Butterfly Guesthouse
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About
4.5
#4 of 68 guest houses in ReykjavikLocation
4.9
Cleanliness
4.8
Service
4.7
Value
4.4
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HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Quaint
Residential Neighborhood
Languages Spoken
English, Icelandic
Property amenities
Street parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Wifi
Non-smoking hotel
Shared lounge / TV area
Private check-in / check-out
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Location
Ranargata 8a, Reykjavik 101 Iceland
Getting there
Great for walkers
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travelers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 100 out of 100
100
Reykjavik Domestic Airport
1.1 mi•
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Keflavik Intl Airport
24 mi•
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Rental Cars
117 Restaurants
within 0.3 miles
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Detailed Reviews
Sometimes there are places that you visit which forever leave a feeling of happiness etched in your heart. The Butterfly House is one of those places. I realized after staying at The Butterfly House that one doesn’t always need a five star hotel to find what is needed to make a wonderful vacation. It is because of our stay this summer at The Butterfly House in Iceland where I learned the meaning of true hospitality from an amazing innkeeper by the name of Jon. My first reason for selecting The Butterfly House was because of the great reviews, reasonable cost, and the proximity of the property to everything that you will need to be comfortable while visiting Reykjavik.
One thing that is important to understand is that transportation is quite expensive in Iceland so if you are not renting a car selecting accommodations that allow one to walk for dining, to the grocery store, and tours is paramount. The Butterfly House has the absolute best location! We could walk to the square for an amazing dinner, to the bakery for tasty treats, to the bus stop for tour pickup, and the Catholic Cathedral, Whale Safari, tour, tons of amazing restaurants are simply a five to ten minute walk away.
In addition, we loved our apartment because it felt like our home for two weeks. First, and foremost Jon is a meticulous innkeeper and the apartment was spotless. The bedding and towels were crisp and clean. Jon would come and take out the trash and replace our towels as needed and was so attentive to any questions or concerns we had however, he was never intrusive. I believe I bothered him much more. However, he was always patient and kind.
Jon was the absolute best with any requests that we had. If I ever have the pleasure of visiting Iceland again The Butterfly House is number 1 on my list. I find myself missing the simple things about my stay like looking up through the skylight in the evening. It was something about that bedroom and the skylight that provided such peace.
I also miss having the opportunity to walk in such a safe and quiet neighborhood each day. I miss the quiet of the house because even though there were other guests it was so quiet I felt like we were the only family present. I truly enjoyed every moment of our stay at The Butterfly Guesthouse and I would recommend this place to anyone who is interested in staying in Reykjavik. The Butterfly Guesthouse allowed our family to appreciate the simple things in life like peace, quiet, and simplicity. This place truly feels like a home away from home. Takk fyrir Jon for everything! You truly made our first visit to Iceland amazing and memorable….so memorable that I am still smiling six months later.
One thing that is important to understand is that transportation is quite expensive in Iceland so if you are not renting a car selecting accommodations that allow one to walk for dining, to the grocery store, and tours is paramount. The Butterfly House has the absolute best location! We could walk to the square for an amazing dinner, to the bakery for tasty treats, to the bus stop for tour pickup, and the Catholic Cathedral, Whale Safari, tour, tons of amazing restaurants are simply a five to ten minute walk away.
In addition, we loved our apartment because it felt like our home for two weeks. First, and foremost Jon is a meticulous innkeeper and the apartment was spotless. The bedding and towels were crisp and clean. Jon would come and take out the trash and replace our towels as needed and was so attentive to any questions or concerns we had however, he was never intrusive. I believe I bothered him much more. However, he was always patient and kind.
Jon was the absolute best with any requests that we had. If I ever have the pleasure of visiting Iceland again The Butterfly House is number 1 on my list. I find myself missing the simple things about my stay like looking up through the skylight in the evening. It was something about that bedroom and the skylight that provided such peace.
I also miss having the opportunity to walk in such a safe and quiet neighborhood each day. I miss the quiet of the house because even though there were other guests it was so quiet I felt like we were the only family present. I truly enjoyed every moment of our stay at The Butterfly Guesthouse and I would recommend this place to anyone who is interested in staying in Reykjavik. The Butterfly Guesthouse allowed our family to appreciate the simple things in life like peace, quiet, and simplicity. This place truly feels like a home away from home. Takk fyrir Jon for everything! You truly made our first visit to Iceland amazing and memorable….so memorable that I am still smiling six months later.
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Butterfly Guesthouse, Owner at Butterfly Guesthouse
Responded Jan 31, 2024
Dear Sabrina! Thank you very much! It was delightful to meet you and your family. I am touched. If I ever think about shutting down the guesthouse, I will read your review again. Then I will continue! Your son left a postcard with a drawing and greetings when you left. I keep it under glass on the table in the living room for me and other guests to enjoy. Hope to welcome you again one day! Best wishes to you and your family! Jon
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Oh what a sweet place! My husband (90) and I (72) stayed two nights in this quiet, welcoming little guesthouse. John was most gracious in welcoming us, teaching us how to operate the strange door locks, and explaining the parking.
