Iceland's Hotel Ranga: Witness the Northern Lights & More!
Hotel Ranga: Where the Northern Lights Dance & Your Iceland Adventure Begins (Maybe with a Few Oopsies!)
Alright, listen up, fellow wanderlusters and aurora borealis dreamers! I've just gotten back from Iceland and, let me tell you, it's a land that’ll steal your heart (and maybe your bank account, but WORTH IT). And smack-dab in the middle of all that breathtaking beauty is Hotel Ranga. Now, this isn't your cookie-cutter hotel review. I'm gonna give you the REAL deal, warts and all, because honestly, some of the best travel memories are made when things don't go perfectly to plan. (That's a hint, by the way. Keep reading!)
First Impressions & Accessibility - Whoop, There It Is!
Okay, so landing in Iceland is like stepping onto another planet, beautiful and slightly unsettling all at once. The drive to Hotel Ranga is a scenic masterpiece. Rolling hills, fluffy sheep (everywhere!), and glaciers glistening in the distance. The first thing I noticed? Cleanliness and Safety - they're on top of their game at Ranga. Hand sanitizer everywhere, staff masked up, and the whole vibe felt incredibly safe. They’re really going above and beyond, even with all the Anti-viral cleaning products and Professional-grade sanitizing services. That’s a major win, especially these days!
Now, accessibility. This is important, and I'm gonna be honest, I didn’t personally need wheelchair access, but I did check it out since it's part of the deal. They do have Facilities for disabled guests, and the website says they're Wheelchair accessible. I saw an Elevator and thought, "Yup, they’ve considered all this." I didn't see the entire room setup for a wheelchair user, but the common areas seemed pretty open and easy to navigate. The Safety/security feature like CCTV in common areas also seemed reassuring.
The Rooms: Cozy Nests & (Maybe a Tiny Drama?)
Our room? Super comfortable. Think cozy, with a touch of "luxury cabin." The Bathtub was a godsend after a long day of exploring. Seriously, that's essential in Iceland. The Bathrobes were fluffy, the Bed was inviting (extra long, thank goodness!), and the Blackout curtains were crucial for those midnight sun situations (or, you know, trying to sleep off jet lag). We got free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and Internet [LAN] which, look, I didn't use the LAN, but it’s nice to have options, right? The Alarm clock almost worked; there was a slight hiccup one morning (let's just say I woke up panicked and running around!).
But the real highlight? The window that opens. I'm a sucker for fresh air, especially when you're surrounded by Icelandic magic. Not all hotels offer that, so kudos to Ranga. I also appreciated the complimentary tea and coffee maker, because caffeine is LIFE. The room decorations, were spot on: classy, understated, and not trying too hard.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: Fueling the Adventure (and My Belly!)
Okay, let's talk food. This is where Hotel Ranga really shines, in my opinion. The Restaurants are excellent. The A la carte in restaurant menu offered a fantastic array of options, and the International cuisine in restaurant was definitely a highlight. One night, I had the lamb (again, essential in Iceland!), and it was cooked to perfection. Don’t miss the Salad in restaurant– it’s all fresh and a much-needed breather from all the rich food.
The Breakfast [buffet] was a glorious spread. Okay, maybe a LITTLE too much, because I definitely overate every single morning. Breakfast service was smooth, with hot coffee always on tap (thank goodness). The Bottled water was a nice touch, but I always had my own anyway. And, a HUGE win for me: the Coffee/tea in restaurant was strong!
Now, here's a confession: The Poolside bar almost broke me. Picture this: you're exhausted after a day of glacier hiking, the Northern Lights are teasing you with their presence, and you can sip cocktails by the pool. I say almost because, well, let's just say I may have indulged in a few too many Aperol spritzes one night. (Hey, I was relaxing!) And for your info, there's a Happy hour!
And while we're at it, the Pool with view. Oh my goddddd! I spent two hours there, just gazing at the sky. I would've been there all day if I could.
Witnessing the Northern Lights: The Moment That Changed Me
Forget the perfect room, the amazing food…the real reason you come to Hotel Ranga is to see the Northern Lights. And, dear readers, let me tell you: it’s an experience that will wreck you in the best possible way. I can't even pretend to be cool about it. Watching the aurora dance above Hotel Ranga was a moment of pure, unadulterated magic.
