Maciej Kowalski
Google
Right, the Ydalir Hotel. Found it tucked away somewhere you’d least expect a hotel to be, which is a big plus immediately. It’s got that sort of 'proper Scandinavian isolation' vibe to it. It’s quiet. So quiet, you can actually hear yourself think, which is a rare and terrifying experience for most of us.
The room was splendid. Not a sprawling, ridiculous suite for people who've just won the lottery, but a genuinely comfortable space where everything just... works. The bed was superb. The sort of bed you climb into and immediately forget about the absurd price of petrol and the general state of the world. A truly magnificent piece of furniture. And the breakfast? Glorious. A proper feast. A vast, edible barrier to any form of a bad day. They’ve clearly gone to the trouble of sourcing good quality stuff, and it makes all the difference.
Now, the parking. This is where it gets a bit… Nordic. There are about six spaces right outside, which I imagine are reserved for people who've arranged their arrival with the precision of a Swiss watchmaker. For the rest of us, it's a bit of a walk. A short walk, granted, but a walk nonetheless to a public car park. It's the sort of minor inconvenience that makes you mutter to yourself about sensible shoes and the lack of proper tarmac close to the front door.
But really, that's it. That's the only grumble. And I'm a professional grumbler. The Ydalir is a thoroughly pleasant, quiet, and comfortable place that understands what people actually want from a hotel: a good night's sleep and a proper breakfast. The fact you have to walk a few minutes to get to your car just means you get a bit of fresh air. And frankly, we could all use more of that.