I had certainly checked the location out on google maps first, but was totally blown away by how CLOSE we were to everything we wanted to see.
We rented a car, but once parked in a free spot two blocks away, we walked everywhere: The Harpa Concert Hall to see "How to Become Icelandic in 60 Minutes", a one-man, show that plays every night in the summer (Don't miss it! It's hilarious!); the City Center with restaurants and bars and lots of activity, including the Settlement Exhibition (Don't miss that!); the Harbor for coffee or dinner. (Yum!)
Our room was a little studio under the first floor, and it had it's own little outdoor sitting area. Ask Jon about the rock being dug out for that whole little addition.
Highly recommended.
I had certainly checked the location out on google maps first, but was totally blown away by how CLOSE we were to everything we wanted to see.
We rented a car, but once parked in a free spot two blocks away, we walked everywhere: The Harpa Concert Hall to see "How to Become Icelandic in 60 Minutes", a one-man, show that plays every night in the summer (Don't miss it! It's hilarious!); the City Center with restaurants and bars and lots of activity, including the Settlement Exhibition (Don't miss that!); the Harbor for coffee or dinner. (Yum!)
Our room was a little studio under the first floor, and it had it's own little outdoor sitting area. Ask Jon about the rock being dug out for that whole little addition.
Highly recommended.
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Traveled with family
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: Park a couple blacks away for free parking. Jon will tell you in which direction.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Butterfly Guesthouse, Owner at Butterfly Guesthouse
Responded Jul 29, 2023
Thank you very much Meander60964419587! It means a lot to us to receive such nice feedback! Hope to see you an -d your husband another year! Best wishes Jon
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jon is a wonderful and responsive host. The little extras like coffee, apples, milk, oatmeal were so welcome and the apartment on top floor could not have been any better. So quiet and so welcoming and so close to city center.
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Date of stay: June 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: Book early, because it is a popular place!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Butterfly Guesthouse, Owner at Butterfly Guesthouse
Responded Jun 18, 2023
Thank you very much FransK230! It makes me happy to get such reviews! Hope to see the two of you next time you visit Reykjavik. Best wishes Jon
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Loved my Top floor Eyre under the Dormers with a Balcony! I had a private kitchen and bathroom. Everything was spotlessly clean. The bed was very comfortable. The rooms were bright and airy. The blinds can be adjusted for a good night's sleep.
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Date of stay: July 2021
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: The top floor apartment facing the harbor has a balcony!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Butterfly Guesthouse, Owner at Butterfly Guesthouse
Responded Aug 25, 2021
Dear J. H. M! Thank you very much and you are always welcome back! Best wishes Jon
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Our room on the second floor was charming, clean and comfortable. Jon is a very helpful host with a great sense of humor. We didn't rent a car in Reykjavik, so we wanted to be able to walk downtown and near the harbor. The Butterfly Guesthouse is perfect for this.
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Date of stay: August 2022
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Butterfly Guesthouse, Owner at Butterfly Guesthouse
Responded Sep 13, 2022
Thank you very much jeB389MC! It is very nice to receive such a review in the end of the summer season. It makes me happy - and eager to reopen next summer. best wishes Jon
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Central and quiet area both during the day and the night. We were downstairs, behind the main house, in a big ensuite room called a “studio apartment”. There was also a well-equipped kitchen in our room even though we did not use it.
As soon as I arrived, with all the luggage, they asked me to take off my shoes if I wanted to go into the house: it sounded a bit weird to me but I realize each country has its own habits! Luckily the entrance of my room was independent from the main house so, I could get in and get out whenever I liked without taking my shoes on and off: it would have been rather annoying.
What else? Jon, the owner, was a good and kind person and he was always available to give us useful tips about Iceland.
We had our breakfast every morning until 10:30 in the living room of the main house. Rather disappointed about a little “misunderstanding”: one day, after the "official" breakfast-time had finished, we gently asked (it was the first and only thing we asked during our stay) for a small portion of butter to dress the icelandic dried fish we had bought at supermarket but Jon's wife, unbelievably, instead of smiling and getting her butter out, emphasized that “it's forbidden to take food from the common refrigerator when breakfast is over” and she finally gave us a small handful of butter making it clear that she was making a special exception. Probably she did not understand we only needed 5-6 grammes of butter...no more! I realize rules are rules but if I am their guest for 6 nights (and not for free), I think they should be somewhat more flexible, particularly when the request is very light: there shouldn't be rules behind a small bit of butter, a pinch of salt or a sip of water...at any latitude! So, it seemed me exaggerated when, the next morning, I noticed a big new sign hanging on the fridge door saying in bold: “Food is only for breakfast: thanks for your consideration!”.
