Now in its 10th year, Reykjavik’s sleek Black Pearl Apartments has served as favourite lodging for world-renowned DJs and filmmakers alike. Its 23 suites of varying sizes are furnished with fully-equipped kitchens and comfortable beds for a convenient home base while exploring the city and beyond. Their larger suites are ideal for groups and families.
The Dutch-owned Black Pearl began when founder Mr. Hol was faced with a challenge: The 2008 financial crisis. During that time, Iceland’s banking collapse was the largest of any country (in relation to size) in economic history.
The former banks were put into receivership and liquidation, with losses for both shareholders and foreign creditors. Mr. Hol decided to reinvest locally, and when he fell in love with a black glass building near the harbour, The Black Pearl was born.
From standard suites to a luxury penthouse, The Black Pearl is a wonderful place to unwind after long-distance travel, a day exploring the city, or enjoying one of the numerous tours around Iceland.
Rooms
A private entry via elevator reveals a gorgeous third-floor luxury space complete with a six-seater dining table, cozy couch, leather side chairs, sleek lighting fixtures, flat-screen TV and a fully-automated lighting system (via a wall panel near the entry).
The kitchen is equipped with a Nespresso machine, coffee capsules, teas, a dishwasher, refrigerator (where the mini-bar can be found), small table for two, five-pit gas stove, and high-quality German cutlery and dish ware.
Two balconies along one side of the apartment each have their own seating and tables, for warm(er) weather enjoyment.
A large mirrored closet stores a safe, luggage rack, ironing board and iron, plus bathrobes and slippers. On the opposite wall, the stylish wood and chrome vanity table and matching chair contains a smart lift-up panel that stows a jewellery box.
The bathroom (with heated towel rack and rain shower) follows the vanity table’s design. There’s enough space here to include a washer and dryer with folding table to the right. A retractable laundry line by the shower is ideal for hand-washing or drying bathing suits. Bulgari bath amenities are nicely stowed in a recessed wooden cabinet above the sink, as well as extras such as dental kits, shower caps, shoe polishing, etc.
A king-sized bed with comfortable linens graces the opposite end of the room. There are both dimmed and reading lights plus curtains (an important addition when it stays light past midnight in summer).
The Black Pearl apartments are easy to feel at home in, whether you’re here to lounge and dine out, or to cook meals for family and friends.
Dining
Daily in-suite breakfast can be ordered and brought to your door, with an array of seasonal items, freshly-baked bread, pastries, fruit, and cold cuts. For special occasions, a catered dinner crafted and prepared in-suite by one of Iceland’s top chefs can be arranged. Simply select the main ingredients and the rest will be taken care of. There’s also a range of fine Icelandic wines to select from to pair with the dinner.
In the Hood
The stunning Harpa concert hall, Reykjavík Art Museum, Hallgrimskirkja church and downtown restaurants, shops, cafés and bars are all within a short walk of the Black Pearl.
The public bus system is easily accessible and fares can be paid using the KLAAP smart phone app if your phone plan is able to receive a confirmation text with a phone number (cash is also accepted onboard). Bus stop 3 is just a couple of streets away, handy for day tour pick-up/drop-off.
[Sky Lagoon, just 15 minutes outside Reykjavik and easy to reserve online via Skybus transfer]
This is also where the Skybus stops once you’ve transferred from Keflavik Airport to BSI, the city’s main bus terminal downtown. Limited parking is available in the garage (additional fee).
Black Pearl is located at Tryggvagata 18 in downtown Reykjavik. From Keflavik Airport, the luxury apartments can be reached by either private car service (a 45-minute drive that can be arranged via the hotel), or with Flybus, a scheduled bus service that departs in conjunction with flight arrivals.
[The striking Sun Voyager, created by Jón Gunnar Arnason; Mount Esja in the background]
I was a guest of the Black Pearl Reykjavik for the purpose of this feature. Opinions, as always, are my own.