Reykjavík Grapevine - jan. 2022, Blaðsíða 28

NATIONAL MUSEUM
OF ICELAND
Opening Hours
Daily 10–17
Closed on
Mondays 16/9–30/4
The National Museum of Iceland
Su!urgata 41, 101 Reykjavík
www.nationalmuseum.is
+354 530 2200
@icelandnationalmuseum
@thjodminjasafn
WELCOME
TO THE
NATIONAL
MUSEUM
OF ICELAND
Few projects have been awaited with
such bated breath as the opening
of The Reykjavik Edition—and the
wait has been worthwhile. A com-
bined effort by the Ian Schrager
Company and Marriott Interna-
tional, (yes the same Marriott with
luxury chains such as the Ritz Carl-
ton in its varied portfolio), Reykja-
vík's Edition is the latest outpost
of the bold chain that prides itself
on bringing together high-quality
design and unique dining experi-
ences rooted in the local, but with
a global flair.
Iceland is a unique travel des-
tination by all accounts. This is-
land—remote until recently—has
quickly risen to the top of every list,
while continuing to be expensive as
heck. The steep prices don’t always
translate to luxury and, in a country
with a pronounced vacuum in this
particular segment, Edition seizes
the opportunity and delivers some
genuine "aha" moments.
Twinkly winter's night
Delayed intermittently due to vari-
ous factors, the hotel quietly opened
its doors in ‘preview mode’ in No-
vember last year. The construction
itself has been a matter of much
local debate and discussion, and
curiosity has been high.
While you can walk to the Edi-
tion from Harpa, I recommend the
harbourside walk instead. Cross-
ing over from Hafnartorg, the har-
bour flanks you on the left, making
for an enjoyable stroll to the main
lobby. The entire building complex
oozes newness; I swear I imagined
I could smell the shuo sogi ban clad-
ding. Designed by local firm T.ark in
partnership with Ian Schrager Com-
pany design and the esteemed NY
practice Roman and Williams, the
design team delivers on its promise
of sophistication that embraces you
from the start. The atrium’s LED lit
awning makes for a twinkly win-
ter’s night welcome, only outshone
by the warm reception by the bell-
hop.
Lobby Bar
Open 12pm to 11pm
As at other Edition properties, it is
best to kick things off with a drink
at the Lobby Bar. A staple of the
chain, an extended lobby beyond the
reception is home to a retro modern
bar. It does feel a bit awkward placed
between two main entrances, but
hey, it's called the Lobby Bar for a
reason. On my many visits, I have
enjoyed well executed cocktails, al-
though the mocktails are equally
pleasing. The bartenders will fix
you exactly the drink you have in
mind and the regularly replenished
bowl of house-made chips warrant
a drink … and another and another.
Tölt
Open 6pm to 10pm
Named after the distinctive gait of
the Icelandic horse, Tölt is a speak-
easy-inspired, password access
only, walnut bubble of plush bar,
serving curated spirits and unhur-
ried discreet service. The pandemic
has meant that openings have been
disrupted but I can see its intimate
ambience being quite the draw.
The Edition when at full service
will also have a rooftop bar, a disco
and spa replete with hamams. For
now, the Lobby Bar and Tölt are
available for guests staying at the
hotel and walk-ins.
Tides Cafe
Open 6am to 5pm
For early birds, Tides Cafe offers
in-house baked goods and house
drinks. The kanil snu!ur and vinar-
brau! are moreish and super-local,
but leaving without a cardamom
snu!ur would be inexcusable.
Tides
Breakfast 7am to 11am
Lunch 12pm to 3pm
Dinner 6pm to 10pm
It would be an understatement to
say that Tides takes your breath
away. While the rest of the hotel is
well designed, it is clear that the
restaurant is meant to be its crown
jewel.
Focused on familiarity
Roman and Williams bring their
signature tactile richness, juxta-
posing a striking timber coffered
ceiling with fluted concrete col-
umns, holding aloft the restaurant
in a golden glow of warmth. The
restaurant has the most Instagram-
friendly lighting, and is a dream to
look at no matter where one is seat-
Wine & Dine in the
Lap of Luxury
Explorin! all thin!s fine and refined at Iceland’s first five-star hotel
Words: Shruthi Basappa Photos: Art Bicnick
Food
Laugavegi 28
537 99 00
sumac@sumac. is
sumac. is