Fosshotel Reykjavík, Iceland

Set within Reykjavik's business district, the streets surrounding the hotel are slightly lacking in buzz, but nevertheless are within easy walking distance of the city's key attractions. The fun bits of Laugavegur, the main thoroughfare for shops, bars and restaurants, is 15 minutes away - as is Hallgrímskirkja, Reykjavik's extraordinary-looking church. Don't even think about visiting the city without sampling the wares of its finest hotdog stand, Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, less than 20 minutes from the hotel and something of a national institution.

By plane: there are direct flights to Reykjavík from London (3 hours) and Manchester (2 hour 45 mins). The hotel is a ten-minute drive from the airport. Paid parking available on-site. Book flights to Reykjavík.

Only opened in 2015, the look of this hotel is bang up to date. Guests are greeted by a wall of greenery which gives way to a stylish monochrome lobby. Geometric light fittings hang in the bar, while restaurant Haust (meaning Autumn) features wood panelling and a recurring leaf motif.

Staff are exceptionally helpful and friendly, always ready with recommendations and happy to call tour operators on your behalf. As well as a restaurant (service here is equally cheery), there's an informal 'beer garden' offering a dazzling array of brews and bar food. The gym, spread over two floors, is a cut above most hotel offerings, and there's a small shop selling snacks and souvenirs.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Swimming pool
• Gym
• Spa
• Mini-market
• Paid parking
• Free Wi-Fi

With wooden floors, white walls and tasteful photo art inspired by the Icelandic wilderness, rooms tick all the boxes. Making the most of the building's 16-storey height, they're flooded with natural light and many have stellar views. Timeless white-tiled bathrooms have both showers and tubs and are well-stocked with useful toiletries.

Room types: Standard Double, Deluxe Double, Family Room, Tower View Room, Tower Suite

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom, free toiletries, tea and coffee facilities, hairdryer, TV, free Wi-Fi

In-house restaurant Haust is the main hub for meals, all of which are served buffet-style. The range and quality of dishes on offer are genuinely impressive with keto and vegan options at dinner, as well as local lamb and fish. Right next door is the hotel's 'beer garden', a comfortable, low-lit lounge bar with a long list of brews by the bottle and on tap.

Haust: buffet dining, European cuisine, healthy options, vegan dishes. Open for brunch, lunch and dinner. From kr3,900 per person.