This is a SPA hotel. I booked it based on reviews here before I left. When we first arrived we noticed a large old house that is surrounded by a group of very different sized buildings. It is beautiful surroundings but nothing in the area but outdoor activities. No shops, 1 restaurant that was closed. I found no accessible walks other than the road.

The taxi is a whopping 580NOK to go 7ish kilometers. If you aren’t driving the taxi fare round trip alone gets you a room in Kirkenes center.

When we checked in we were greeted by very uninterested staff. They acted like we were bothering them. We got our room key and went to our room and found our view - the entire reason to choose this place - was in the back of the old house. You can only barely make out the lake in front if you stand in a galley kitchen and lean through a small window.

We returned to the lobby and they said we could upgrade to the Aurora suites. This was frustrating as even the rooms that weren’t premium were empty. We counted 4 other groups of guests staying. We were the only ones in the premium suites. The cabin building is amazing and the only view of the place you really get online. There are only 7 of these. Everything else is uninspired long cabins with multiple rooms.

This place is advertised a spa. I went to use the sauna. “It is not working”. Asked about the jacuzzi. “it is not working”.

The internet only works if you go to the main house - despite what the staff said.

The dinner was a home cooked pork chop with canned gravy and what looks like frozen vegetables.

The worst was we paid for a premium room and the bed is the cheapest IKEA frame available. It is sporting tags that say “Basic”. I measured the mattress and it is less than 3cm. My back is killing me. Think I’m exaggerating, view the photo

I am very disappointed in how little the staff seemed to care bout anything. We couldn’t find anyone several times and when I called the number on the house door it was answered by a woman who was very brusque and simply said “go find the guy working there”. He was busy in the kitchen.

I understand we were there off season- but that is no excuse for poor service, unavailable amenities, cheap, uncomfortable furniture, average food.

But the Aurora cabins and the area are lovely. Be aware that the pictures they show represent a tiny majority of the rooms.

We stayed here twice over three nights. Both times we had the same room, we liked it the first time so had it again on our return. We stayed in the cheaper accommodation and had a small double ensuite room with shared kitchen/lounge/dining facilities.
The Aurora showed briefly on our first night and then not for the rest of our visit in Norway, so be prepared if you are staying in one of the Aurora cabins there is no guarantee and you can view the Aurora from just outside or up the hill behind the accommodation.
Everything in the shared kitchen was clean and tidy, with washing up liquid, pots and pans and tea towels etc provided. Breakfast was included (continental in style, with the addition of fried eggs) and was excellent, we particularly enjoyed the homemade bread that was still warm! I would highly recommend staying here, as birdwatchers we were pleased to have Pine Grosbeak, Arctic Redpoll and Willow Grouse in the grounds. The addition of bird feeders would probably attract more birds (and birdwatchers)!

These are the best rooms to view both the northern lights and magnificent scenery from. Top quality heated glass walls and ceiling. Toasty warm but also with air conditioning. Complete with stereo to plug into your device via aux leads. Very modern with nice bathroom and it's own boiler. We were lucky to see the northern lights in many colours first night but even when cloudy the 2nd night we awoke to magnificent views. Nice family feel from the staff who run it. The best, after trying other Aurora cabins in Finland