Saariselka Homestays

We were lucky enough to win a week in the Holiday Club in a draw from Inghams Holidays! My lady gave way to a silver-tongued salesperson at an event and gave her email address never believing it would ever be her that wins. Then she nearly deleted the notification email as it was probably a scam. And so we were off to lands well north of the Arctic Circle in the middle of January. Neither of us were skiers so we weren’t sure what to expect. And we are both in our mid-70s so we weren’t going to take many risks. It's a three-hour coach trip from Kittila Airport to Saariselka including a 20-minute rest stop. The first stop in Saariselka was to get issued with heavy overalls, snow boots and mittens which are vital for temperatures of around -25c to -30c which was what we experienced. The hotel is in the centre of town and most places are walkable. Temperatures indoors were pleasant, not hot, but to go outside needed around 20 minutes to put on the kit to go outside. While we were there the sun rose about 11 am and set around 2.30 pm but there was another hour or two of reasonable light. The rooms were basic with twin beds easily pushed together and the continental individual duvets. Bathroom was fine. Lighting in the room was OK but could have been brighter. There’s a TV but the only English programmes were subtitled. The rooms aren’t serviced during the stay but we asked the rep and he organised the cleaners to change towels and empty bins mid-week. We had half-board so breakfast and dinner were buffet service and the food was filling and plentiful. My lady is vegetarian and the rep told the kitchen and they provided a fresh-cooked vegetarian dish for every dinner just for her which was easily added to with the salads and vegetables on the buffet. Dinner was usually soup with two main meat or fish courses plus plentiful bread, vegetables and salads. There was usually just one choice of sweet plus endless hot drinks and an adjacent bar. During the week we were there large numbers of French came and went plus some oriental parties. A couple of times we encountered a rather full house but the turnover of tables is quick and the food doesn’t seem to run out. There is a swimming pool which seems to be for play rather than swimming plus a sauna and a spa but we didn’t try them. There’s no gym. Inghams offered excursions such as husky driving, reindeer farm visits, skiddoos plus there is a regular public bus service to the ski lifts. We found it delightful to walk the signed trails in the hills – a walking pole is useful. The silence in the woods is wonderful. Everyone wants to see the Northern Lights but that is entirely by luck. During our week there were plenty of sightings but the quality was not good. Enough to show you have seen them but not enough to be thrilled. Plenty of green but no reds or blues. I never knew that the vague wisps of white cloud can be seen as green by taking a picture! Amazing. One lesson we learned, don

My family and I couldn't choose the best chalet for our holiday in Finland! Hirvas suite is a fantastic apartment, clean and near the main attractions of Saariselka. It has a beautiful living room with a fireplace, two comfortable and clean beds, a kitchen with equipped kitchen, a bathroom and a private sauna, perfect for relaxing after a cold day. Breakfast and dinner are served in the bar in the country's small shopping centre, 5 minutes walk from the chalet.

The most cost-effective accommodation in Finland. It took some time to find the front desk, and I was very satisfied with everything else! There is a large space for breakfast, and the bathroom provides a sauna room with bath towels and towels. I am really surprised! It snowed when we went, and we participated in the husky sledding activity. There was a 10[%] discount and the hotel was a partner. It was more affordable than ordering online in advance, so satisfied! The transportation is convenient. The bus is in the Holiday club, dozens of meters away from the front desk, and the supermarket is about 600 meters away. There is also a public sauna, but it is too cold to go out. It is more convenient to enjoy in the room! Will choose here next time I go...

When you stay at Kuukkeli Log Houses Porakka Inn in Saariselka, you'll be near ski lifts, just steps from Saariselkä Sport Resort and Saariselkä Ski Resort. This lodge is 0.9 mi (1.5 km) from Urho Kekkonen National Park and 2.7 mi (4.4 km) from Kaunispään Tower.Enjoy the recreation opportunities such as a sauna or make use of other amenities including complimentary wireless internet access.Enjoy a satisfying meal at Cafe/Restaurant Kuukkeli serving guests of Kuukkeli Log Houses Porakka Inn. Buffet breakfasts are available daily for a fee.Free self parking is available onsite.Stay in one of 7 guestrooms featuring flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wireless internet access is available to keep you connected. Conveniences include blackout drapes/curtains, and housekeeping is provided on request.

