Gistiheimilið Árný Guesthouse — Hotel in Vestmannaeyjabær

Everything about this place was so incredibly awesome! It is such a warm and welcoming environment, and the owner is one of the coolest and nicest people I have ever met! I had never really stayed in a guesthouse before, so I really didn't know what to expect. It was beyond anything I could have imagined as far as just being a really cool and friendly environment. I was even invited to the local handball match down the street by the owner. He absolutely went above and beyond to make me feel more than welcome.

The house is really nice and everything was very clean. There is a full kitchen to make food, coffee, and/or store stuff that you get at either Kronan or Bonus (the grocery stores). What's even more cool is that it is not directly downtown, so it is set off just close enough but just far enough that it's really quiet and enjoyable. There is a cool sunroom where you can lounge on the couch and relax after a day of hiking. There is also a television in the main living room where you can watch shows and (I believe) Netflix as well.

There is the local swimming pool approximately 50-100 meters away (basically half a block), so you can easily walk there even if it's cold outside.

Overall, this was such an amazing experience. After planning to only stay one night and leave the island, I think I extended my stay about four more nights due to how welcoming not only the place but the owner was. I really look forward to coming back here when I come back to Vestmannaeyjar.

To Gaui: thank you so, so very much for the hospitality, conversations, and absolutely everything!!! You absolutely made my trip, and I am so very beyond thankful for that! I hope that all has been really well since I left your place, and I hope to see you again in the not...

I stayed two nights at Guesthouse Arny and unfortunately had a very complicated experience, having to use three different rooms in just 24 hours.

First, I was placed in room 1, which is right next to the shared toilet on the floor, separated only by a very thin wall. Between doors constantly opening and closing and someone using the hairdryer close to midnight, it was impossible to get proper rest — not ideal when you need to get up early.

Upon request, Gaui, the person managing the guesthouse, offered me a choice between room 7 (next to the shared kitchen) or room 6, located downstairs in the basement. I chose room 6 and moved in the following morning.

But at 8:36 PM that evening, after returning from dinner, I received a message asking me to move again due to a mistake made in the room planning. Around 9 PM, I had to pack all my belongings and move once again — this time to room 7, right next to the kitchen.

It’s really disappointing to experience this level of disorganization. The person managing the place seems careless and quite unprofessional. A bit more attention to detail and consideration for guests would go a long way.

I do not recommend staying at this guesthouse if you’re planning to sleep on the...

This is an especially special place. Gaui, the owner and manager, goes far above and beyond to make every guest comfortable and to ensure they get the experience in Heimaey that they want. The rooms are excellent, whether you are staying in one of the shared spaces or the apartment, and Gaui will go out of his way to get you absolutely anything you need.

You're in a great location as well, because on the island you can easily walk anywhere given the small size, but Arny is next to the IBV stadium and the public pool, both highlights people must check out. I highly recommend this place for families and those with young kids. My son is six, he "helped" Gaui make beds and engaged in some adorable conversation with him that Gaui was only too willing to take part in.

If you do get a chance to talk to Gaui, I recommend you ask his input on seeing puffins in particular. He has a map and description in the main area of the guesthouse, but can also give you far more information and detail if you chat with him. He is passionate about Iceland and the island in particular, and you are missing out if you don't engage him at least once while...