Vakta gives one the opportunity to enjoy the time in Iceland like a local, staying in the oldest part of the town. The house is filled with Icelandic design and Icelandic history and is an incomparable opportunity to get to know a side of Reykjavik usually kept secret by its inhabitants. Vakta spans two centuries and is full of history. It was brought back to life from an unremarkable storage room to its former beauty, using original materials and building techniques. Its owners have designed it to reflect the essence of living in Iceland. Vakta is a window to a simpler time, where you can relax and simply experience the beauty of Reykjavik and all its rich history. The property is located in the old neighbourhood called Grjotaþorpið, belonging to the beautiful and charming Vesturbaer, the west part of Reykjavik. The house is thought to have originally been part of a turf farm called Grjoti, which has now disappeared. However, the present neighbourhood has kept the name Grjotaþorpid. There, one can find the oldest buildings in Reykjavik and some of the most picturesque streets, houses, gardens and alleys in all of Iceland. Grjotaþorpid transports you to an earlier and almost unchanged time in Reykjavik’s millennial story. In a walking distance you can enjoy everything that the neighbourhood has to offer; the local swimming pool, local cafes, restaurants, local grocery store, the pond, the old harbour, museums and art galleries, take a promenade or use Vakta´s city bikes to ride along the coast line to "Grotta" and "Ægissida" where you can enjoy a natural little hot spring for your feet in the shore. There is really no need to look any further. An option is a brand new 2019 Citroen C3, which is included in the rent, guests can use it to take shorter trips to the country side or zipping around town. Vakta is committed to follow strict ecological guidelines to ensure sustainability by using environmentally friendly products, from the soaps to the towels.
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Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
About the area
Reykjavik
Located near the beach, this villa is in Downtown Reykjavik, a neighbourhood in Reykjavik. Hallgrimskirkja and Reykjavik City Museums are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Reykjavik Harbour and Sky Lagoon. Elding Reykjavik Whale Watching and Þjóðmenningarhúsið are also worth visiting. Enjoy the area's slopes with skiing, and don't miss out on the ice skating.
Is Luxurious Villa Includes Free Car pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Luxurious Villa Includes Free Car?
As of 11 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Luxurious Villa Includes Free Car on 12 June 2026 start from AU$878, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Luxurious Villa Includes Free Car?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Luxurious Villa Includes Free Car?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Luxurious Villa Includes Free Car?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Luxurious Villa Includes Free Car located?
Located in Downtown Reykjavik, this villa is within a 10-minute walk of Reykjavik City Museums, Reykjavik Harbour and Laugavegur. Harpa and Hallgrimskirkja are also within 1 mile (2 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
We loved our stay at Vatka! Margrét’s home and hospitality leave nothing to be desired. The historic house is cozy, artfully curated, and thoughtfully equipped. The central location was perfect for exploring downtown’s restaurants, shops, and coastal sights, which Margrét’s visitor’s guide made easy. A truly special stay.
I can't say enough great things about our experience and our stay! Margret is the greatest host we've ever had and her home was perfect for our family-accommodations exceeded our expectations and we truly felt at home staying here! We are already talking about our next trip!
Awesome stay. Very cute authentic house. Walkable to everything. Margaret is the best. Provided fresh snacks on arrival. Brought us all bikes. One of my favorite Vrbos to date! Very clean and cozy.
This is definitely a hidden gem! What a cute and welcoming place. We loved the sweet kitchen and the kids loved the beds in the nooks. Convenient location that is walkable to so much. Would def recommend And visit again.
My 10 year-old son and I had a wonderful stay. Margret, the host, was kind, thoughtful, and warm. We loved the house. It is charming, tasteful, and well appointed. Upon arrival, we found fresh flowers, fruit, pastries, yogurt, and a bottle of wine. The location is convenient and walking distance to most of the major sites in Reykjavik. My son was especially enchanted by the sleeping loft. We truly loved our stay.
Everything about this house is perfection. Wonderful attention to detail. Just a few blocks from restaurants, cafes, museums, the harbor. We could not have been happier and hope we get to return.
Erin M.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Aug 2022
Thank you so much for your wonderful words!
You were the most perfect guests!
Always welcome back!
The propertt was fantastic! We enjoyed the knowing the history of the home. Location was very good as we walked to restaurants and ahopping areas. The car was very clean and came in real handy .see the sites in iceland! handybtob
Oh my goodness, this rental was so perfect for us! It was my first time in Iceland and this historic, comfortable and chic home was so much fun! Margret is the perfect host; we were want for nothing. I'm already planning my next trip and will definitely stay here if it's available. Do yourself a favor and do the same.
