Simply Abu Dhabi XX

2 9 8 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I There are ample options for choosing a base. Centerhotels is a family-run business that has converted six stately houses that are all located in the city centre. Designed to international standards selection depends on which part of the city you prefer. CenterHotel Thingholt in the heart of downtown is a wise choice for being in the thick of the action near the high street ad it offers cosy loft suites. The décor blends Icelandic nature with Scandi-cool design and the Ísafold restaurant serves quality local cuisine. The Midgardur hotel is the newest member of the CenterHotels family and is within walking distance to many attractions and on the fringes of town in an area with record shops and fast food joints. It’s very smart in a minimalistic style and offers a lot of light and space. The Arnarhvoll is well placed for sweeping views over the harbour and is within walking distance to the Harpa concert hall and conference centre, which as well as a comprehensive roster of events also has a great cocktail bar and Kolabrautin restaurant – a smart choice for fine dining with a panoramic view. Hotel Holt is an more traditional choice as this long established and much loved hotel has steadfastly refused to update the décor and has stuck to the original furnishings and layout the hotel installed upon opening back in 1965. This bestows a lovely old world charm on the place and many visitors wouldn’t dream of staying anywhere else but here. Another boon for staying at the Hotel Holt is the in-house Gallery restaurant. Long regarded as the preeminent dining venue in Iceland, the Gallery won the Nordic Prize in 2012 and is a leading light on the city’s culinary map. For an altogether more 2015 experience in terms of accommodation is the Alda Hotel Reykjavík, which is smack bang on Laugavegur at 66-68. You can get a haircut whilst supping a cocktail at the hotel’s Barber Bar before helping yourself to a healthy snack from the 24/7 Grab-n-Go station. Or spin some records on the vintage turntable and relax and watch the world pass by on the high street outside. There’s also a seductive

RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NjIwNDQ=