Our history

The story of the hotel started in 2006 when we opened a guesthouse called “Bænir & Brauð” in a nearby street. In 2018 the guesthouse moved to its current location. At first, the name was “Sýsló”, a shortening of “Sýslumannshúsið” and a nod to the history of the house. However, after learning more about Karólína Jóhannsdóttir (1897–1991), a local woman that ran a guesthouse in Stykkishólmur for decades and was known for her unmatched hospitality, we decided to name our hotel after her.

From 1896 to the present

The house itself has quite a history. It was built in 1896 by a local doctor who resided on the upper floor and practiced medicine on the ground floor. Starting in 1931, the house served as the office and residence for numerous town’s District Magistrates, up until the year 2000, when the office was moved to a new building. A few families lived in the house during the first two decades of the millenninum, until we moved in.

The hotel is named after Karólína Jóhannsdóttir (1897–1991), a gracious and beloved townswoman famous for her incredible hospitality.

Say hello to our neighbors

Hotel Karólína is a family-owned boutique hotel, “cousin” and next-door neighbor of Hotel Egilsen, a charming hotel in a stark red building built in 1867. Before your arrival at Hótel Karólína, make sure to check in at Hotel Egilsen at Aðalgata 2, where you will be welcomed with a warm cup of coffee or tea, or a refreshing drink on a warm day. The staff will give you your room key and guide you to Hotel Karólína.

We look forward to your stay.