The hotel staff are obsessed with helping you catch a glimpse. They have a dedicated Aurora alarm system that wakes you up when the lights appear. You can literally ask them to find you, and they will. Yes, you will have to get up at 1 AM, but it is so worth it. They have an Outdoor venue for special events where you can stand and stare. There's even a telescope that lets you peek at the sky. I mean, how cool is that? It felt extremely special. (That said, Mother Nature DOES what she wants and there are no guarantees. We got lucky, but don’t go expecting a light show every night. That’s Iceland!)
Wellness & Relaxation: Recharging the Soul
Okay, so chasing the lights is tiring. Luckily, Hotel Ranga has a solid range of ways to chill out after the day's adventures, including Sauna, Steamroom, and a Spa/sauna. They have a Spa with a variety of treatments like Body wrap and Body scrub (I didn’t try these, but the menu looked divine). There's also a Gym/fitness area and one of the best Swimming pool [outdoor]s with the Pool with view. And I’m telling you, sinking into hot water while gazing at the stars is pure bliss. The Foot bath was a godsend, too; my poor feet were screaming for mercy after all that hiking!
Services & Conveniences: Smooth Sailing (Mostly!)
Hotel Ranga offers a ton of other perks. They have Car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site], which is super convenient if you're renting a car (which you absolutely should!). The Concierge was helpful in arranging tours and answering our endless questions. There's a Gift/souvenir shop if you need to pick up some last-minute treasures. The Laundry service? A lifesaver. And the Daily housekeeping kept everything sparkling. They also have Breakfast in room if you want your first morning coffee quietly.
The "Oops" Moments: Embracing the Imperfection
Okay, no review is complete without some honesty. There were a few minor hiccups. The Internet access – wireless was a little spotty at times, especially in the evenings. The Dinner service was sometimes a tad slow. But honestly, those were just tiny blips. The staff were always friendly and went out of their way to resolve any issues. And you know what? Those little imperfections are part of what made the experience memorable. Because let's face it, life isn't perfect, and neither are vacations. It’s all part of the story!
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Fun
Traveling with kids? Hotel Ranga gets it. They offer Babysitting service, Kids meal and Family/child friendly accommodations. I saw some kids playing in the pool and they looked like they were having the time of their lives!
The Verdict: Book It!
So, would I recommend Hotel Ranga? Absolutely, 100%. It's a fantastic base for exploring Iceland, and the location is perfect for chasing the Northern Lights (which is the main reason I went!). The staff are friendly and helpful. The food is delicious. And the atmosphere is simply magical.
My Honest, Quirky, and Slightly Rambling Anecdote
Okay, here's the thing – I’m not a planner. Like, at all. Me in Iceland made me look like chaos in a perfectly pretty place. One day, I booked a glacier hike and realized I had the wrong shoes. I was freaking out. But the hotel staff? Total angels. They helped find the perfect rental spot, gave me a crash course in glacier safety, and even packed me a sandwich for the hike (the Breakfast takeaway service is super handy). They didn't have to do any of that, but they did. That's the kind of service you get at Hotel Ranga.
**Here's Your
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Okay, buckle up, buttercup. We're going on a trip to Hotel Ranga in Iceland, and let me tell you, it's less a meticulously planned itinerary and more a slightly tipsy, emotionally charged adventure in the land of fire and ice. Here goes nothing… and everything!
Hotel Ranga: My Icelandic Epiphany… or at least, my attempt at one.
Day 1: Arrival, Jet Lag, and a Sheepish Welcome.
- Morning (ish): Arrive at KeflavÃk International Airport (KEF). The air bites immediately. I mean, I knew Iceland was cold, but wow. Grab the pre-booked Flybus (thank God I pre-booked, honestly). The bus driver, a woman with a permanent squint from the sun and a voice that could silence a Viking (which, let's be honest, is probably a useful skill), seemed… unimpressed with my enthusiastic arrival. Fair enough. I, on the other hand, am already head-over-heels for the rugged scenery, even if it's just the drive to Reykjavik.
- Anecdote: Found myself wrestling with my ridiculously oversized suitcase at baggage claim. Apparently, "packing light" is a concept I've yet to master. Managed to nearly clothesline a stoic-looking Icelandic man with a very serious beard. Pretty sure he's judging my entire life choices.
- Afternoon: Road trip to Hotel Ranga! The landscape is… well, it's mind-blowingly gorgeous. Rolling hills, mossy lava fields, and the occasional burst of rainbow over a sheep-studded pasture. Seriously, Iceland is obsessed with sheep. They're everywhere. I feel like I’m constantly on the verge of running one over. (Note to self: drive slower).