Anyway, apart from this incredible lapse of manners (that might have spoiled our stay memories...), honestly, all the rest was fine and I feel able to recommend this Guest House to everyone.
As soon as I arrived, with all the luggage, they asked me to take off my shoes if I wanted to go into the house: it sounded a bit weird to me but I realize each country has its own habits! Luckily the entrance of my room was independent from the main house so, I could get in and get out whenever I liked without taking my shoes on and off: it would have been rather annoying.
What else? Jon, the owner, was a good and kind person and he was always available to give us useful tips about Iceland.
We had our breakfast every morning until 10:30 in the living room of the main house. Rather disappointed about a little “misunderstanding”: one day, after the "official" breakfast-time had finished, we gently asked (it was the first and only thing we asked during our stay) for a small portion of butter to dress the icelandic dried fish we had bought at supermarket but Jon's wife, unbelievably, instead of smiling and getting her butter out, emphasized that “it's forbidden to take food from the common refrigerator when breakfast is over” and she finally gave us a small handful of butter making it clear that she was making a special exception. Probably she did not understand we only needed 5-6 grammes of butter...no more! I realize rules are rules but if I am their guest for 6 nights (and not for free), I think they should be somewhat more flexible, particularly when the request is very light: there shouldn't be rules behind a small bit of butter, a pinch of salt or a sip of water...at any latitude! So, it seemed me exaggerated when, the next morning, I noticed a big new sign hanging on the fridge door saying in bold: “Food is only for breakfast: thanks for your consideration!”.
Anyway, apart from this incredible lapse of manners (that might have spoiled our stay memories...), honestly, all the rest was fine and I feel able to recommend this Guest House to everyone.
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Date of stay: July 2015Trip type: Traveled with family
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Good location near the marina, but just an odd place. The owner was friendly enough and it was clean, but breakfast was a DIY affair and the decor was very 70s. Having stayed at 2 other B&Bs afterwards, there really was no comparison. Shop around..
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Date of stay: September 2016Trip type: Traveled with friends
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Butterfly Guesthouse is clean, cosy, friendly and easy to find and get to on a quiet street close to the center of town. We stayed six nights and it really felt like coming home at the end of each day. Our "landlord" Jon was near at hand both morning, noon and evening and gave us useful suggestions for outings and restaurants. The guesthouse was apparently fully booked every night we were there but it never felt crowded in the kitchen nor was there ever a wait for the bathroom. Our room was so quiet we were quite unaware of the other guests in the building! We would warmly recommend Butterfly for anyone who appreciates relaxed living at a good price.
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Date of stay: June 2012Trip type: Traveled with friends
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
For my first trip to Iceland I have found the Butterfly Guesthouse in Reykjavik. The guesthouse is located in the Ranargata street, which is only 5min walk from the city center the Laugavegur street away, where you can find a lot of nice shops and restaurants and pubs.
I have arrived very late the guesthouse, because my baggage didn't arrived in Reykjavik and I had to manage the loss at the airport. But nevertheless Jon was welcoming me in his guesthouse. At first you have to get out your shoes. This is very common in Iceland. I knew this from my travel guides I have read before and I can understand this ecpecially in the winter when you shoes full of dirt and snow.
The guesthouse has two floors. I had my room in the 2st floor with the window to the street. The street was very calm. A small shop was close by so I could by some necessary things after my arrival. The small shop has opened until 11:30 o'clock pm.
And the room was equipped perfectly and very comfortable with 2 beds, a beautiful desk and a wardrobe.
In my rate was breakfast included. You can have your breakfast in the 1st floor. where a kitchen and the breakfast room is located. In the kitchen you will find everything what you need for a good breakfast. It's a self-service breakfast. That means you serve yourself. You will find all what you need for a good breakfast like fresh bread, eggs, juice, cheese and sausages and for the sweeties jam and cereals the fridge and in the cupboards for a good start in the day and for your exploration of Reykjavik and Iceland. Because of I am loving good coffee, I have to say there was a really good coffee for breakfast here.
Because it is a self-service breakfast you have to wash up your dishes afterwards. Wether I have forgotten to wash up my dishes the first time, it was ok for me But this was ok for me, because the rates for the rooms are for islands conditions reasonable. And i have to mention, do not wonder when the warm water is smelling a little bit from sulphur. It is typically for Iceland, then the hot water comes directly from the earth. And you know that Iceland is island which is geological very active. But it isn't dangerous ;-)
Jon and his husband were very helpful in different kind of things and gave my good tips or explained the local neighborhood. When I had a question they had always an answer for me. Especially his woman helped me to make a call to the baggage service of the airport to figure out, when it will arrive in Reykjavik and where.