There is no breakfast, but there is a supermarket on the side, there are many restaurants around, and there is a kitchen full of equipment to cook for yourself. It can be an extra bed and the double sofa can be turned into a double bed. Convenient transportation and parking. The room has a washing machine and a dryer. Suitable for families.

When you a stay at this aparthotel in Saariselka, you'll be near ski lifts, just steps from Saariselkä Sport Resort and Saariselkä Ski Resort. This spa aparthotel is 0.4 mi (0.7 km) from Urho Kekkonen National Park and 0.5 mi (0.8 km) from Pyhan Paavalin Chapel.Pamper yourself with a visit to the spa, which offers massages. This aparthotel also features complimentary wireless internet access, ski storage, and tour/ticket assistance.You can enjoy a meal at Ravintola Kuukkeli serving the guests of this aparthotel, or stop in at the grocery/convenience store. A complimentary buffet breakfast is served daily from 8:00 AM to 10:30 AM.Featured amenities include laundry facilities and ATM/banking services. A roundtrip airport shuttle is provided for a surcharge (available 24 hours), and free self parking is available onsite.Make yourself comfortable in your apartment. Complimentary wireless internet access is available to keep you connected. Conveniences include a dryer and blackout drapes/curtains, and housekeeping is provided on request.

When you a stay at Kuukkeli Log Houses Teerenpesä - Superior Suite A49 in Saariselka, you'll be near ski lifts, just steps from Saariselkä Sport Resort and Saariselkä Ski Resort. This hotel is 0.3 mi (0.5 km) from Urho Kekkonen National Park and 0.4 mi (0.6 km) from Pyhan Paavalin Chapel.Be sure to enjoy recreational amenities, including a spa tub, a sauna, and bicycles to rent. Additional features at this hotel include complimentary wireless internet access and ski storage.Buffet breakfasts are available daily from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM for a fee.Featured amenities include luggage storage and laundry facilities. A roundtrip airport shuttle is provided for a surcharge (available on request), and free self parking is available onsite.Make yourself at home in one of the air-conditioned rooms featuring flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and digital programming is available for your entertainment. Conveniences include desks, and housekeeping is provided on request.

When you stay at Kuukkeli Hirvas Suite in Saariselka, you'll be in a national park, just steps from Saariselkä Sport Resort and Saariselkä Ski Resort. This hotel is 0.4 mi (0.6 km) from Urho Kekkonen National Park.Make use of convenient amenities, which include complimentary wireless internet access and ski storage.A complimentary buffet breakfast is served daily from 8:00 AM to 10:30 AM.Free self parking is available onsite.Complimentary wireless internet access is available to keep you connected. Conveniences include desks and coffee/tea makers, and housekeeping is provided on request.

When you stay at this apartment in Saariselka, you'll be near ski lifts, just steps from Saariselkä Sport Resort and Saariselkä Ski Resort. This ski apartment is 0.4 mi (0.6 km) from Urho Kekkonen National Park and 19.8 mi (31.9 km) from Kultamuseo.After a day on the slopes, enjoy recreational amenities, which include ski-in/ski-out access. Additional amenities at this apartment include complimentary wireless internet access and ski storage.A complimentary buffet breakfast is served daily from 8:00 AM to 10:30 AM.Free self parking is available onsite.Make yourself comfortable in this air-conditioned apartment, featuring a kitchen with a full-sized refrigerator/freezer and an oven. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and a 26-inch flat-screen television is provided for your entertainment. Conveniences include a microwave and a coffee/tea maker, and you can also request an iron/ironing board.

With a stay at Kuukkeli Apartments Teerenpesue E 33 in Saariselka, just steps from Saariselkä Sport Resort and Saariselkä Ski Resort. This spa guesthouse is 0.4 mi (0.6 km) from Urho Kekkonen National Park and 2.1 mi (3.4 km) from Kaunispään Tower.Take time to pamper yourself with a visit to the full-service spa.A complimentary buffet breakfast is served daily from 8:00 AM to 10:30 AM.Free self parking is available onsite.Stay in one of the guestrooms featuring flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wireless internet access is available to keep you connected. Conveniences include desks and electric kettles.