Main Travel Iceland Reykjavik Radisson SAS Hotel Saga

The four star SAS Hotel Saga in Reykjavik is part of the Radisson chain. Modern amenities and views of the city of Reykjavik hugging the shore are featured in all 209 rooms.

Well suited for business travelers, the service is efficient and the rooms are clean. Wireless Internet service is included in every room and there are nine meeting rooms that can accommodate close to 1000 delegates for a meeting or conference.

The standard room is more than adequate for two people. Junior and master suites are more spacious. All rooms offer free access to the onsite health center-spa and a coffee or tea maker with supplies.

We chose this hotel based on recommendations from our travel agent. We appreciated the wireless connection, but were surprised by the location. The hotel is on the grounds of the University of Iceland campus just ten minutes away from the city center with its galleries, shops, restaurants and museums.

Although there is a bus stop directly outside the hotel that will deliver visitors to the center of Reykjavik and it is possible to walk in warm weather, with a cold wind blowing a taxi is really the only alternative for getting into the center of town.

Walking around downtown Reykjavik we saw several other four star hotels that were much closer to the action. Although many are not as modern looking as the Saga, they are probably quite a bit more representative of the welcome you expect, and normally receive, in Iceland.

The shuttle from the airport is not provided by the hotel, but there are bus companies that deliver you to the door for a small fee. This was not clear in our travel arrangements, but was only a slight inconvenience.

Arriving after an all night flight, there were a few guests checking in from the airport shuttle. The desk was manned by one person, so there was a bit of a delay checking in. The check-in time was still an hour away, but after pleading exhaustion, the rooms were made available. Smoking rooms were reserved, but were not available due to renovations (This happens often at Radisson hotels - smokers beware). No apology was made for the change in reservations.

Our three day package included breakfast in the price of the room. When we asked where we could get breakfast on the morning of arrival, we were curtly informed that the prices did not include free breakfast. When we explained that we were more than willing to pay for breakfast, we just needed to know where food was available, we were given directions to the dining room. The chilly reception was unexpected. The only place in Iceland that we did not find a warm welcome was our hotel.

On the positive side, the breakfasts were wonderful. Service was prompt and courteous, if not overly friendly. The buffet style setup offered fresh fruits, yogurts, muffins and other freshly baked breakfast treats, cold cereals, eggs made to order and selections of bread, jams and meats for those who preferred a more traditional European breakfast. All of the hotel staff spoke English and at least one other language in addition to the native Icelandic. Both the Restaurant Skrúður, on the main floor, and the eighth-floor Grillið restaurant are worth a visit while you are in Reykjavik. The main floor offers a more informal atmosphere and simpler cuisine. The food served at Grillið is an epicurean delight... and the staff are actually as friendly as everyone else in Iceland.

Tours pick guests up at the hotel door

In the lobby of the hotel you'll find a desk where Reykjavik Excursions offers a range of tours. Hildur Armannsdottir, the agent we spoke with, was extremely friendly and helpful. In addition to sitting with us to decide on the best itinerary for our time in Iceland, she provided newspaper clippings and background, from a native's perspective, on the sights we would be visiting.

Stories of the history of the waterfalls and the Icelander's love of their land served as a background to the brochures she explained and circled for us. Tours pick up and drop off passengers at the door of the hotel.

If you are looking for a big city feel in your hotel, want to be on the University campus or are booking a conference, the Radisson Saga will be fine. If you want your hotel to reflect more of the spirit of Iceland, or want to be closer to the action, book elsewhere.

More about the Radisson Saga Hotel around the Web:

Virtual Tourist - Radisson Sas Saga Hotel, Reykjavík - Reviews from other tourists who stayed at the hotel to help you make your lodging decisions.

Trip Advisor - Radisson Sas Saga Hotel, Reykjavík - More reviews from tourists and business people who stayed at this hotel. There is also a section that reviews and ranks other hotel options in Reykjavik.