June 30, 2015 – REYKJAVIK, Iceland & MCLEAN, Va. – Canopy by Hilton, Hilton Worldwide’s (NYSE:HLT) new hotel brand that redefines the lifestyle hotel category, and Icelandair Hotels have unveiled plans for Canopy’s first hotel in Iceland’s vibrant capital – Reykjavik. “Canopy Reykjavik | City Centre” is expected to be the first hotel globally to open in the brand’s portfolio, which launched in October 2014.
“Reykjavik has an incredible energy and is a fitting setting in which to introduce our first Canopy by Hilton hotel,” said Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, development, Europe & Africa, Hilton Worldwide. “Iceland has grown in stature as a destination, owing to the efforts of Icelandair, which has improved the country’s connectivity and visibility as a global destination. Visitor numbers to Iceland have more than tripled in the last 15 years1, and Canopy Reykjavik | City Centre will add fresh momentum to the city’s vibrant travel scene.”
Canopy Reykjavik | City Centre is now under construction on Hverfisgata St, a thriving neighborhood in the centre of the city. The hotel is slated to open in early 2016 with the brand’s thoughtfully local aesthetic, which includes an open, light lobby and relaxing public spaces. A rooftop bar and restaurant will serve drinks and food throughout the day, while guests can also visit a bistro, sampling fresh, local produce while taking in the city sights.
“In creating Canopy by Hilton, we focused heavily on customer research at every stage, and the result is a brand which redefines the lifestyle segment, and brings guests closer to the destinations and communities in which they travel,” said Gary Steffen, global head, Canopy by Hilton. “Reykjavik is unlike any other city on Earth, and its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty align with the ethos of Canopy by Hilton. It is with considerable excitement that we anticipate the opening of Canopy Reykjavik | City Centre in 2016.”
Canopy Reykjavik | City Centre will welcome guests with 115 guest rooms and suites, will feature an entirely new interior, while sensitively retaining the buildings’ elegant facades, and preserving the important architectural integrity of the neighborhood.
Wi-Fi and a local artisanal breakfast will be included in the room rate, along with a property-specific gift to welcome guests on arrival, helping ensure they get off to a positive stay in Reykjavik. As with all Canopy by Hilton hotels, Canopy Reykjavik | City Centre will be inspired and influenced by its local surroundings. Occupying an entire block of the prestigious Hverfisgata St, the hotel will provide guests with an opportunity to explore the city on foot.
Reykjavik is one of the world’s cleanest and greenest capital cities, and is home to a vibrant culinary scene, attracting gourmet aficionados to its many Michelin starred restaurants. Just two degrees south of the Arctic Circle, Iceland is one of the few countries where the spectacular Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights can be seen clearly. As a result of its unique location, during the summer season Iceland experiences 24 hour daylight and is a magnet for nature enthusiasts. Its unusual volcanic landscape has produced thermal springs and dramatic glaciers, helping to forge its reputation with tourists from around the world. In May 2015, Iceland’s second largest glacier, Langjokull, opened to the public, allowing visitors to travel through a 500m tunnel in the centre of one Europe’s largest glaciers.
“We have established a great relationship with Hilton Worldwide and Hilton Reykjavik Nordica, which we’ve opened and managed since October 2007,” Magnea Thorey Hjálmarsdóttir, managing director, Icelandair Hotels said. “Reykjavik is the perfect destination for the Canopy by Hilton brand, as the connection between this new lifestyle brand and dynamic city is strong. Canopy by Hilton will play a substantial role in further enhancing Reykjavik as an ideal destination choice for travelers seeking local fun, culture, and breathtaking nature.”
The hotel will be operated by Icelandair Hotels, a subsidiary of Icelandair Group and a long term partner of Hilton Worldwide, having operated Hilton Reykjavik Nordica since it opened in 2007. Icelandair is committed to increasing tourism to Reykjavik through the introduction of direct flights from Reykjavik to destinations across North America and Europe.
Canopy Reykjavik will participate in Hilton HHonors®, the only guest rewards program that allows members to earn Points & Miles® for the same stay and redeem points for free nights with No Blackout Dates at more than 4,350 hotels worldwide. Hilton HHonors members who book directly through www.canopybyhilton.com will have access to benefits including: digital check-in, choose your room, and free Wi-Fi.
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