REYKJAVIK, Iceland and MCLEAN, Va. – July 5, 2016 – Canopy by Hilton, Hilton Worldwide’s (NYSE: HLT) new lifestyle brand, and Icelandair Hotels, have announced the opening of the world’s first Canopy hotel in the city of Reykjavik.
Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre is centrally located on Hverfisgata Street, a thriving area in the heart of the city. The Icelandic capital, with its artistic flair, thriving culinary scene and backdrop of dramatic volcanic landscapes, is the ideal location for Canopy’s global debut.
“Reykjavik is unlike any other city on Earth. Its rich heritage and natural beauty perfectly align with the ethos of the Canopy by Hilton brand,” said Gary Steffen, global head, Canopy by Hilton. “We are thrilled to open the doors and begin greeting adventurous travelers searching for a unique experience to this city centre neighborhood in Reykjavik.”
Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre is designed as a natural extension of Hverfisgata Street, with local design influences and natural materials used throughout the hotel’s architecture and interiors. The hotel is at the heart of Reykjavik, surrounded by iconic attractions such as Laugavegur, a street known for its shopping, eateries, and pubs, and Harpa Concert Hall and Convention Center, as well as from Old Reykjavik Harbor, which offers incredible views of Mount Esja and the landmark Hallgrimskirkja church.
Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre is steeped in local culture, and guests can taste Iceland’s famous Omnom chocolate on site, enjoy water naturally filtered by Icelandic lava, and immerse themselves in local literature when relaxing in poets’ corner – an ideal setting for literary relaxation.
Simon Vincent, executive vice president and president, Europe, Middle East, and Africa, Hilton Worldwide said: “Over one million foreign travelers visited Iceland last year*, and Reykjavik is an incredibly exciting and unique city to visit. The introduction of Canopy establishes a new home for discerning lifestyle travelers to Iceland, and we’re thrilled to build on our longstanding partnership with Icelandair Hotels.”
The property honors its musical beginnings with an LP library with records that can be played at any of the 10 on-property record players. From October through to March, guests can watch the stunning Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights from near the hotel, as well as Iceland’s famous midnight sun during the summer months.
“With the support from Hilton Worldwide, as well as our Icelandic partners, this has become a distinguished property for Reykjavik,” said Magnea Thorey Hjálmarsdóttir, managing director, Icelandair Hotels. “We’ve changed the face of hospitality in Iceland with the Canopy lifestyle brand, and we look forward to welcoming visitors from around the world.”
The Geiri Smart restaurant is open for dinner for guests and locals ready for a night out. Lead Chef Enthusiast, Jóhannes Steinn Jóhannesson and Sous Chef Enthusiast, Bjarni Siguroli Jakobsson, put their own spin on local delights such as fresh fish and organic vegetables. Each morning, guests have two complimentary choices for breakfast; they can refuel in the lobby area of Canopy Central with an artisanal breakfast, or have a Canopy Breakfast Bag delivered to their room. Each evening, Canopy Central runs complimentary wine and beer tastings**, and guests can also grab a bite at the delicatessen, coffee shop or in the garden.
All 112 rooms and suites are designed to fit in with neighborhood culture. Shades of ocean blue and gray volcanic rock make the interior comfortable and invigorating – a true reflection of Reykjavik. The rooms have been decorated with fun, local twists, such as a little Reykjavik Music Box which will lull our guests to sleep with an Icelandic lullaby.
A 24-hour fitness center is available, as well as event and meeting space for up to 50 people. The hotel provides complimentary bicycles for guest use, and Enthusiasts can recommend local routes to explore the city and surrounding trails.
For more information about Canopy by Hilton, please visit www.canopybyhilton.com or http://press.canopybyhilton.com.
*According to Icelandic Tourism **Offered for guests 21 years and up.
