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Sleeping in the Aurora Bubble Hotel Iceland
Updates (thanks to Ronald Sam): There will be no more Bubble Rental from January 2018. The only option is to join their Tour + Bubble and the cost is: Price is ISK 59.900 per person (around USD 555 / Euro 527 per person). So sad!
Imagine falling asleep to a view like that.
Those who know me will realise that I’m not someone who likes to splurge on expensive accommodations like hotels. For me, an accommodation while travelling is simply a place to sleep. I mean you want to be out exploring the whole day instead of cooping yourself in a very nice hotel right? After all how often do we make use of the fringe facilities like the hotel pool or gym when we are travelling.
As long as it’s clean, safe, has decent wifi (modern day woes), and in a good location, the value for money option is always better.
Usually I prefer hostels and Airbnbs, because that’s where you get to meet the most interesting people. If I want more privacy, there is always the option of getting a private room instead.
It was largely the same for Iceland. Hostels and Airbnbs were the majority of our accommodation because they made a lot more sense than hotels cost wise. Not to mention that accommodation in general is super expensive in Iceland.
But when we chanced across the Aurora Bubble Iceland Hotel, we knew that we had to sleep in it. Currently priced at ISK24,900 (S$273/€176) a night, the Aurora Bubble Iceland is quite a good deal for two. Although it was roughly twice the price of a private double room in the hostel, we couldn’t miss the chance of sleeping under the stars with hopes of seeing the auroras. Experiences are always worth paying for.
There was also the added lure that the hotel was literally new. In fact, we were the first people to sleep in it! :P
Strategically located on a farm near the small town of Reykholt (which is along The Golden Circle route), the Aurora Bubble is perfect for watching the night sky and northern lights. Think zero light pollution and away from people, yet close enough to the owners of the farm if you need anything.
Essentially, the Aurora Bubble is simply an insulated bubble with a big comfy bed inside. In terms of privacy, there isn’t much of an issue because you are mostly surrounded by trees. There’s a toilet nearby, but don’t expect room or concierge service. The television is the night sky, which is really all the entertainment you need!
The Aurora Bubble in the day. Air from the compressor keeps you warm and the Bubble inflated.
Super comfy bed with tons of pillows and soft blankets.
There’s not much space for luggage, but the double compartment keeps the Bubble inflated and gives you a spot for your shoes. We kept our luggage in the car and only brought along a day bag with essentials.
Lights turned on.
Lights turned off.
I remember playing with the camera outside when @cheriesyw turned off the lights and immediately exclaimed “OMG you’ve got to see this.” Picture getting ready for bed and switching off the lights, only to turn on the stars as they light up brightly in the sky. No words can describe that feeling. It almost feels like you are playing god, turning the stars on and off at the flick of a switch.
It was pretty hard to sleep that night because it was simply too beautiful. Hands down this was the best accommodation experience I’ve ever had in my life.
For the adventurous, this is a 5 million star hotel experience. We’re glad we managed to check this off our bucket list.
Seeing the auroras for the second time just outside our Bubble.
Cosy view from above
There is currently only one Bubble, so book early if you can because it’s getting more popular by the day.
Aurora Floating Tours Iceland
The creative folks running The Aurora Bubble also run floating tours from Reykjavik to The Secret Lagoon in Fludir nearby.
Think floating in a 38 degree celsius hot spring, with the stars or auroras above you. There is soft music from the underwater speakers, a floating kit to keep you afloat, and even a masseuse to give you a short relaxing massage. The tour ends with a taste of some Icelandic “delicacies” prepared using the natural geothermal heat from the area.
I can only imagine how shiok/enjoyable it would be to feel warm while it’s freezing outside. Life would feel perfect just floating and looking at stars with relaxing music in the background.
Do note that this only runs in winter from 1 Sept to 15 Apr. Tours cost ISK29,500 (S$324/€208) per pax, which in my opinion is a little expensive.
See also:
– Ultimate guide to spot auroras in Iceland
– 12 Days Iceland Winter Itinerary for €2.3k
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Hey, can i check how will they give you the address and directions to the aurora bubble? upon booking confirmation?
I’ve just booked a night stay there after reading your blog post. I receive a confirmation but doesnt seem to give me any information such as address, directions or contact no.?
thanks!
Hi Pauline,
Have you received any confirmation? Yup they will provide the exact directions via email. If they have not you might want to email back!
Hello!