So I would stay again in the Guesthouse Butterfly.
I have arrived very late the guesthouse, because my baggage didn't arrived in Reykjavik and I had to manage the loss at the airport. But nevertheless Jon was welcoming me in his guesthouse. At first you have to get out your shoes. This is very common in Iceland. I knew this from my travel guides I have read before and I can understand this ecpecially in the winter when you shoes full of dirt and snow.
The guesthouse has two floors. I had my room in the 2st floor with the window to the street. The street was very calm. A small shop was close by so I could by some necessary things after my arrival. The small shop has opened until 11:30 o'clock pm.
And the room was equipped perfectly and very comfortable with 2 beds, a beautiful desk and a wardrobe.
In my rate was breakfast included. You can have your breakfast in the 1st floor. where a kitchen and the breakfast room is located. In the kitchen you will find everything what you need for a good breakfast. It's a self-service breakfast. That means you serve yourself. You will find all what you need for a good breakfast like fresh bread, eggs, juice, cheese and sausages and for the sweeties jam and cereals the fridge and in the cupboards for a good start in the day and for your exploration of Reykjavik and Iceland. Because of I am loving good coffee, I have to say there was a really good coffee for breakfast here.
Because it is a self-service breakfast you have to wash up your dishes afterwards. Wether I have forgotten to wash up my dishes the first time, it was ok for me But this was ok for me, because the rates for the rooms are for islands conditions reasonable. And i have to mention, do not wonder when the warm water is smelling a little bit from sulphur. It is typically for Iceland, then the hot water comes directly from the earth. And you know that Iceland is island which is geological very active. But it isn't dangerous ;-)
Jon and his husband were very helpful in different kind of things and gave my good tips or explained the local neighborhood. When I had a question they had always an answer for me. Especially his woman helped me to make a call to the baggage service of the airport to figure out, when it will arrive in Reykjavik and where.
So I would stay again in the Guesthouse Butterfly.
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Date of stay: January 2015Trip type: Traveled solo
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Me and my friend really enjoyed our stay at the Butterfly Guesthouse over Christmas, it is in a great location, was warm, quiet, clean and comfortable, and the communal kitchen was very well equipped and clean, nice big dining table and lounge area. We even cooked our own Christmas dinner there!
Jon, the host, is great. Very friendly and helpful and has a great sense of humour! We even went to support him when he played in the Iceland National Chess Championships!
Thank you for a great Christmas!
Jon, the host, is great. Very friendly and helpful and has a great sense of humour! We even went to support him when he played in the Iceland National Chess Championships!
Thank you for a great Christmas!
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Date of stay: December 2016Trip type: Traveled with friends
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Arriving at Butterfly guesthouse from Keflavik international airport if you do not have a rental car - option A and B are equal:
A)
Grayline (Iceland excursion):
They take you close to our guesthouse (within 3-4 minutes walk).
Nearest drop off place is City Hall by the lake (busstop-1).
You may have to change to a shuttle somewhere in town.
Price around 3.000 - 4.000 ISK pr person one way.
B)
Flybus:
They take you close to our guesthouse (within 3-4 minutes walk).
You may have to change to a shuttle somewhere in town.
Price around 3.000 - 4.000 ISK pr person one way.
Nearest drop off place is City Hall by the lake (busstop-1).
Please be aware that a taxi from the airport might be expensive.
Of course we have hairdryers.
Hello Brooke!
Reykjavik city center is about 55 km from Keflavik airport.
So it is the same distance to us.
Best wishes
The Butterfly family
Good afternoon Kevin !
Our house is non smoking.
For pricing please see our web site.
There you can also fill in an inquiry form for your stay.
Looking forward to your inquiry.
best wishes
Jon at Butterfly
…
LOCATION
IcelandCapital RegionReykjavik
NUMBER OF ROOMS
6
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Frequently Asked Questions about Butterfly Guesthouse
Which popular attractions are close to Butterfly Guesthouse?
Nearby attractions include Hidden People Iceland (0.1 miles), The Settlement Exhibition (0.2 miles), and Icelandic Phallological Museum (0.3 miles).
Is parking available at Butterfly Guesthouse?
Yes, street parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Butterfly Guesthouse?
Conveniently located restaurants include Himalayan Spice, Deig, and Saeta Svínid Gastropub.
Is Butterfly Guesthouse located near the city center?
Yes, it is 0.4 miles away from the center of Reykjavik.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Butterfly Guesthouse?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and Icelandic.
Are there any historical sites close to Butterfly Guesthouse?
Many travelers enjoy visiting The Einar Jonsson Sculpture Museum (Listasafn Einars Jonssonar) (0.7 miles), Videy Island (3.0 miles), and Cemetery Holavallagardur (0.8 miles).