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We didn't realise that when we booked 3 nights from 5 April, that we would be getting there a week or so before the spring close for a few months. But this probably made what was a fantastic break. Now I realise that for families, the December/January is a must for the whole Santa/Christmas/New Year experience. Combined with very cold temperatures, and snow covering everything. But when I heard that the resort caters for up to 800 guests, I can only imagine how mad busy it is, with people everywhere. For my family of four (daughters in their 20's) we were amongst only 40 other guests staying at the time. It was brilliant. There was still loads of snow on the ground but just the trees had shed theirs and were green. But there was no one in the other keto igloos around us and when we walked out most times there was no-one in sight and you could look far in the distance and just see snow, trees....and no humans. a true wilderness experience. We caught a slight glimpse of the Northern Lights on our first night but not really in full glory, but I think that's a chance you take at any time of the year. We did the snowmobile - Quite fun but the risk of paying up to 1200 euros for any damage caused (as told sternly by the guide) made us keep to the speed limits! The Reindeer Aurora Hunt in the evening was OK but if you don't get to see the lights can be a bit boring and hard work on the bum sitting in the sleigh. I can imagine that it could be even harder work in colder temperatures. The Husky ride was the best by far - Great stuff. I think two hours of each activity is enough. Breakfast options were a little limited, with yukky reindeer sausages. Would have been great to have a bacon option. The evening meals were lovely - Again, I believe that it's buffet style in peak season and I have read a lot of criticism. During this quieter time we were given menu options and enjoyed it every night. Definitely pack snacks with you if you can as they are very expensive at the resort. We spent a fair amount on cocktails for the girls and beer for me - Expensive but had good choices. No need to buy bottled water as the water coming from the tap was almost ”mountain spring” - And I should know as drinking water is my profession! I took a tip from another reviewer and had a small container that I asked reception to fill with milk which I took back to make our cuppa's- They don't sell milk, just provide those small sachets. We got the private taxi there and back - Good that it takes, and picks up from your accommodation. I could image it can be quite a trek getting luggage to and from some of the accommodation as they can be far away from reception. Staff were friendly but again, they were not under pressure and were all going home for a few months a week or so after our stay. So, in summary a great stay and if you don't need the Santa experience, but want a great service experience, then March / April would be better.

We stayed at this beautiful hotel for 3 nights early December as part of the TUI package to Lapland. On-route to the hotel we stopped off to get our winter gear. Transfer around 1hour 30mins. The resort of Luosto has a few hotels, ski slope, souvenir shops and reasonable priced supermarket. The average cost for a glass of wine and beer is £10+ . Room: Very spacious, we had a double bed and sofa bed in another room. Sauna was an added bonus. If you wanted any housekeeping you just had to ask at the front desk. We stored our snow gear in the ground floor heated room which was handy. Location: The hotel was just a 5 minute walk to the ski slope. As a family of 3 we all had a 45 minute lesson for around £130. This is where you can also sledge and go tubing this cost us 20 euros for as long as you liked. I highly recommend this it was so much fun. There is also a nice restaurant/bar here. Staff: I would like to say a big thank you to all the staff who were always helpful and friendly. Also small bar area and nice seats by the log fire. Restaurant: Lovely restaurant area and friendly staff. We were half board breakfast was a continental option with lots of choice including porridge. We were half board and the food was fresh and delicious. We didn’t have a choice it was just a set 3 course but luckily we are not fussy eaters. We were a bit disappointed that there was no children’s menu as there was no way my son would eat reindeer or fish soup. So we had a takeaway from a lovely restaurant just down the road called Puna Kettu. Here you could have lovely pizzas and fries. Trips: We had the taster sessions on the Saturday where you have a try of the reindeer ride, husky, snow mobile - I would say just around a few minutes but sometimes that is enough for the younger ones. This day was around -20 but lovely cabins to have a hot chocolate and warm up by the fire. When we went to see Santa this lasted under 60 seconds wasn’t personal and he looked very fake. So that aspect of it was very disappointing. We paid extra for the night snow mobile tour which was 3 hours. We stopped off in a hut half way through the journey to light a fire and to have berry juice. We are so glad we done the trip as we were so lucky to see the Northern Lights. We also paid for the husky ride which was 2 hours, this was a great trip again where you have the chance to meet the dogs and drive the sled. Again these were cold days around -20. On the return home we stopped off in Santa Village, lots of souvenir shops. I have rated the hotel a 4* due to there being no child menu at the hotel. I think they should offer fries at least as guests at the other hotels had a separate menu for children. We would love to return to Lapland but unfortunately it cost so much money. It was something we are so glad we experienced and created so many memories, such a beautiful and picturesque place. You will not be disappointed going to this hotel and it comes highly recommended. Tips: tak

The hotel’s location and the atmosphere of Lapland forests is unique and magic, it is unbelievably romantic and peaceful. Meals are super tasty and always there is a lot to choose from. We stayed in the Riverside log cabin, it was very cosy. The guides for the adventure trips were perfect. The only negative issue were some of the waiters, apparently not from Finland. If you don’t tip them a sum of money they consider appropriate, they will completely ignore you and let you feel like a piece of rubbish. They repeatedly took away wine glasses from our table without even asking what we want to order or bringing the wine list and they even stopped greeting us. I have only seen this behaviour in third world countries and wouldn’t expect it in this amazing hotel. It is a shame!