand beach. Heard about the basalt columns, the crashing waves, and the (potentially) rogue Atlantic spray. Sounds delightful.
- Afternoon: Reynisfjara was a blast! The basalt columns were pretty cool, and the waves were relentless. Got a little too close to the water once and nearly got soaked. Learned my lesson (maybe). The whole place felt ancient and wild and like it could swallow you whole. Loved it.
- Evening: Still in the area. The day has me thinking. The world is wild, beautiful, and messy. And here I am, in the middle of it, trying to find my own place.
- Late Evening: Going to enjoy a well-deserved meal and a good night's sleep.
Day 4: Departure (with a Heavy Heart and a Slightly Broken Soul)
- Morning: Last breakfast at Drangshlíð INN. Say goodbye to the view, and to all the sheep. It feels like things are coming to an end, for now.
- Afternoon: One last, slightly panicked dash to the grocery store to buy some of the local snacks, because I didn't want to leave Iceland without them. Then, the slow drive back to the airport, filled with a potent mix of nostalgia and relief.
- Evening: Home. Back to the real world, or whatever "real" even means anymore. The flight was smooth, but my brain was still replaying the glacier walk, the waterfalls, the black sand beach. Iceland had gotten to me. I feel changed.
I'm sure some of the details are wrong. I'm sure I missed things. I'm definitely sure I got some of the directions wrong. But that's the thing about travel, right? It's about the mess, the imperfections, the glorious humanity of it all. And this trip? It was a reminder that even in the face of a world that feels wildly chaotic, there's still beauty to be found. And a really good bed to collapse into at the end of the day. (Especially at Drangshlíð INN – seriously, the bed was amazing.)
Gram Hotel South Korea: Unbelievable Luxury Awaits You!
1. Okay, Spill the Beans: What *Exactly* Makes Drangshlíð INN a "Hidden Gem"? And Why Should *I* Care?
Alright, alright, settle down! The "gem" part? It’s a cliché, I know. But, hear me out. Iceland is *full* of epic waterfalls and glaciers you can't sneeze at. Drangshlíð? It's the *vibe*. Think less tour bus churning and more… genuine Icelandic *life*. Picture this: you arrive, completely knackered from driving, and Sigga, the owner, practically *hugs* you hello. Not even a forced, polite hug. A real, "Welcome, you poor, frozen soul!" hug. That, right there, is the start. It’s the location. You're surrounded by these crazy, rolling green hills. They *say* it's good for hiking, and they wouldn't be bad to visit. But the gem is the atmosphere of quiet; like there is no rush to be anywhere but to be there. Trust me, after battling the crowds at the Golden Circle, that silent bliss is gold. And you *should* care because escaping the hordes is the ultimate luxury. And you'll meet *real* people. Not just other stressed-out tourists taking selfies with the same rocks. It's this perfect blend of being remote and accessible. You have to experience this to really get it.
2. Rooms: Are They Cozy? Clean? Do They Smell of Damp Wool and Despair (asking for a friend)?
Okay, okay, the rooms. Let's be honest, it's not a Ritz-Carlton. It's Icelandic, *charming*. They are clean. Seriously clean. We're talking almost clinical levels of cleanliness, which is a relief after some of the… *rustic* accommodations I've encountered. No damp wool of despair, thankfully! There's usually a sheep somewhere in the background, but the scent of nature is the prevailing theme. More importantly, they’re *cozy*. Think warm, inviting beds, simple furnishings, and a view that literally makes you want to sigh with contentment. One time, I swear, I spent a full hour just staring out the window, watching the sheep graze. That's the magic of it, right there. Pure, unadulterated, sheep-watching bliss. And yes, the "friend" will be happy.
3. Food, Glorious Food! Is the Breakfast Worth Dragging Yourself Out of Bed For? (And, be honest, are there vegan options?)
The breakfast… oh, the breakfast! It’s not a buffet. It's better! Sigga (bless her heart) makes everything herself. Okay, maybe not *everything*. There's a certain amount of Icelandic staples. Yes, she offers plenty of stuff. She clearly and genuinely cares about what's served. Fresh-baked bread, homemade jams (raspberry is *divine*!), skyr (a must-try, even if you think you hate yogurt - trust me), and strong coffee that will kickstart your engine. *Definitely* worth getting out of bed for. Vegan options? Okay, here's where I have to say, it isn't a full-on vegan paradise. Iceland's a meat and dairy kind of place. BUT! Sigga *will* try. Tell her in advance, and she'll rustle up something. Veggie sausages, plant-based milk, and plenty of fresh fruit. She has this amazing knack for making everyone feel like they're eating like royalty. It's the effort, you know? The fact that she even *cares* about your dietary whims... that's gold. Just don't be surprised if you end up sneaking bites of someone else's bacon. It's tempting, trust me.
4. The Northern Lights! Can You See Them From There? (And do I need to be a photography wizard?)
The Northern Lights... this is where things get a little… *emotional*. Yes! You have a ridiculously good chance of seeing them from Drangshlíð. The light pollution is minimal. I remember one night… I sat outside for *hours*. Bundled up like an Eskimo (because, Iceland), staring at the sky. And then… BAM! They appeared. Dancing curtains of green and purple, swirling and shimmering. It was... well, breathtaking. Actually, I cried. I'm not ashamed to admit it. Photography? Look, I'm no pro. I used my phone, and the pictures are… okay. They don't do it justice. The *feeling* is what matters. But take a decent camera. Learn to use the night mode! Learn to do the long exposure. But don't get so caught up in the tech that you miss the *experience*. Just stand there, and soak it in. It's more than worth the hassle. And if you mess up the photos? The memory will be just as amazing, I promise.
5. Activities nearby: Are there any fun things to do here?
Alright, the activities. This is where the "hidden" part comes in. It's not like a resort town with tons of things to do. But! You're close to some amazing stuff. Thingvellir National Park is a must-see (even though, again, it's busy). You're not too far from the Golden Circle, but, honestly, I would focus the experience on the peace and quiet that Drangshlíð offers. The hikes around are amazing. If you like waterfalls (who doesn't?), then you are in the right place. Drive the coastal roads and try to get off the grid, for pete's sake!
6. Speaking of "Icelandic Life"... Any Stories? (Give us the good stuff!)
Oh, you want stories? Okay, buckle up, because I have one that I'll never forget. It happened one evening. I was sitting in the common room, nursing my coffee, and Sigga came in. She had this look on her face. That morning some sheep got loose from their pen and now were running up the hills into the vast unknown. "We have a problem." she announced with a dramatic sigh. The next thing I knew, I was out in the fields chasing sheep. It was muddy, freezing, and hilarious. We were all running around, yelling in a mix of Icelandic and English, trying to herd these fluffy escape artists. And you know what? It was one of the best times I had in Iceland. That's what it's all about: connection, community, and shared laughter. You might get to partake in some shenanigans, like helping a farmer (Sigga) wrangle sheep, maybe; and that, ladies and gentlemen, is the real magic.
7. What's the Verdict? Would You REALLY Go Back? (Be brutally honest!)
Look, I've been around the block. I've seen the tourist traps. I've waited in line to take pictures of the same rocks. Drangshlíð INN? It's different. Absolutely. Would I go back? In a heartbeat. I'm already planning my next trip. It’s not perfect, mind you. SometimesSave On Hotels Now