Selina S.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Heidi
18 July 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
This is a unique, historic property that is special for a VRBO. The host is extremely responsive.We were 'wow'ed' when we checked into this highly curated space. This is a special place, well located in the city center. If you have mobility issues the stairs will be an issue. We loved our stay here and are very grateful to the amazing host!
Heidi
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Alison T.
7 July 2014
Fantastic house
What a wonderful and comfortable place to stay; in the middle of old Rekjavik so easy to wander out to see the city or visit a restaurant. The bikes were great and we cycled along the shore and sculpture trail. The car was a bonus enabling us to visit the Golden circle and drive up the west coast. Margret was very helpful recommending where to eat and places to visit. Our only regret is that we did not stay longer
Alison T.
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Mar 2020
Dear Alison,
Thank you so much for your review. I´m happy that you could make the most out of your three days with us at Vakta. The bikes are wonderful way to get to know the city and the neighborhood you are staying in better, and the option of the car if you want to go out of town, or just drive around the city. It was a great pleasure to have you and your husband as our guests in Vakta and seeing how much you liked the house and its history and enjoyed your staying. We do hope that we will see you again one day in Vakta. We are looking forward to it!
Warm regards,
Margret
Cozy, clean, charming, historical home, within a few minutes walk of all you could want in the center of Reykjavik. Margret was so warm and embracing, and meticulous in her preparations for our arrival with fresh baked items and wine and fruit and candies. It is obvious, through her beautiful attention to detail that she takes great pride in her historical home. We will be returning.
Barbara P.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 23 May 2022
Thank you so much for your precious and kind words, means a lot. Thank you for taking such a good care of the house! It was wonderful hosting you, most of all, wonderful meeting you all! We at Vakta are looking forward welcoming you again in the nearest future!!
Margret's property in Reykjavik was clean, cute and perfect for 2 friends staying a few days in the capital. It has everything you need for a comfortable stay, lovely little kitchen and sitting area, nice sized bathroom (and a washer!) and a remarkably spacious loft area with two beds and a third little area for hanging out or sleeping. The small spaces are put to good use. As others have noted, the stairs are tight and steep, so just a note if you have difficulty with stairs. We did not! The neighborhood was quiet and residential but close to everything. Margret was lovely, helpful and left delicious treats and drinks to get us started. Highly recommended.
Karen B.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023
Archival
10/10 Excellent
24 Feb 2015
A lovely stay
We had a fantastic stay a Vakta House during the February half term. Whilst the accommodation could make a romantic bolthole, we were there with two children, both of which enjoyed the novelty of sleeping upstairs in the large, shared loft bedroom, which slept 4.
The location was great - the tourist office and harbour were just around the corner, and since we were in the old residential part of the city, we were not disturbed by the lively bars and restaurants of the newer parts of the city.
There were plenty of restaurants nearby, but we were extremely grateful to be self catering since we were already aware that Iceland is an expensive place to eat.
The thermal pool along the street was a great (and cheap) hit with us all. It was nice to do something with out so many other tourists around!
The car was a great bonus, the accommodation very clean, warm and beautifully designed. Margret gave us a warm welcome and was very helpful with ideas. I would recommend a stay.
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Mar 2020
Dear Emma and family,
Thank you for your kind words.
I´m so happy that you could make the most out of your stay in Iceland as the weather was not kind to you at all;-) But it is a big adventure to see Iceland in its real winter coat!
It was a honor to have you in Vakta and thank you so much for taking such a good care of the house, leaving it spotless as well as the car.
We at Vakta look forward to welcome you again one day!
Best wishes to your wonderful family,
Margrét
This charming little house packs a lot of fun. It has everything needed to stay comfortably in Reykjavik's center, with easy walking access to restaurants, markets, museums and shops. The car is easy to drive to places farther away. The manager makes sure you feel welcome and is very concerned for your comfort. Just remember that, typical of Iceland's traditional homes, it's a steep climb to the very comfortable beds.
The house was charming, clean and had a lot of fun places to walk to. There’s been a lot of love put into the house. The car was great. Margaret was very accommodating and responsive. The only thing to be aware of is that the loft area where the beds are would is difficult for people with mobility issues. The stairs are very steep and the ceilings in the loft require bending over if you are taller. It ended up working out fine as the downstairs couch was comfortable, so as long as there’s only one person in your party with mobility issues it’s not a problem. And I think kids would love the loft set up. It was a wonderful place to stay to experience Iceland.
This was the perfect property for our family of four to spend several days in to relax after many excursions around Iceland. It was super clean and absolutely beautiful. There were so many special touches. A gorgeous spread of fruits, bread and wine welcomed us, my kids ate an entire bowl of chocolates and my husband and I enjoyed many cappuccinos. We enjoyed watching TV together in the living room and cooking meals in the kitchen. The kids (teens) enjoyed their own beds in private little nooks. We could easily walk most places we wanted to go but used the car to go places farther away. The car was also very clean and a wonderful addition to the property. We easily communicated with the hosts and they were friendly and helpful. We already have recommended this property to all our friends and look forward to staying there again if we get the pleasure of visiting Reykjavik again!
