Esjan

Iceland , Reykjavik
kjalarnes, Skrautholar 4 Kjalarnes 116 Iceland
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20 reviews shown

2/10

Poor

16 Apr 2026

Sara

WARNING STAY AWAY: One step away from a scam!! I booked this property in advance as part of a larger vacation itinerary. There was NOTHING in the listing that said anything about being required to contact the property in advance for check in. A couple of days before check in I received an automated email saying that I was confirmed. Like most people, I opened up the booking in Expedia the morning of check in to see what the address and instructions for check in were. Little to my knowledge, tucked way under “check in instructions” it says you must contact the property 24 hrs in advance. I messaged them right away in the AM inquiring about check in, no response. Throughout the day I messaged them and called several times, with no response. I arrived onsite where there is a sign saying to call upon arrival, this was the same number I had been calling with no response or ability to leave a message. After receiving no response from the property by 6 pm at night, I was forced to make another booking at another hotel. I finally received a message from the property at 9:30 at night (!!!) saying they were sorry they thought they already sent me the check in information!! I asked for a refund and got no response or refund from there. I contacted Expedia and SHOCKINGLY Expedia was no help in processing my refund. What was supposed to be a stress free last day in Iceland turned into a stressful ordeal. Luckily my credit card company had my back and reversed the charge. Shame on you.

10/10

Exceptional

16 Jan 2026

Eunkyung

My boy loved the facility! Special and unique hotel for kids :) Before I went there I afraid of the check-in, but the host welcomed us kindly.

Leisure Family_with_children

6/10

Pleasant

21 Sep 2025

Hao

We stayed in the bus converted into a cozy room. We liked our unusual experience. However certain things are not convenient- the store was very slow cook, my friend pumped his head to the bunk bed frame a few times. Very windy spot. The owner was very friendly.

Leisure Friends

6/10

Pleasant

30 Aug 2025

Ghazwan

Just ok, you get what you pay for I guess

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

28 Jul 2025

Callie

The converted camper was as pictured and as described with a beautiful mountain backdrop. We especially appreciated the mini-fridge in the kitchenette. The central restroom facilities offered men's and women's sides with 2 bathroom stalls and 2 shower stalls in each. Esjan was well located between Borgarnes and Reykjavik.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

10 Jul 2025

Erika

Glamping in a very pretty place

This is a great place if you want immerse yourself in nature, and are looking for something different than an impersonal hotel in the city. View is amazing from the window, and you can walk up to the mountain in the backyard. There are chickens roaming around, horses in the meadow nearby, and the atmosphere is wonderful. (The roosters will be your nature alarm in the morning :). It is a great way to experience Iceland in an authentic way. There is a shared grill, as well as some picnic tables in the yard between the buses. There are several units, I think five in total, so you may have neighbors. There is a queen size bed and a full size bunk bed, that you have to elevate before use, but setup is simple and takes just one minute. Things to consider: this place is perfect if you like 'glamping', a more luxurious way of camping, with access to a comfortable room with good beds, in a clean, heated space, with a small cooktop to boil hot water or heat something simple to eat. Access road is a gravel road, but accessible with a regular car. Parking is a few steps away from the units, not far, but you can't drive all the way up to the units. Toilets and showers are shared, just like on a campground, but toilet paper etc. is provided, as well as body wash in the shower and a hair dryer. The only thing I missed was an actual coffee maker, there is a French Press though, which did its job just fine. I would definitely recommend, and come again next time I visit Iceland.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

06 Jun 2025

Zachary

This was my favorite stay in iceland. Its about 30 min from the city. The area is very clean and comfortable. It was an amazing view to go to sleep and wake up to. Definitely recommend staying here! 👌

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

04 Mar 2025

Paul

This was a fun venue. Perfect for 2, it might have been a bit too cosy for 4. Although, in warmer months (we visited in Feb) more living could be done outdoors.
Somewhere between camping and bedsitting, as you'd expect on a converted bus there isn't much luxury, but everything is good enough, and the novelty sustained us for 2 nights. Lovely and warm at night.
Shower/toilet block is near and perfectly fine.
Good walks nearby (Esjuraetur Hiking Centre 7km southest on the 459).
This was my son's favourite of our 3 venues during the week in Iceland.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

01 Nov 2024

uriah

This stay was very unique and enjoyable. The bus was actually spacious for two people, and there was enough room for 4 to sleep. The kitchenette was sufficient. The shareable bathrooms were very clean and plentiful. This was romantic and wonderful. The view was amazing, it was surrounded by beauty, and the farm animals made a cute addition.

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

30 Sep 2024

Kristin

The idea of the bus was fun. Loved the mountain and ocean views. Great space for viewing northern lights.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

16 Jul 2024

Jennifer

This property was an old articulated bus, separated into three units, fitted into a hillside with the mountain looming over us and a view of the ocean on the other side. The unit was warm, clean and had all the basics one would need. It fit four people and luggage. Bed was comfortable. Bathroom was next door. We were able to cook very simple meals inside. The property was stunning with horses nearby, chickens running around and all the wildflowers. We just called the number given to let them know when we would show, they met us promptly and were very nice. I would highly recommend!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

08 Jul 2024

Michael

Unique stay at the foot of the mountains

The converted city buses here offered fairly rustic and cozy accommodations. It's a unique place, with ingeniously designed bunks in some of the rooms. Chickens and horses give it a very country feel.

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

19 Jun 2024

Suejee

Much smaller than photos. We did not have a cell capable of calling. A message was sent to confirm our check in but no answer back. We were lucky another visitor used their phone for us to call and someone came to bring us bedding and show us our bus. Bathroom was warm and clean. Kitchen was well equipped but think camping out to stay organized for a full meal. It was an experience, cute and cosy.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

16 Nov 2023

kristi

Esjan was a lovely property to stay at! We stayed in November and I was worried it would be freezing but it was actually very warm and toasty inside the bus, the shared bathroom was a few steps away, and the bed was super comfortable. We brought food to eat in and played cards that we brought on the dining room table. Gorgeous view to wake up to. Only thing to note is that you HAVE to call the owner upon arrival - there is no check in desk, so plan for that with your phone and any international calling plans you may have, as this was a setback at first as we could not call out with our phone when we first got there. There is free wifi and you can connect to it once you arrive.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

27 Aug 2023

MIGUEL

The experience is unique, the view of the Mountain is great. More of a campsite than a hostel. Must have your own transportation.

Leisure Friends

6/10

Pleasant

11 Aug 2023

Dmitry

Ok for 1 night

You must be able to make a call to local number to be able to get the keys. Old buses. Very uncomfortable beds (bunk bed). Kids enjoyed the new experience

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

03 Aug 2023

Laura

Unique and Comfy

Four of us stayed at Esjan (in two different buses), and we had a lovely time. The beds were more comfortable than I expected, and it was a quiet and peaceful place to start adjusting to the time zone. (Until the rooster woke us up in the morning, but I guess that *also* helped us adjust to the time zone).

The buses were surprisingly comfortable, and the VIEWS were amazing.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

26 Jun 2023

Cameron

Excellent stay. Fun, comfortable accommodations. Not the fault of the property, but no food or grocery accommodations close by.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

05 Aug 2022

Joanna

The bus was created by the owner. It has an excellent view of Mount Elja. It was so perfect and efficient. I absolutely adored it. The owner was perfect too.

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

30 Dec 2021

Wendy

This was such a fun place to stay just outside of Reykjavik. Our host was lovely and the view the of mountain was breathtaking!

Leisure Family