Controversial opinion: I hate summer. Blame it on my childhood in Michigan, but I’d much rather be cold than hot. That’s why I was overjoyed to have the opportunity to leave NYC’s disgusting August weather for a long weekend in Reykjavík, Iceland, this summer—even better because (a) my stay coincided with Reykjavík Pride, and (b) I was staying at the renowned Reykjavík EDITION.
After four days in the pretty city—swimming in the Sky Lagoon, rocking out at the Icelandic Punk Museum, and dancing at queer bar Kiki—I can officially say that this hotel is the epitome of Nordic cool, and the perfect home base for any stay in Iceland, but especially during Pride.
Case in point: It took me under 10 minutes to walk to the Pride parade, as well as local hotspots like the Kolaportid flea market, Reykjavík Art Museum Hafnarhús, and even the Icelandic Phallological Museum, which is exactly what it sounds like (hey, this is Cosmo—we’re here to tell you what you wanna know). The hotel also hosted an incredible drag brunch, which was one of Reykjavík’s hottest Pride tickets. You haven’t lived until you’ve sipped mimosas while watching drag queen Gógo Starr shimmy her way out of a shark costume to the sounds of “Baby Shark,” trust.
So, whether you’re planning to attend Rejkjavík Pride in the future, or just browsing for inspo for an Icelandic vacation at another time of year, I’ve got a full review of the Rejkjavík EDITION for you here. Scroll down for the deets.
THE QUICK HITS: REYJKAVIK EDITION EDITION Name: The Reykjavík EDITION Location: Reykjavík, Iceland Cost Per Night: Starting at 53,438 ISK (about $390 USD)Best For: City loversWhile You’re Here, Visit: The Sky Lagoon during the day for saunas and soaking, and Kiki, Iceland’s only queer bar, for drinks at nightOne-Word Vibe Check: CoolMost Iconic Photo Spot: The stone tower in the lobbyDon’t Leave Without: Eating a meal at the MICHELIN Guide-recommended hotel restaurant, TIDES
Related StoryTHE FIRST IMPRESSIONS
I took a red-eye Icelandair flight to Reykjavík (only about five-and-a-half hours from NYC, btw!), which meant I showed up at the hotel five hours before my check-in time. The concierge let me check my luggage and chill in the lobby before heading out to explore the city, then sent me a text when my room was ready.
My jet-lagged POV: A giant stone sculpture dominates the hotel entryway. Just a few steps away is a cozy sitting area, with comfy chairs and faux sheepskin blankets surrounding a small fireplace in the center of the room. To the right is the lobby bar, featuring a colorful display of bottles. I also have to mention the scent! EDITION hotels all have a deliciously warm and woody fragrance, which just *smells* luxe.
A few days later, the hotel lobby was full of Pride-goers in their sparkly, rainbow best, many carrying flags. Icelandic Pride is a very family-friendly celebration, so there were plenty of adorable kids running around, too!
Erika W. Smith
THE ROOMS
Depending on which way your room faces, you’ll have a view of either the harbor or the city skyline. The (giant! comfy!) beds face floor-to-ceiling windows, so you can people-watch to your heart’s content. The rooms also feature a cute little table-and-chair setup with a faux reindeer rug, a wooden lamp, and thoughtful details like a ceramic water jug and matching mugs. In the bathroom, the rainfall shower head and custom Le Labo products were everything.
Because it was Pride, the staff also left rainbow chocolates in my room in traditional Icelandic flavors, including blueberry, birch, and Cetraria Islandica tea and honey. Love!
THE AMENITIES
If there’s one thing I learned in Reykjavik, it’s that “Icelandic bathing culture,” aka spending tons of time in hot springs and saunas, is a THING—so it’s no surprise that the EDITION’s spa was beyond. With even more luxe Nordic design and mood lighting, it features a thermal plunge pool (similar to a hot tub but not quite as hot), plus a sauna and steam room. There’s also a spa lounge that offers healthy drinks like smoothies and teas.
Erika W. Smith
Bathing in Iceland is a social activity, so I recommend going with friends to chat before heading out for drinks or dinner (or, you know, a Pride party). Of course, you can also treat yourself to a quiet massage, if you prefer. I doubled up on soaking by visiting the Sky Lagoon one afternoon and then heading to the EDITION spa for some quiet solo relaxation in the evening.
THE FOOD AND BEV
The meal I ate at the EDITION’s restaurant, TIDES, was the best meal I ate in Iceland, hands-down. Even if you can’t snag a room at the hotel, I def recommend stopping in for a bite to eat. It’s one of those restaurants that uses simple techniques and locally sourced everything to “allow the quality of the ingredients to shine.” Trust me, you will finally understand what chefs mean by that when you taste the lobster ravioli, braised Icelandic lamb gnocchi, and mussels au vin blanc.
Erika W. Smith
TIDES was also the location for the EDITION’s drag brunch, where queens Gógo Starr, Lola Von Heart, and Úlla la Delish entertained us with elaborate costumes and dance routines while we sipped on mimosas and snacked on pancakes from the buffet. I can’t say enough good things about that.
THE BOTTOM LINE
If you’re thinking of attending Reykjavík Pride, let me encourage you to book your tickets now! I’ve attended many NYC Pride events over the years, and Reykjavík Pride was a totally different—and equally special—experience. Reykjavík has a population of just under 140,000 people, and Pride is an all-weekend event that literally everyone celebrates, especially families and kids.
And, of course, I recommend booking a room at the Reykjavík EDITION asap, as well. It’ll make for a gorgeous, luxurious, and extremely comfy home away from home throughout your trip, no matter when you visit. I would know!
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Erika W. Smith (she/her) is the Senior Astrology Editor at Cosmopolitan. She also contributes lifestyle, travel, and sex and relationships coverage. In her decade-long media career, she’s become an expert in the “women’s lifestyle” beat and has held staff positions at Refinery29, BUST magazine, and HelloGiggles. Her book Astrosex: How to Have the Best Sex According to Your Star Sign was published in 2021.