We stayed 4 nights and expected "unusually big rooms" (from Lonely Planet) and more, seeing it being ranked as Number 1 of all Rovaniemi hotels in Tripadvisor.

The room is not "unsually big", neither can it be considered big. We had 3 rooms on the 3rd floor, well it could be that all the 3rd floor rooms are the small ones. The minimal walking space disappears once the suitcase is opened. The bathroom is big with a pretty bathtub so it makes more sense to open the suitcase in the bathroom!

The heating in the room was too cold for us, and when we asked, we were told the hottest is set at 23degC. But they did offer a portable radiator which we had to lug to our room on our own.

Reception staff is unfriendly. When asked for recommendations of places to eat, we were directed to the Tourist Information booth in the town.

On the other hand, dining room staff is very accommodating (we had small children with us) and there is a small play area for children in the restaurant. Breakfast spread is more than adequate.

Internet is free of charge in the hotel lobby.

We booked a last minute holiday to spend Christmas in Lapland, we booked on line direct with First Choice to Santa Claus Hotel.

We are a family with 3 children aged 7 and twins 5, plus my husband and I. The hotel was excellent, the room spacious and very clean. I emailed the hotel direct and asked for inter-connecting rooms which we were allocated with upon arrival. There was plenty of choice in the restaurant, as they were catering for a wide range of nationalities. But something for everyone.

Christmas Eve, the REAL santa arrived at the hotel on his sleigh of course being pulled by reindeer., he gave all the children a present from the hotel and if you had anything you wanted to give to Santa to give your child, you took it down to reception earlier so it could be passed on to Santa on his arrival.

Christmas day was spent doing a whole host of activities, husky dog rides, sleigh rides, (all tasters) including in the holiday cost, but it was enough for the children. Christmas night you were taken again by tour operator for gala diner out of the hotel. Then following day you went to Santa Land. So its a full on schedule, but all worth visiting.

Around the hotel, there are shops, a few bars and restaurants. You can walk along to the river and there is a park and a few little hills nearby were we took the hotel sledges and went sledging. Bars an restaurants are quite pricey compared with UK., but its a holiday of a life time, and how much would you spend at Christmas at home.

I would highly recommend this hotel, its extremely central, lovely staff, exceptionally clean, and professionally run.

Don't worry about spending a fortune on gear as this is all provided for you by the tour operator, you all look the same but at least your warm as it is very cold outside the hotel christmas day was -32. Inside the hotel you can were your normal winter clothes as its lovely and warm its just if you go outside.

Definately a great holiday and the kids will love it.

We just spent two nights at this hotel and found it completely satisfactory. It is very clean, modern and well equipped. Staff were very fluent in English, friendly and efficient. It is well located in the downtown area and within walking distance of all shops and restaurants. The secure underground parking was appreciated.

The price included a buffet breakfast which was very good, with the exception of what appeared to be powdered eggs. Whatever they were, they weren´t fresh. Having said that, the rest of the buffet was excellent. We also tried the hotel restaurant for dinner one evening and found it to be OK but a bit pricey and the food not outstanding.

Over all, we felt this was a very good hotel providing good value for money spent.

Firstly in Finland there aren't many hotels which can be considered as having character. Most are functional grey concrete boxes, but well-run and clean. This hotel is no exception ! Its thoroughly modern and thoroughly grey/faceless, rather like Rovaniemi in general, certainly don't expect a log cabin with a roaring fire and reindeers outside. In fact the only connection with Santa Claus is the name.

However, its a well-run place and conveniently right in the middle of town (er, Rovaniemi is more like a big village) with parking close by. The restaurant is worth a visit, definitely for the à la carte traditional Finnish dishes.

There's a sauna but like every other hotel in Finland its a single sex one and you might find it difficult to get a time which suits you as half the time its reserved for men, the other time for women.

Certainly not a bad hotel but don't expect Santa Claus/Lapland/Sami quaintness or kitsch.