Checked out of 2 separate stays beginning and ending a ring road trip. Due to high season and active volcano eruption cash rates were around 130k ISK

Booked two queen standard room both times for family of 4 using Ritz and brilliant certs (points rate 72 to 77k), upgraded both times to two queen harpa view

From what I could tell, suites seemed to be sold out for cash rates as well on the first night, didn't check the next one

Was told by front desk hiking to the eruption site was around 20 km hike round-trip

Was also told that deposit on check-in for Amex cannot be processed as a pre authorization, it's an actual charge and refund of 20k ISK. Pre authorization for visa and MasterCard is handled normally or so I was told

Earned a buck on exchange rate the first night