What could be more fun than staying in a hotel named after Santa Claus when you're staying in the man's hometown? We can assure you that it is definitely a special experience and extra fun because it is called Hotel Santa Claus.
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This blog was written by travel writer and Traveltomtom team member Ashley. She stayed at Santa's Hotel Santa Claus, on behalf of Traveltomtom, and wrote this blog about her experiences.
About Santa's Hotels
Santa's Hotels is a Finnish hotel chain with hotels in the Arctic, in Lapland. When traveling to the Arctic Circle and choosing Santa's Hotels you are in for a relaxed time in the Lappish nature or at the Arctic seaside. Santa's Hotels has the best holiday destinations.
They offer first class dining, high quality hotel rooms, premium glass igloos, full service chalets and fully equipped apartments. Truly something for everyone and for every traveler or group.
Santa's Hotel Santa Claus
Santa's Hotel Santa Claus is located in the city center of Rovaniemi, the Official Hometown of Santa Claus. It's the ideal place to stay when visiting Rovaniemi. It's located in the heart of the city, right next to the main square and Sampokeskus shopping mall. The Visit Rovaniemi office is across the street of the hotel and many tour operators are located within walking distance. Of course many bars, restaurants, shops and souvenir shops are at walking distance as well.
The famous Santa Claus Village is only a 10 minute drive away from the hotel. You can easily hop on the Santa's Express Bus to take you there. It leaves regularly from the city center.
Rooms
Santa's Hotel Santa Claus has a total of 170 rooms. They have recently completely renovated their rooms, which gives the rooms a warmer and cozier look and feel.
Some rooms come with a private sauna and some rooms with a private balcony.
We had a very spacious room with a great view of Lordi's Square and Sampokeskus shopping mall. Our room had a large and comfortable bed and a separate seating area. The best part was the private sauna in the bathroom and the double shower.
Breakfast
Breakfast at Santa's Hotel is like Christmas morning. No rush, no hurry. Breakfast buffet is waiting for you with plenty of choices. You can even make your own waffles. Think about a relaxed morning with the best breakfast. Enjoy their self-made salt cured salmon, their house baked bread or freshly made scrambled eggs. You can also start your day like a Fin with their slowly cooked rice porridge. Whatever you decide to go for, you will have a great start of the day. Breakfast is included in the hotel room rates.
Lappish Restaurant Gaissa
Lappish restaurant Gaissa is located on the second floor of Hotel Santa Claus. During our recent stay we decided to have dinner here on our first evening. We really started to love Lappish cuisine, so when we saw that it was a Lappish restaurant we immediately booked a table.
Restaurant Gaissa has the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs recognition for the excellent quality of the food. On their menu you will see a marking 'Santa's local choice' next to the local dishes. Make sure to try their delicious tastes from Lapland. Their dishes are made of local ingredients using traditional recipes.
Services
The hotel has a large and nice lobby area. Of course there are Christmas trees here. You will find nice seats to wait or relax. In the corner, opposite the reception, you will also find a small shop with a wide range of souvenirs. If you do not leave immediately after checking out, you can use their luggage storage.
Overall thoughts
If you want to stay in a hotel where the Christmas spirit is present every day of the year, then this is the place to be. From the moment you walk in, it's Christmas here. The hotel has a perfect location in the center of Rovaniemi. Lovely, all shops and restaurants within walking distance. The recently renovated rooms are really a big improvement!
Many shuttle buses to for example Santa Claus Village or Arctic SnowHotel leave right in front of Santa's Hotel. You step out of the hotel into the bus, ready to enjoy a fun activity.