Iceland review - 2016, Page 121

ICELAND REVIEW 119
SPECIAL PROMOTION
REYKJANES
Iceland’s only five-star hotel, Diamond Suites, is located on
Reykjanes, which is conveniently close to Keflavík Internation-
al Airport, as well as the unique nature of south Iceland. The
Diamond Suites come in different sizes and styles with each fea-
turing its own set of aesthetic details and surprises. “The hotel
is completely exclusive,” says Steinþór Jónsson, owner and ho-
tel manager. “All the materials, furniture and equipment were
handpicked, specially imported or custom-made.” While the
hotel has been open for just a couple of months so far, the re-
sponse has been very positive. “We have been welcoming hap-
py guests and the bookings for this summer look really good,”
he says.
The suites are spacious, without a lot of walls and doors, cre-
ating an open, fluid space. “We are doing something that is
considered quite different,” says Steinþór. “When we were de-
signing the suites, we didn’t use an architect; we simply bought
high-end materials and worked on them slowly for two years.”
Steinþór reveals that the hotel has accommodated select clients
ahead of the official opening in May. “We hosted world leaders,
famous singers and actors, and tourists seeking a high-end ho-
tel experience.”
WORLD-CLASS CUSTOMER SERVICE
Diamond Suites offers spectacular accommodation, with roomy
suites, impeccable décor, impressive amenities, and spacious
balconies. Furthermore, the staff pride themselves on custom-
er service. “We recognize that each guest is different,” says
Steinþór. “From the moment guests check in, we acknowledge
what it is that you are looking for during your vacation and we
try to respond to that in every way, so each guest gets a tailored
experience. It can be anything, really; no matter if it’s a sport
event or any other request—we won’t say no.” The hotel’s KEF
Restaurant is a first-class restaurant and bar, positioned under an
exquisite glass ceiling. KEF’s renowned chef, Jenný Rúnarsdóttir,
places great emphasis on fresh local ingredients in all her dishes.
THIRTY-YEAR-OLD FAMILY BUSINESS
The same family that started Hotel Keflavík in 1986 owns Dia-
mond Suites, which benefits from the experience and commit-
ment of its founders. While Diamond Suites operates as a sep-
arate boutique hotel, it is housed on the fourth floor of Hotel
Keflavík, thereby linking the history of Hotel Keflavík with Dia-
mond Suites. “We opened Diamond Suites on May 17, which
was a very special day for us,” says Steinþór, who has been the
hotel manager from day one. “It was on the 30th anniversary of
the opening of Hotel Keflavík and we are so proud to further ex-
pand the family business in memory of our parents, Jon William
and Unnur Ingunn. Two connected suites are now named after
them. We want Diamond Suites to be a beautiful, distinct tree in
the forest, different from all the others.”
diamondsuites.is
Diamond Suites is a boutique hotel accommodating luxury travelers.
Reykjanes’ Five-Star Hotel