- Quirky Observation: The road signs are clearly written by someone with a dry sense of humor. "Beware of sheep" is followed by "They will eat your car." Okay, Iceland, you're funny.
- Evening: Check in to Hotel Ranga. Oh my god, the decor. Rustic chic meets, well, Icelandic rustic. Cozy, warm, and that smell of burning birchwood makes you feel like you've been embraced by a Viking hearth. The staff is incredibly helpful. My room had a view of the Ranga River and, yes, more sheep. The jet lag is kicking in. I'm basically a zombie with a credit card.
- Imperfection: Tried to figure out the TV remote. Failed spectacularly. Ended up watching a documentary about Icelandic puffins on mute because the subtitles were in… well, Icelandic.
- Rambling Side Note: Seriously though, the sheep. They're just… there. Like fluffy, woolly, judgmental lawn ornaments. I'm half-expecting one to start talking.
Day 2: Chasing Waterfalls and Embracing the Melodrama
- Morning: The golden circle Tour, which is like the tourist starter kit for Iceland. Thingvellir National Park first! The tectonic plates… so cool and beautiful, I'd go again. Then onto the geysir! Strokkur erupts every couple of minutes, it's really impressive. The smell of sulfur is… well, it's not exactly pleasant, but you get used to it. Like a potent reminder that you're standing on top of something mighty and powerful.
- Emotion: The sheer force of the water is awe-inspiring. Makes you feel… small, but in a good way. Suddenly I'm writing existential poetry in my head. "Oh, mighty geyser, you remind me of…" (I trail off. The poetry is weak).
- Afternoon: Gullfoss Waterfall. HOLY. MOTHER. OF. WATER. This thing is SPECTACULAR. The roar of the water, the mist, the sheer power. Found myself getting teary-eyed. Not ashamed. The sheer magnificence of it is overwhelming. This is why I'm here.
- Opinionated Language: The tour groups are kind of a pain, but I get it. Everyone wants to see this.
- Further Rambling: The colors! The emerald green of the grass, the turquoise of the water, the black of the volcanic rock… it's like nature just decided to throw a party and invite every single amazing color it could find.
- Evening: Back to Hotel Ranga. Dinner at the hotel restaurant, which is delicious, (especially the lamb, which, ironically, I watched get cooked). Afterward, a fruitless attempt to see the Northern Lights. I heard it was magical. I sat out in the cold. I felt so far away at this moment, and I felt like I'd never catch it.
- Sadness: No Northern Lights for me. Just a whole lot of dark and a chilly disappointment. But, hey, there's always tomorrow… right?
- Messy structure: But it's okay, though. I mean, I'll survive.
Day 3: The Blue Lagoon (and Trying Not to Drown in Mud)
- Morning: A well-deserved lie-in and then a drive to the Blue Lagoon. This is the one thing everyone raves about. I get it now. The water is a ridiculously bright blue, the warmth is heavenly, and the silica mud masks… well, they make you look like a glamorous space alien.
- Emotional reaction: Pure. Bliss. Just… pure, unadulterated, skin-softening bliss. I could have stayed there forever.
- Messier and Honest: Although, I did get a bit of a panic when I couldn't find my towel in the chaos!
- Afternoon: Post-Lagoon zen on the way back to the hotel.
- Evening: Dinner & goodbye, not really, I don't want to leave.
Day 4: Departure (Sobbing Quietly)
- Morning: Tears.
- Afternoon: Tears.
- Evening: Bye, Iceland. I'll be back. I have to be back.
And in Conclusion:
Hotel Ranga and Iceland, you beautiful, wild, slightly bonkers land. You've stolen a piece of my heart. See you again soon, maybe with a better camera (and maybe less luggage). And to the sheep: I'm sorry if I stared. You guys are weirdly adorable.
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Hotel Ranga: Your Icelandic Adventure Awaits (Maybe... if the weather cooperates!)
So, the Northern Lights. Is it *actually* possible to see them from Hotel Ranga? And are they, like, real-real, or just a blurry green smudge?
Alright, let's tackle the big one. The Aurora Borealis. The reason we all brave the cold and the overpriced plane tickets. Yes, you *can* see the Northern Lights from Hotel Ranga. They even have a viewing platform, which is pretty sweet. But... here's the catch, and it's a big, Icelandic-sized catch: it's all down to luck.
