The most deluxe hotels are in the capital Reykjavík and some of them also have hairdressers, shops and beauty parlours. Hotel or hostel accommodation is available in most areas. Grading: All accommodation is classified from 5 star (luxurious) to 1 star (basic) and is managed by the Icelandic Tourist Board. Visitors should look for the blue and red sign near the entrance to a hotel for the current grading. For a complete list of classified accommodation contact the Icelandic Tourist Board (see Top Things To Do). These are available in the larger towns. Rooms are also available in private houses with breakfast included in the cost. Icelandic Farm Holidays is a chain of 150 farmhouses; farmers offer accommodation to travellers in their homes, guest houses, country hotels and cottages. The accommodation is diverse, some having shared or private bathrooms, some requiring sleeping bags and some offering recreational activities. Breakfast is always included, and there are self-catering facilities in the cottages. Contact the Icelandic Tourist Board for details. Reductions are available for children. There are over 100 registered camping sites. Due to unpredictable weather conditions, camping grounds are normally open only between June and late August or mid-September. The best-equipped camping grounds are to be found in Akureyri, Eglisstadir, Fossatún, Höfn, Heidarbær, Husafell, Isafjördur, Laugarvatn, Myvatn, Reykjavík and Skaftafell. In some places camping is restricted to certain specially marked areas. Prices are approximately US$5-7 and it is also possible to camp in National Parks that are supervised by the Convention Council. This costs US$8 and is half-price for children under 16 and pensioners. Camping outside designated areas is not allowed. For further information, contact the Icelandic Tourist Board (see Top Things To Do). A total of 26 youth and family hostels are open, including Fellshlíd, Korpudalur, Njardvik, Reykholar, Reykjavík, Skógar, Stykkisholmur and Ytralón. All have a well-equipped kitchen and family room. The Iceland Youth Hostel Association offer packages which consist of car rental or bus tickets and hostel overnight vouchers. Many country hostels provide overnight accommodation for travellers bringing their own sleeping bags or bedrolls for a fee. In uninhabited areas there are a number of huts where travellers can stay overnight. They must observe regulations posted in the huts and bring their own sleeping bags and food. The Youth Hostel Association offers a travel service to help with bookings, tours and travel arrangements. Icelandic Farm HolidaysSidumuli 2, IS-108 Reykjavík Tel: 570 2700. Website: www.farmholidays.isIcelandic Youth Hostel AssociationSundlaugavegi 34, IS-105 Reykjavík Tel: 553 8110. Website: www.hostel.is
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