Most people want a hotel room with a view.
But, for holiday-makers planning a trip to rural Iceland, that needn’t be a concern – especially if they’re staying in one of the region’s so-called bubble pods.
Located at the 5 Million Star Hotel, in Skalholt, near the river Hvítá, each room plunges guests into the heart of nature where they can star-gaze without stepping foot outside.
Now that’s cool! The 5 Million Star Hotel, in Iceland’s Skalholt, offer guests the chance to stay in clear – yet private – pods
Completely clear spheres that are designed for maximum sight-seeing, each ‘bubble’ allows guests to observe their surroundings in the comfort of a climate-controlled environment.
And, for a lucky few, it provides unrivaled views of the Northern Lights.
Split into five classifications: Una, Asta, Thorunn, Valdis and Maria, the pods offer slight variations on amenities, but typically accommodate two people in a double bed.
Each bubble – located around an hour outside Reykjavik – links to a shared bathroom and kitchen, but guests need to bring their own soap and towels. Food is also not provided.
The structure is kept inflated by a slight over-pressure from a noiseless ventilation system. It permanently renews the air roughly five times per hour and, this way, prevents humidity.
The system has heating elements with a thermostat, so the bubble stays warm all winter.
Less is more: Each ‘bubble’ allows guests to observe their surroundings in the comfort of a climate-controlled environment
Popular: The venues have received widespread praise on TripAdvisor, where it boasts a 4.5 average over 23 reviews
Seasonal: Winter guests may see the Northern Lights, but summer offers the forest’s birds, butterflies and green scenery
To maintain privacy, the company do not provide the exact address of the pods until after they have been booked and secured with a downpayment.
The price starts from ISK 28.900 (£135) for each pod, per night.
Hotel founder Robert Robertsson said he was inspired to create the clear-walled rooms after speaking with travelers fed up of waiting in the cold to see the natural phenomenon.
Home comforts: Each individual bubble – located around an hour outside Reykjavik – links to a shared bathroom and kitchen
Retreat: Split into five classifications: Una, Asta, Thorunn, Valdis and Maria, the pods offer slight variations on amenities, but typically accommodate two people in a double bed
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the venues have received widespread praise on TripAdvisor, where it boasts a 4.5 average over 23 reviews.
One user, Jenny P, said: ‘This is a great spot for a one night stay – it’s quirky. Lovely to lie in bed watching the stars. The bubbles are nice and warm too. They have a well equipped shared kitchen and really clean shared bathrooms.’
Another, Gillian S, added: ‘This is a must while in Iceland, once in a lifetime! We did not see the lights that night but awoke at 3:00am to 5 million stars!’.
No need for curtains: Totally transparent, privacy is maintained by ensuring no other ‘rooms’ ever overlook a guest’s space
Not just a load of hot air! The structure is kept inflated by a slight over-pressure from a noiseless ventilation system, which renews and heats the air roughly five times per hour
A spokesman said: ‘Let your childhood dream of sleeping in the nature become reality. Enjoy the aurora & stars in the winter and the midnight sun & nature in the summer.
‘The bubble structure is kept inflated by a slight over-pressure from a noiseless ventilation system.
‘It permanently renews the air inside two to seven times the volume per hour and this way it prevents humidity. The system has heating elements with thermostat so the bubble stays warm all winter.’