Back in December 2019, Hyatt Hotels Corporation made a big announcement—plans for a brand-new Hyatt Centric property in Iceland. The Hyatt Centric Reykjavík was expected to debut in 2022, marking the brand’s first hotel in the country. Set in the heart of the Icelandic capital, Reykjavík, the property was poised to offer 169 stylish guest rooms, three dining options, and even a rooftop bar with sweeping views of the city. The hotel would also feature meeting facilities, making it an ideal choice for both leisure and business travelers.
Initial Plans
The Hyatt Centric Reykjavík was to be located at Laugavegur 176, Reykjavík’s main street. The property would involve redeveloping the former headquarters of the Icelandic National Broadcasting Service. At the time, the surrounding area was rapidly expanding, and Iceland had become a hot market for hotel chains. The city’s cosmopolitan vibe and unique natural wonders made it a perfect backdrop for the Hyatt Centric’s adventurous yet modern aesthetic.
So, what happened?
The Impact of the Pandemic
Like many development projects, the COVID-19 pandemic caused significant delays. Initially scheduled for a 2022 opening, the project faced setbacks as construction and travel were brought to a halt.
According to a post on the hotel developer’s website in September 2022, “Towards the end of 2020, the parties agreed to postpone the design and construction and delay the hotel’s scheduled opening date until the lines had become clearer regarding the development of the COVID-19 pandemic due to its impact on travel around the world. In April 2022, it was decided to continue with the project and the Reita board has now confirmed a new plan that assumes the hotel can open towards the end of 2024.” (translated from Icelandic)
The Status Today
Fast forward to January 2025, and the Hyatt Centric Reykjavík still hasn’t opened as expected. A quick look at Google Maps shows that a section of the building was demolished as of August 2024, which gives some hope that the project is still on the horizon.
While progress on the Hyatt Centric Reykjavík has been slow, Iceland still offers plenty of other incredible hotel options for visitors. Major hotel chains such as Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton have properties in the country, including The Reykjavik EDITION and the Konsulat Hotel, part of Hilton’s Curio Collection.
Will the Hyatt Centric Reykjavík ever come to life? Time will tell. Until then, Reykjavík remains an exciting destination, with many other unique places to stay.
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