On February 12, 2025, Hotel Holt marks 60 years as a cherished landmark of hospitality, art, and culture in the heart of Reykjavík. Since 1965, we have welcomed guests from around the world, offering a timeless experience where history, elegance, and warm Icelandic hospitality come together.
A Vision Brought to Life
Hotel Holt was founded by Þorvaldur Guðmundsson and Ingibjörg Guðmundsdóttir, a visionary couple with a deep passion for travel, fine dining, and exceptional service. Inspired by their experiences abroad, they brought the latest trends in hospitality to Iceland, creating a hotel unlike any other—where art, culture, and personal warmth define every stay.
From the very beginning, Hotel Holt became known not just for its outstanding service, but for its extraordinary collection of Icelandic art, carefully curated to give guests an immersive cultural experience.
How It All Began
Þorvaldur’s journey in the hotel industry started when he oversaw the construction of Hotel Saga for the Farmers Association. After managing the hotel for two years, he knew hospitality was his true calling. It was Ingibjörg who named the hotel "Saga," unknowingly setting the stage for their future in the industry. In 1965, they opened Hotel Holt, bringing their vision of refined Icelandic hospitality to life.
From the moment you enter the Hotel Holt
lobby, until you depart, relaxed and refreshed,
you will experience a spirit of friendly and
personalized service that pervades the entire
staff and personifies the Hotel Holt
– Þorvaldur Guðmundsson
Join the Celebration
To mark this milestone, we are hosting special events, exclusive offers, and a journey through six decades of Hotel Holt’s history. Whether you are a longtime guest or visiting for the first time, we invite you to be part of this unforgettable celebration.
60 years of Hotel Holt – a story of tradition, excellence, and timeless charm.
1965
Before Hotel Holt officially opened its doors, its now-iconic neon sign was lit for the first time, illuminating Reykjavík’s skyline. Featured in Morgunblaðið that day, the glowing red letters became a symbol of hospitality, culture, and elegance—a beacon that has welcomed guests for 60 years.
This historic moment marked the beginning of Hotel Holt’s journey, blending Icelandic tradition with timeless charm—a legacy that continues to shine today.
1965
Hotel Holt opened on February 12th, 1965, after only 9 months of construction. In the beginning there were only 30 rooms in the building, designed by architect Gunnlaugur Pálsson and State Architect Hörður Bjarnason. Þorvaldur hired interior designer Gunnar Magnússon to design the hotel’s style, interiors, and furniture.
1965
In an article in Morgunblaðið newspaper a journalist describes his visit to Hotel Holt and is obviously very impressed. “Icelandic art adorns the hotel walls at every turn and the place is equipped with first-class amenities.” Hotel Holt combined Þorvaldur’ s two passions: collecting art and running hotels.
Before Hotel Holt opened its doors to Guests Þorvaldur Guðmundsson launched a modern and stylish store called Síld og Fiskur (e. Herring & Fish) in the building that now houses Hotel Holt.
1973
In 1973 a new wing was added to the hotel and opened in April 1973. The new addition increased the number of rooms to 53. Thingholt was opened on the ground floor of the new wing, a private function room with classical English style interiors designed by furniture and interior designer Gunnar Magnússon.
2004 - present
Hotel Holt belongs to the same family from the very beginning. Geirlaug Þorvaldsdóttir, Ingibjörg and Þorvaldur’s oldest daughter, bought her siblings’ shares in 2004 and has run the hotel since 2011, continuing the family’s legacy.
From the very beginning, art has been at the heart of Hotel Holt. Founded in 1965 by Þorvaldur Guðmundsson and Ingibjörg Guðmundsdóttir, the hotel was not only a place of hospitality but also a home for their extensive collection of Icelandic art. Over the decades, Hotel Holt became a living gallery, where guests could experience Iceland’s artistic heritage in an intimate and elegant setting.
A collection like no other
Hotel Holt houses one of the most remarkable private collections of Icelandic art, carefully curated by its founders. With over 1,500 pieces, the collection includes works from Iceland’s most celebrated artists, such as Jóhannes S. Kjarval, Ásgrímur Jónsson, and Gunnlaugur Scheving. Each piece tells a story—of nature, history, and the creative spirit that shaped Icelandic art.
A gift to the nation
In 2022, whole collection was donated to the Icelandic nation, ensuring that these cultural treasures remain preserved for generations to come. This donation reflects the family’s deep commitment to Icelandic culture and artistic heritage. Today, Hotel Holt remains a place where art is not just displayed, but truly lived, offering guests an inspiring journey through Iceland’s visual history.
A legacy that lives on
While the collection is now cared for in collaboration with the National Gallery of Iceland, many of the hotel’s most iconic pieces remain in their original place—on the walls of guest rooms, hallways, and common spaces. Every corner of Hotel Holt tells a story, continuing the founders’ vision of a hotel where art, history, and hospitality come together in perfect harmony.
For decades, Hotel Holt was at the heart of Reykjavík’s fine dining scene, setting new standards in Icelandic gastronomy. From its grand opening in 1965, the hotel’s restaurant became renowned for its elegance, impeccable service, and dedication to quality, attracting locals and visitors alike.
A Vision of Excellence
Founders Þorvaldur Guðmundsson and Ingibjörg Guðmundsdóttir had a passion for fine dining and hospitality. Drawing inspiration from their travels, they introduced Icelanders to European culinary traditions, carefully adapting them to local ingredients. Their restaurant quickly gained a reputation as one of the finest in Iceland, a place where gastronomy and culture merged in a sophisticated setting.
Dishes That Became Icons
Some of Hotel Holt’s most beloved dishes became legendary and are still fondly remembered today:
Graflax with Hotel Holt’s signature mustard sauce
Tónar hafsins – a symphony of fresh seafood delights
Lamba kóróna with garlic jus
These dishes not only delighted guests but also influenced the evolution of Reykjavík’s culinary scene, shaping the foundation for fine dining in Iceland.
A Place of Prestige
Hotel Holt’s restaurant became a meeting place for artists, intellectuals, and dignitaries, reflecting the hotel’s deep cultural connections. Newspaper reviews from the time praised its refined atmosphere, exceptional wine selection, and world-class service, solidifying its place as Reykjavík’s most distinguished dining establishment.
A Legacy That Lives On
While the restaurant has closed, its influence remains woven into Reykjavík’s culinary heritage. Many of Iceland’s top chefs started their careers in the Hotel Holt kitchen, and the hotel’s legacy continues through special dining events that honor its rich history of hospitality and gastronomy.
Today, Hotel Holt Bar carries on this tradition, offering guests a refined yet relaxed space to enjoy drinks, conversation, and the timeless charm of a place that helped shape Icelandic fine dining.
