I booked this guesthouse very last minute and secured the last single room...it was obviously meant to be! My parents had a New Year trip to Iceland booked and I decided to turn up to surprise them (it worked!) I arrived on a cold and wet Wednesday evening to a very warm house, greeted by the very welcoming owner who quickly had me checked in and showed me to my room.
The room (downstairs on the lower level) was basic but plentiful with a 3/4 size bed (just for me), a wardrobe, bedside table and sink set inside a long shelf to put all my toiletries etc on. I had great (and free) wi-fi connection and an extension lead so I could have the lamp on, my phone charging and use my hairdryer (although there is a Remington one you can use stored in the communal shower room) Most importantly, the room was spotlessly clean and the bed very comfortable. The aforementioned shower room was also cleaned regularly and the shower was more than adequate. Considering the house was full I never had to wait to use the shower room (also accommodates a toilet). There are further shower rooms on the upper floor which I didn't need to use or visit.
Breakfast was lovely (and nicer than the much more expensive hotel my parents were staying in offered) - very fresh bread, warm croissants, a selection of cheeses and meats, yoghurts, a choice of cereals, fresh fruit and fresh juices. Tea and freshly pressed coffee were also offered as soon as I entered the dining area. This area was housed in a conservatory style part of the house which was lovely as you have views over to the city and you can easily see the Hallgrimskirkja (landmark church) from there.
I had a very pleasant 10 min walk through a park to the hotel where my parents were staying and then just a further 5 mins into the city. I believe the most direct route in is also a mere 15 min walk which, even in very snowy conditions really wasn't a problem. Knowing that I was returning later on that evening to a warm, cosy house was a lovely thought.
I loved my very short stay in Reykjavik. Iceland is an amazing country, I had a very faint glimpse of the Northern Lights but not nearly enough so I might well need to return. If I do I know exactly where I will be staying. Thankyou to all at the Alba Guesthouse, owners and travellers alike, I have returned home with lots of lovely memories.