I remember my first night. Heart pounding. Camera charged. I practically vibrated with anticipation. Then... clouds. Just a massive, fluffy, middle-finger-shaped cloud bank. Devastation. Utter, soul-crushing disappointment. I spent the night staring at blankness, punctuated only by the occasional, fleeting thought of giving up on life, travel and the whole "chasing the northern lights" dream
But then, THE ONE NIGHT! It was magical. Dancing green ribbons across the sky. Truly, seriously spectacular. Like, "crying-because-it's-so-beautiful" spectacular. But honestly, the camera barely did it justice. What you *really* remember is the feeling. The awe. The cold. The sheer, overwhelming, "wow, this planet is amazing" feeling.
So, can you see them? Potentially, yes. Guarantee? Absolutely not. Bring a prayer, and maybe a small sacrifice to the weather gods. They need all the help they can get in Iceland.
What about the hotel itself? Is it as charming as it looks in the photos, or is it, you know, a little...dramatic?
Oh, Hotel Ranga. It's… charming. In a slightly eccentric, "we-really-leaned-into-the-rustic-vibe" kind of way. Think a cozy lodge meets taxidermy overload. The photos are pretty spot-on, actually - lots of wood, fireplaces, and those reindeer antlers *everywhere*. Seriously, they're like a national symbol, right up there with puffins and glaciers.
The rooms are comfortable, and honestly, after all that time chasing the aurora, a warm bed is a gift from the heavens. The food? Good, but pricey. You're in Iceland, after all. Expect to pay for the experience - but hey, the hotel kitchen is really good for it all . My only real gripe? The lack of plugs in convenient locations. I’m like a lizard in this freezing place, and I'm only here to recharge! My phone, that is, come on now.
Overall, charming, comfortable, and just a tad…over the top. But hey, it’s Iceland. Embrace the drama.
Tell me about the food! Is it worth the splurge, or should I just hit up the gas station for a hot dog?
Okay, the food. This is a serious debate, folks. Gas station hot dog? Let's be real, it's part of the Icelandic experience, in a "I'll-probably-regret-this-later" kind of way. But, at Hotel Ranga, they *do* treat you to some Icelandic cuisine. You can enjoy the local delicacy of cod, which is actually really good but it's still cod. Don't get me wrong, it's not a Michelin-star experience, but it's good. It's delicious. And it's generally better than the gas station option.
Here's the honest truth about the food: It's good, the atmosphere is great, But just be prepared to open your wallet. I'm talking a hefty price tag. So, if you're on a Ramen-noodle budget, maybe stock up at the grocery store. If you're feeling fancy, go for it. Just remember to order the Skyr. Trust me. It's worth every penny. Otherwise? Go for the gas station. YOLO, right?
Beyond the Northern Lights, what else is there to DO at Hotel Ranga? Is it all just staring at the sky?
Nope, not just sky-gazing, though that's a big part of it. During the day, the hotel offers a bunch of activities. They've got a hot tub. Always good for a soak in the cold of Iceland, but honestly, I felt a little ridiculous, like I was in a very exclusive club, but the members didn't seem to want to talk -- but great people or not, the water was nice. They also help you book tours, so you're not just at their mercy - you can choose.
You got the classics... glacier hikes. They are a must once in a lifetime. I really wish I got the chance to see the glacier. I really did. But... I am a traveller, a tourist, really. But by myself. And everything seemed so... team oriented. So, maybe I'll have to be a glacier man next time.
About those River views. Is it really as beautiful as it seems?
Oh the views! Yes, they're stunning. When the clouds aren't playing hide-and-seek with the sun, of course. They actually have these big, beautiful windows, so you can stare out at the river and drink some tea. Honestly, if I was a billionaire, I would spend my life drinking tea and staring at the river.
But there's also an undeniable sense of peace. It's that stillness that comes with being in a remote and magical place. One that I will fight for. It is just... something. Even if you're not into being outdoors, the views will have you captivated for days on end.
What about the staff? Are they friendly and helpful, or are they used to tourists and just going through the motions?
The staff at Hotel Ranga? Honestly, they were a mixed bag. Some were super friendly, chatty, and genuinely seemed to enjoy helping you. Others... well, they were efficient. Let's just say a smile isn't always guaranteed. They're probably tired of answering the same aurora questions a million times a day. I would be, too.
But I'd say, overall, they were helpful. They will help you with anything you need, from suggesting things to do, to just helping you get a taxi. Even in the face of the inevitable questions! You can't go wrong. So I say, be patient, be polite, and you'll be fine -- but don't expect everyone to be your best friend. It's just the nature of tourism.
