The Black Pearl: A pearl in the heart of Reykjavik

Situated three minutes’ walk from the charming old harbour, The Black Pearl Apartment Hotel boasts everything needed to make a stay in Reykjavik enjoyable and comfortable. With a minimalist designer interior, the apartments combine a bit of luxury with a home away from home feeling to provide practical accommodation for families, couples, and business visitors alike.

The modern apartments of The Black Pearl have been created with attention to detail and decorated with tasteful designer furniture chosen specifically with comfort in mind. Liesbeth Ruinard, a representative from The Black Pearl says, “We all pride ourselves on providing a welcoming atmosphere, a home away from home.”

The history of The Black Pearl

Mr. Hol – a Dutchman who is locally known as ‘the man with the hat’ – knows how to take an unfortunate situation and turn it into a business venture. When the financial crisis of 2008 struck, Mr. Hol was faced with not being able to move his investments out of Iceland.

Mr. Hol, the man with the hat.

Turning this negative moment into an inspiration to do something good, Mr. Hol used the opportunity to re-invest locally. Visiting Reykjavik, he found his very own pearl of fortune when he fell for the black, contemporary, window-rich building that was to become The Black Pearl.

Starting off with just ten luxury suites, Mr. Hol carried on developing The Black Pearl which, today, includes a reception area, a multifunctional space for events and meetings and 22 fully serviced suites between 60 and 180 m2 with one to three separate bedrooms.

All suites are tastefully minimalist but with a focus on comfort and practicality. Whether you want to make a cup of coffee or a three-course meal, the kitchens are fully equipped with built-in appliances and high-end technical facilities. Rooms interconnected via a balcony are available for families with older children.

Bedroom in the penthouse suite.

Creating home comforts

Mr. Hol and his employees pride themselves on the welcoming atmosphere and the top-ranked services that are available to all guests. There is no need to forego the facilities of a hotel; with daily cleaning, in-suite breakfast and catering available for those moments when staying in suits best, the team at The Black Pearl are happy to help.

If more specific requirements are needed, perhaps for special occasions such as Christmas, weddings, birthdays, business meetings or conferences, or even a night out in Reykjavik, The Black Pearl team can advise and organise as required.

Out and about

With the National Theatre of Iceland, the Harpa Concert Hall and Reykjavik Art Museum, nearby, not to mention a vast array of high-class restaurants, cafes and bars, there is no shortage of entertainment.

Going further afield, the choice includes excursions for whale watching, trips to the famous black sandy beaches or blue lagoon, or even northern light hunting. Perhaps the most difficult decision is which adventure to include in your stay at The Black Pearl.

Claims to fame

The Black Pearl is getting quite an international reputation. During its ten years in existence, well-known DJs have taken residence here, as have documentary makers from World of Travel at the American News Broadcasting Company (NBC). Not only that, but The Black Pearl is also due to appear in Iceland’s famous TV series, The Minister.

The future of The Black Pearl

Mr. Hol’s pearl is a perfect example of how new things can grow from a negative situation. But this isn’t the end of the story – the stylish luxury of the Black Pearl will soon be made available in The Hague too. Here, close to the beach, Mr. Hol is in the process of converting a church into a five-star aparthotel.

When asked about an opening date, Liesbeth answers “Mr. Hol is passionate about getting the details right and believes that the next Black Pearl is ready when it is perfect.” However, she proudly talks about the facilities that will be available: swimming pool, spa, and a restaurant, adding that it will be 18 months before it is ready to welcome guests.

Mr. Hol and his team set out ten years ago with one primary goal in mind: to create a five-star aparthotel with the best services and the most welcoming environment in Iceland. With its many positive reviews – The Black Pearl has received awards from TripAdvisor, Booking.com and Expedia, and is widely regarded as the first and only hotel in its class in Iceland – there can be doubt he has achieved that.

Looking back over the past ten years it is certain that patience and perseverance have been part of the journey. It is fair to say that what Mr. Hol and his team have achieved deserves admiration and a stay at The Black Pearl is surely a must when visiting Reykjavik.

The Black Pearl.

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