OCTOBER 9, 2007. Hilton Reykjavik Nordica has opened its doors to its first guests, becoming the first Hilton to operate in Iceland. The hotel is run by Flugleidahotel ehf, a subsidiary of the Icelandair Hotels Group, under a franchise agreement with Hilton, and is considered to be one of the Iceland’s flagship hotel properties.

Welcoming the opening of the hotel, Wolfgang M. Neumann, President of Hilton Hotels Europe, said: “This leading conference hotel is a fantastic addition to our European portfolio and we look forward to strengthening the Hilton Reykjavik Nordica’s position as one of the best hotels for business and leisure guests in the capital. Iceland’s spectacular scenery, combined with its strategic location, mean that it has become, and will continue to be, one of the most fashionable getaway destinations for both European and American travellers.”

Commenting on the relationship with Icelandair Hotels, Neumann added: "It is only fitting that Hilton's first entry into the Icelandic market is with one of the country's leading tourism airline and hotel group, allowing us to further strengthen and expand our offering of leisure and business hotels across the Nordic region."

Magnea Þórey Hjálmarsdóttir, Managing Director for Icelandair Hotels said: "This relationship with Hilton marks a major step in driving our strategy of rapidly growing our Icelandair Hotels operation, bringing international recognition and brand image second to none. The Hilton brand gives us access to valuable resources and customers which we intend to utilise to the fullest, especially in the area of meetings and conferences”.

She added: “The opening of the Hilton Reykjavik Nordica marks a new chapter for this great hotel and will help to enhance Iceland’s position as one of the world’s leading travel destinations. We have a very professional and dedicated team in place at the hotel, who are passionate about delivering a great experience and meeting the needs of all our guests".

Situated just a short walk from the city's historic harbour, the hotel, formerly known as the Nordica Hotel, has undergone a major refurbishment and rebranding programme.

The hotel’s 252 recently refurbished rooms, including 23 Executive Rooms and three suites, offer guests the very best in upscale room facilities and have been designed to reflect crisp Nordic style with a minimalist and functional elegance. Rooms are equipped with high-speed internet access and wireless connectivity, which is also available throughout the hotel. The executive level and lounge, located on the top floor of the hotel provides spectacular views across Reykjavik and the surrounding area.

Guests can enjoy the very best in contemporary Icelandic and international cuisine at the hotel’s highly regarded gourmet VOX Restaurant, Bistro and Bar, which also caters for conferences and events at the hotel. In addition to this, VOX’s well established mobile catering service, VOX On Wheels, supplies some of Reykjavik’s most high profile parties and events.

Meanwhile, for the conference and incentives market the hotel provides extensive facilities, including Iceland's largest conference space catering for up to 650 people, complimented by two private boardrooms and eleven Hilton meeting rooms supported by a separate conference centre and full business facilities with ample parking.

Other facilities at the hotel include NordicaSpa; the ultimate escape to nurture and soothe the mind, body and soul. It has been designed using wood, natural stone and earthy colours to set the tone for an unforgettable spa experience. The spa offers a total of eleven treatment rooms, two aroma steam rooms, two spa pools, and a relaxation pool as well as a state-of-the-art fitness centre. The spa also features a traditional Nordic style outdoor sauna and terrace.

Hilton Hotels Corporation now has seven properties across the Nordic region, with hotels in Stockholm, Malmö, Copenhagen and Helsinki, including the recently opened Hilton Helsinki Vantaa Airport.