I have the same issue as Pauline, i have booked a night in the bubble, but they didn’t send me the exact directions?
Do you have them?
What shall i do?
Hi Chris, have you contacted Robert the owner of the hotel directly? He is usually quite busy to respond because of demand but usually does in the end before the booking!
Hi Hendric!
I left a message in the website yesterday, still waiting for the answer.
I’m going there on late september, so i hope they provide me with the directions soon!
Hi Chris! Do see my reply above!
Anyway Robert only sent me the address of the Buuble a few days before our stay. I’m not sure if anything has changed so it’s best that you wait for his reply or email him again. He does take some time but don’t worry he will reply before your stay.
Hello Hendric!
I am worried, only 9 days remain for our trip, and i still haven’t received the directions, nor the check in information!
I will e-mail him back.
Hello
I am hoping to stay here in Feb 16 for my birthday, I’ve looked at the website & love the idea of it, Im stuck on getting there, I really don’t want to drive there as im planning on going in Feb, can I ask how you got there?
Thank you.
PS looks amazing!
Hi Michelle!
We drove! I don’t think you can get there by public transport, but I reckon you could get a private transport?
Hi may I know what camera you used during this trip? Very well taken!
Iceland was a mixture of GoPro and a Canon 5D I borrowed from my friend!
The contact form on this website is useless. I started sending them messages in August. And followed up in early October, when they hoped to be finish building more bubbles. Then I check in early November and they have a system online to book the new bubbles, but say that they are already booked out. Did they not even try to get in touch with those of us who were requesting for months? That’s disappointing.
Oh man. Sorry to hear. I guess they simply can’t cope with the demands currently. There were two other readers who managed to book but could only confirm very late. Quite nerve wrecking.
May I know how long the drive journey from gullfoss to this hotel? Cos we thinking to stay there for one night after our trip to golden circle.
Thank you
Hey Shu Juan,
If the roads are clear and you don’t get lost I’ll say 40mins tops!
Hi,
Thank you for sharing. Was wondering if the address can be shared or is it strictly P&C?
Couldn’t get a room for the night that we want. Thought of dropping by to see how it looks like.
Hi Sara, I believe it is P&C as the owner does not want others to be poking around the venue. Part of the charm is having the privacy and place to yourself.
It’s near the location mentioned and he will send the address after booking I believe! :)
Four of us would like to stay at the Bubble Hotel. Do you pick up at the hotel and back? If you do, how much per person? We would need 2 Bubble Hotel. We are going in December 2017. I hope to hear from you. Thank you.
Hi Nini, please refer to the link in the post. I’m simply recording my experience and am not affiliated with The Aurora Bubble. :)
Hi,
Thank you for sharing your experience. I am planning to stay at this hotel next month for a night, however all the reviews I have read so far are from the customers who have visited it in winters with the intention to enjoy the northern lights. Is it an equally good deal in summers?
Thanks in advance,
Shreya
Hi Shreya,
Unfortunately I don’t have the relevant experience to share! Winter was magical. I’m sure it’ll be nice in summer too but probably not as nice as winter.
Would like future info on the bubble hotel
Thanks for sharing! My boyfriend and I are considering going and were wondering what time of the year you traveled?
Hello! We were there from New Year’s Eve to mid Jan!
There will be no more Bubble Rental from January 2018.
Only Option is to join their Tour + Bubble and the cost is:
Price is ISK 59.900 per person (around USD 555 / Euro 527 per person)
Thanks for the update!
Hi,
Do you someone have the website address? I would like to book just one night with out any tour.
We will travel for our own by car in march, and we just need to sleep one night.
Also, i’m trying to check how much one night?
I will appreciate if someone have the website address.
Lot of thanks from Barcelona.
xxx
Eva
Hi Eva, have your tried the links in the post?
Hi Hendric,
I read your post about aurora bubble, sadly we cant book the bubble itself during winter time.
Do you have other recommendation to stay at Golden Circle?
Thanks!
Unfortunately we didn’t search about it!
Hi,
We are a group of 16 people and we will travel to iceland next October. We Would like to book 8 bublles for one night, so how can we do? And what is the price?
Thanks
Ana Santos
You can try contacting the company!
Hi there!
The bubble looks really incredible!
Does anyone know if you can book the bubble without the golden circle tour?
We’ve already planned our trip, but we’re still looking for some locations to stay at night.
This looks really great!
Thanks!
Jasmien