MileHacker Logo
Accommodation Guide

Accommodation Guide

Greenland

Accommodation Types

Common Lodging Choices

  • Hotels

    Modern establishments with amenities, private rooms, and often Icefjord views.

  • Guesthouses (Vandrerhjem)

    Family-run places, personal touch, shared or private baths, communal kitchens.

  • Hostels

    Budget-friendly dormitory beds, good for solo travelers and social interaction.

  • Apartments/Vacation Rentals

    Self-catering units, more space and privacy, good for longer stays or groups. Find on Vrbo.

Unique Local Stays

  • Igloo Lodges

    Cabins with glass roofs for night sky/glacier views, premium experience (e.g., Glacier Lodge Eqi).

  • Homestay/Community

    Guesthouses with a personal feel; village stays in Oqaatsut or Ilimanaq.

  • Camping & Outdoor

    Wild camping permitted, self-sufficiency needed; no designated campgrounds.

  • Housesitting

    Consider TrustedHousesitters for unique stays.

Neighborhood Guide

Ilulissat is a relatively small town, but its topography creates distinct areas with different characteristics.

Town Center

Benefits
  • Convenient access to shops, restaurants, tour operators.
  • Minimal walking to most services.
  • Lively atmosphere.
  • Proximity to harbor.
Considerations
  • Can be busier or have harbor noise.
  • Ground-floor views may be limited.
  • More activity than quieter areas.
  • Less serene.

Hilly Areas

Benefits
  • Stunning panoramic Icefjord and Disko Bay views.
  • Generally quieter and more serene.
  • Tranquil environment.
  • Natural ambiance.
Considerations
  • More walking, often uphill, to town center.
  • Might rely on taxis for transport, especially in winter.
  • Further from main amenities.
  • Less direct access to harbor.

Airport Area

Purpose
  • Functional area for air travel.
  • Related services.
  • Main gateway for arrivals and departures.
  • Logistical hub.
Tourist Fit
  • No tourist accommodation directly at the airport.
  • Few services for visitors.
  • Located a few kilometers outside main town.
  • Not a leisure destination.

Locational Aspects

Safety Notes

All areas of Ilulissat are generally very safe. Crime rates are low across the town.

Proximity & Noise Levels

Town Center: Excellent proximity to harbor, museum, shops. Hilly Areas: Further from amenities, quieter and peaceful.

Booking Strategies

Booking accommodation well in advance is advisable due to limited supply, especially during peak travel times.

Advance Booking Recommendations

  • High Season (June-August): Book 6-12 months ahead. Availability is limited.
  • Shoulder Season (May, September, October): Book 3-6 months ahead. Popular places fill.
  • Low Season (November-April): Book 1-3 months ahead. Some establishments may close.
  • Last-minute bookings are rarely possible for popular options.

Trusted Booking Platforms

  • International Platforms: Use Booking.com, Expedia, or Agoda for various options.
  • Direct Websites: Many hotels Like IHG and guesthouses offer direct booking.
  • Local Tour Operators: Some offer packages including accommodation and flights.
  • Budget Specialists: Hostelworld for hostel bookings.

Payment & Cancellation Policies

Policies Vary
  • Always check deposit requirements before confirming.
  • Cancellation terms can be strict due to remoteness.
  • Several weeks' notice often needed to avoid charges.
  • Read the fine print.
Seasonal Price Fluctuations
  • Prices are significantly higher during peak summer.
  • They tend to drop during shoulder and low seasons.
  • Availability of some services may also decrease off-peak.
  • Plan budgets accordingly.

Walk-in Rates & Additional Tips

Negotiation

Negotiation for walk-in rates is not common or expected in Greenland.

Best Practice

Always book in advance to secure preferred accommodation.

Money Saving

Consider an evening or early morning Icefjord cruise for unique photographic light, saving on separate activities.

Accommodation Recommendations

Here are some top picks for various preferences, offering different experiences in Ilulissat.

Hotel Picks

Hotel Arctic

Modern, upscale hotel with stunning Icefjord views and gourmet dining.

  • Offers Igloo cabins for unique stays.
  • Full range of amenities.
  • Panoramic restaurant.
  • Conference facilities.
Hotel Icefiord

Modern hotel with excellent harbor and Icefjord views, comfortable rooms.

  • Good restaurant with local ingredients.
  • Central location.
  • Comfortable ambiance.
  • Friendly staff.

Guesthouse & Hostel Picks

H8 Hostel

A budget-friendly option, good for solo travelers looking for dormitory or private rooms.

  • Communal areas for social interaction.
  • Shared kitchen facilities.
  • Central but quieter location.
  • Basic amenities.
Guesthouse Innii

A cozy, family-run guesthouse known for its personal service and local atmosphere.

  • Often offers traditional meals.
  • Comfortable, homely environment.
  • Good value.
  • Warm hospitality.

Vacation Rentals

  • Local Agencies

    Contact local tour operators or the tourist office for apartment listings.

  • Online Platforms

    Websites like Vrbo list self-catering options.

  • Ideal For

    Longer stays, families, or groups seeking more space and kitchen access.

  • Self-Catering Benefits

    Allows preparing your own meals, budget-friendly for food.

Unique Immersive Stays

  • Glacier Lodge Eqi

    Located near Eqi Glacier, accessible by boat. Offers cabins with glacier views.

  • Ilimanaq Lodge

    Eco-friendly lodge in a traditional village, south of Ilulissat.

  • Community Experiences

    Guesthouses in smaller settlements like Oqaatsut provide a glimpse into village life.

  • Housesitting Options

    Explore platforms like TrustedHousesitters for unique exchanges.

Budget-Friendly Stays

Hostels

Hostels offer the most affordable rates, especially for dormitory beds, a good choice for solo budget travelers.

  • Great for meeting other travelers.
  • Shared facilities.
  • Basic yet clean.
  • Social atmosphere.
Guesthouses Self-Catering

Many guesthouses include access to communal kitchens, allowing guests to prepare their own meals.

  • Significant savings on food costs.
  • Home-like comfort.
  • Often family-run.
  • Good balance of cost and comfort.

General Accommodation Advice

Book Early

Accommodation supply is limited, so early booking secures your choice and avoids disappointment, especially in summer.

Consider Location

Decide if proximity to town amenities or panoramic Icefjord views better suits your visit.

Embrace Local Charm

Smaller guesthouses provide a more personal and intimate glimpse into Greenlandic hospitality.