THE FACTS ABOUT HOTEL BORG

Marlene Dietrich clinked cocktails here; the King of Denmark came to stay and in the gilded ballroom, during World War II, Allied soldiers danced with Icelandic beauties. Hotel Borg in Reykjavik was once the vortex of the city's social life. The location is excellent, on a grassy square right beside Reykjavik's cathedral and the Icelandic parliament. Built in 1930 in the highly fashionable Art Deco style, Borg was the dream project of champion wrestler Johannes Josepsson, but when he stepped down as general manager in 1960 the hotel went into decline. Now, under new owners it has undergone a complete renovation. This is a Scandinavian take on Art Deco, with muted colour schemes and minimalist restraint. The original features have been given a subtle, modern look and although many of the Art Deco elements are reproduction, the attention to detail is extraordinary, old-fashioned room keys have Art Deco keyring tags. Rooms are spacious, with original parquet flooring, Art Deco chairs and sofas, Bang & Olufsen telephones and Philippe Starck bathroom fittings. Hotel restaurant Silfur has already made a mark on Reykjavik's dining scene with chef Steinn Oskar Sigurosson's inventive local take on French food. Beyond a white, leather-padded swing door lies the old ballroom, used for functions. CONTACT Posthusstraeti 11, Reykjavik (00 354 551 1440; www.hotelborg.is). COST Doubles from 24,900 Kronur, about £200