Hotel Budir
Remote Icelandic country retreat with a warm traditional atmosphere. Think antique lithographs of whale hunting on the walls, plush sofas by a fireplace, big windows framing glaciers and lava fields. The new wing is crisp and contemporary; the old wing is cosier with sloped ceilings. Quiet, romantic, serious about food.
Book the new wing if you want in-room coffee and tea making facilities; the old wing doesn't have them
Why It Matters
Michelin Guide and Tablet Hotels-listed boutique hotel in one of the most dramatic natural settings in Iceland. Nobel Prize-winning author Halldór Laxness was a regular guest, writing in a room overlooking the Snæfellsjökull glacier. The restaurant has been called 'the Mecca of Icelandic cooking' for its hyper-local lamb and seafood. The nearest town is a 30-minute drive away — this is about as remote as it gets while still having room service.
A historic country hotel planted on the edge of a moss-covered lava field on the south shore of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula — two hours from Reykjavík, alone except for a small black wooden church a three-minute walk away. It opened as a guesthouse back in 1947, burned to the ground in 2001, and was rebuilt and reopened in 2003. The hotel has 49 rooms split between the original wing and a newer addition, and its restaurant has long been called one of the most romantic in Iceland.
Where You'll Stay
8 room types available
Attic Room (Súðarherbergi)
Seven cosy rooms in the old wing, tucked under the eaves with sloped ceilings. The smallest rooms at the hotel with queen-size beds. Charming and intimate, but not for tall guests who mind low ceilings. Views vary.
Queen
Deluxe Room
Seven rooms in the original wing. Queen or king-size beds. Nearly all have an in-room bathtub — the exception is one room. Larger and better-appointed than the Standard rooms. A rollaway can be added for a third guest on request. More traditional character than the new wing rooms.
Queen or King
Family Room
Located in the new wing. Two separate bedrooms — one queen, one king — each with its own ensuite bathroom. One bedroom opens onto a small balcony with sea and mountain views. Seals are occasionally spotted from here. Good choice for families of four.
Queen and KingMaster Suite
The top room in the house. King-size bedroom, a separate sitting room, a freestanding bathtub, and a private balcony. The hotel's best views: mountains, glacier, sea, and Búðir church all at once. Up to two extra rollaway beds can be added on request.
KingStandard Room
Eight rooms in the original wing. Spacious doubles with two separate beds that can be pushed together on request. Each room has either a shower or a bathtub. Traditional Icelandic decor with antique prints on the walls. Good value compared to the deluxe options.
Twin (convertible to double)Suite (Minni Svítur)
Three smaller suites available. One is in the old wing with a proper separate bedroom, living room, and bathroom. The other two are in the new wing where sleeping area and lounge share the same space. All have a double bed and can accommodate up to four guests with two rollaway beds. You cannot request which wing your suite is in.
DoubleSuperior Deluxe
In the new wing. Larger and more spacious than the Superior Standard rooms, with a contemporary neutral palette — eggshell walls, blonde wood floors, boucle chairs. King-size bed. A rollaway can be added for a third guest on request.
KingSuperior Standard
The most numerous room type at 16 units, all in the new wing. Modern, well-equipped, and bright with king-size beds. Clean contemporary style with large windows. Includes in-room coffee and tea facilities — a detail the old wing rooms lack.
KingThe Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
The lounge has a telescope available for guests to scan the inlet, beach and lava fields for seabirds and the resident seals in the Búðir estuary.
The waters around the Snæfellsnes Peninsula are considered some of Europe's best for whale spotting, including blue whales, humpbacks, minkes, orcas, and dolphins. Boat trips depart from nearby Ólafsvík (about 30 min drive). The hotel can help arrange.
Off-road buggy rides around the Snæfellsjökull glacier with Glacier Paradise. The hotel can book this for guests.
Ice walks and glacier hikes can be arranged directly from the hotel. Snæfellsjökull is about 20 minutes by car.
A snowcat excursion up onto the Snæfellsjökull glacier with Glacier Paradise. Available in winter/spring conditions.
The nearby Gobbedi Gob stables (the name means 'clackety-clack') offer short riding trips on Icelandic ponies along the sandy beach and the ancient riding trails of the Búðahraun lava flow.
Bookable through the hotel. Hvammsvík is a geothermal hot spring destination on the Hvalfjörður fjord — a scenic detour option on the way to or from the hotel.
Day visit to Krauma, a geothermal spa fed by Europe's most powerful hot spring, Deildartunguhver. Not on-site but bookable through the hotel.
The hotel's remote, light-pollution-free location makes it one of the best places in the country to observe the Aurora Borealis. No dedicated wake-up service is confirmed, so set your own alarm in November–April.
A guided tour into the 8,000-year-old Vatnshellir lava tube, organised through Summit Adventure Guides. One of the most accessible cave experiences on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. The hotel can arrange bookings.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Small-to-medium conference and business meeting facilities available.
The main lounge has plush sofas, antique lithographs, a fireplace, and a birdwatching telescope. A good spot in winter for hot chocolate while watching for the northern lights.
The hotel hosts weddings and private events. Ceremonies can take place in the historic Búðakirkja church steps away, at the hotel reception, or on the beach. The restaurant seats up to 80.
Available in new wing rooms (Superior Standard, Superior Deluxe, Family Room, and new wing Suites). Not available in the old wing rooms.
Pets permitted on request with certain restrictions.
A selection of books available for guest use in the lounge area.
The hotel sits directly next to a wide sandy beach. Seals are regularly spotted in the adjacent Búðir estuary.
Staff can arrange glacier hikes, whale watching, buggy tours, snowcat trips, lava cave tours, and helicopter sightseeing.
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