Lucia G.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Jan 2022
Dear Lucia and family,
Thank you for the beautiful and kind words. I am so happy and thankful! Thank you for being such a wonderful guests. I do hope to welcome you again at Vakta in the nearest future.
Lots of warm wishes!
We stayed 3 days at the Vakta house and it was the perfect stay, especially with a car! Definitely a very comfortable home to explore RVK from
Zach R.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 8 July 2021
Zach was the perfect guest and left the house spotless. We at Vakta are looking forward to welcome Zach again in the nearest future!
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Verified traveller
6 July 2018
Charming, cozy, fitted out very well cottage by the city center.
We had the most amazing time. Upon arrival there was fresh bread and pastries waiting (thank you). The beds are so warm and comfortable. The location can’t be beat and the car that comes with the property allowed us the opportunity to really see parts of Iceland how we wanted to. I highly recommend this place if you are visiting rekjyvick!
Verified traveller
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Mar 2020
Thank you so much for your kind words.
It was a pleasure having you and your family as our guests.
Hope I get the opportunity of welcoming you at Vakta again in the nearest future.
Warm wishes to you all!
Margrét
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Florence M.
6 Aug 2017
Wonderfully perfect small house in the best location
My husband, two teenage boys, and I stayed at Vaktahouse for four nights. The boys at first thought it was too small, but then they loved it. Very well designed. Had everything we needed. It is just a block above the center of town, and a couple blocks from the harbor. Grocery store also a block away. It is an easy walk everywhere and yet in a fairly quiet neighborhood. The use of a car and bikes made it perfect. Wine, fruit, yogurt, milk, juice, chocolates, and coffee were there waiting for us when we arrived, which was very welcome after a long flight. Olafur (Margret's assistant) delivered baked goods the first morning and gave us helpful information. Margret was accessible by text to answer all our travel questions. We highly recommend Vaktahouse!!!
Florence M.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2017
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Devin C.
13 July 2017
When I arrived. Oli greeted me and was very welcoming!
What an incredible stay in Iceland! Would highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a quiet , relaxing place to stay. The car included sold me on this..just be sure you know how to drive a manual . No problem for me since I can drive a bus and a fire truck 👍🏻. Oli greeted me with wine, fruit and a few snacks in the fridge. If I had questions during my stay he was quick to respond and very helpful! Thank you for the memories....I will be back!
Devin C.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2017
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Andrew B.
23 Mar 2017
Wonderful and Cozy Home!
Wow. Where do I begin? Margrét greeted with a smile, some baked goods, a bottle of wine, some items in the refrigerator and the next few days were marvelous in the cozy house. The house was renovated in recent years and is a historical house in a great area of the city. It's close to everything I needed during my stay.
Margrét texted me one night to let me know that the northern lights were out and I should go outside to check it out. This is something that shows the true character of her and it is something I deeply appreciated. I was in town on business and I had my nose in my laptop computer and I wouldn't have even noticed if she had not notified me.
Vakta also comes with a car, which was so nice to have, as I left the city a few times to be a tourist when I could do so. I look forward to my return in 2018!
Andrew B.
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Mar 2020
Dear Andrew,
Thank you for your kind words!
You were the best guests and I look forward to welcome you again in 2018:-)
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Christine A.
15 Feb 2016
Perfect Little Haven!
This cottage was beyond cozy, romantic and beautifully decorated. Margret was so warm and gracious...she greeted us with baked goods, filled the fridge for us as well as a basket full of fruit and a bottle of wine for our honeymoon! She even mapped places out for us. We were pleasantly surprised of how quiet and quaint this historic home was within walking distance to everything we could possibly need! The bedding was super comfortable we kept saying to each other we "don't want to get out of this cloud!" =)
We wished we would have stayed longer. Thank you Thank you Thank you! We cannot say enough...
Christine A.
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Mar 2020
Thank you so much for your kind words.
It was a honour for us at Vakta to have you as our guests. We hope to get the opportunity of welcoming you again and then for a longer period of time:-)
Warmest wishes to you,
Margrét
About the host
Hosted by Margret Gylfadottir
I am anthropologist and love old houses.
Why they chose this property
I have passion for old houses and their historical value. This property is close to where I live and admired for long time.
The House is located in the oldest part of Reykjavik Centre in quiet neighbourhood with beautifully restored houses.
What makes this property unique
I finished renovating it 2013 and would like to give others the opportunity to experience the atmosphere of the past, filled with Modern Icelandic Design.