Iceland review - 2007, Qupperneq 85

ICELAND REVIEW 91
The hotel gets its name from the year that the building was inaugurated, as the head­
quarters of Eimskip, Iceland’s first and largest shipping company. Instead of giving
up on a space whose status as historical landmark places limitations on what can
be changed, Radisson SAS embraced the challenge and blended its style with the
sophisticated maritime theme of the original building.
I
n addition to the portholed entrances, original features include the massive central staircase
in green marble and the ironwork featuring Eimskip’s original logo on the banister.
But it is in the lobby that the building’s history harmoniously mixes with modern design.
Human forms cast in aluminum by Icelandic artist Steinunn Thórarinsdóttir float in and out
of the walls as if gliding underwater, while plasma­screen TVs provide a continuous stream
of financial news and stock quotes; a Swedish chandelier in blown glass evokes images of
coral reefs while shining down on black or red leather couches from prominent Scandin­
avian designers.
Rooms come in different sizes, all with the modern amenities of wireless Internet, satel­
lite television and minibar. Two large suites come equipped with Jacuzzi tubs.
In terms of services and accommodation, the hotel capitalizes on its location to go
beyond its official four­star rating. In addition to its own health and fitness center, full spa
and beauty services are offered in partnership with one of Iceland’s premier salons
situated next door. The completion of a new tapas lounge in December will fill a niche for
the pre­ and post­dinner downtown crowd, and with some of Iceland’s premier seafood
restaurants and nightspots within a few blocks, guests have easy access to the best
dining and social life the city has to offer.
The Radisson SAS 1919 Hotel brings together the elegance of a world­renowned
brand and a distinguished historical landmark to create a uniquely Icelandic experience
in the heart of downtown Reykjavík. Visitors get all the four­star comforts with character
and style, pushing this spot to the top of its class.
Hotel
radisson
sas 1919
i r p r o m o t i o n