Lapland Hotels Riekonlinna: Unforgettable Arctic Luxury Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving HEADFIRST into Lapland Hotels Riekonlinna! Forget the perfectly polished brochure – I'm spilling the REAL tea on my stay. Unforgettable Arctic Luxury? Let's find out if it actually delivers on that promise, shall we? And trust me, I've got a LOT to say.
First Impression: The Arctic Calling (and Does That Phone Work?)
Honestly, the drive in was breathtaking. The scenery? Stunning. The snow? Glorious. The promise of a cozy, fire-lit room after battling the elements? Pure bliss. Riekonlinna definitely has that "middle of nowhere, amazing somewhere" vibe. It’s a good sign already, a very good sign.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, but Promising (I Think?)
Okay, gotta be straight. Accessibility is a big deal, and I’m happy to report it’s mostly good news! Wheelchair accessible? I believe so, I saw the elevator and the website mentioning facilities for disabled guests (which is a massive plus), but I recommend a direct call to confirm specific room details and paths. They definitely have facilities for disabled guests, which is a good start. Elevator? Yep, thank goodness! Makes lugging luggage (or tired legs) SO much easier.
The "Getting Connected" Game: Wi-Fi and Beyond…
- Internet? Yes! Thank the Wi-Fi gods!
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms?! Hallelujah! That's a non-negotiable these days, and Riekonlinna gets it. The Internet access – wireless was strong, too.
- Internet [LAN]? They offered it! I didn't need it, but it's there! So if you need to feel extra secure in your connection, you got it.
Dive Deep: On-Site Amenities, Oh My!
Okay, this is where things get interesting…and where I had some mixed feelings.
- The Spa & Sauna Scene: Let me tell you, the Spa/sauna experience was…intense. Like stepping into a Finnish dream. The sauna, obviously, was a must. The steamroom was…steamy! I mean, duh. The pool with a view was amazing. (I may or may not have spent way too much time there.)
- The Fitness Center: I intended to use the Fitness center…once. But the lure of the sauna won. I'll chalk that up to "being a tourist."
- Things to Do, Ways to Relax: They’ve got the goods here. Massage appointments are a must (I went, and loved it). Body scrub and Body wrap treatments? Tempting!
- The Swimming Pool: Honestly, even the outdoor swimming pool [outdoor] looked inviting– even if I couldn't bring myself to take a dip, after the sauna, I was done!
Food, Glorious Food (And the Occasional Mishap)
Let’s be real, food is a make or break for me. And Riekonlinna? Mostly a win.
- Restaurants? Plural! (Good start!)
- Breakfast [buffet]? Yes, and it was vast. The Western breakfast was on point, and they had an Asian breakfast.
- Restaurants? Several! The buffet offered an array of International cuisine in restaurant.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant? Absolutely. Vital.
- Room service [24-hour]? YES! (Late-night cravings, be gone!)
- Snack bar? Located near to the bar.
- The Bars: Great options for cocktails and good company. They also offer a Poolside bar, which I thought was a nice luxury.
- Alternative meal arrangement? Yes, this helps a lot of people who might have dietary restrictions.
The Real Talk on Cleanliness, Safety, and Those Little Extras
Okay, this is where I was genuinely impressed.
- Cleanliness and safety: Top-notch! They were seriously on it.
- Hand sanitizer everywhere, naturally.
- Staff trained in safety protocol? Absolutely.
- Daily disinfection in common areas? Check.
- Anti-viral cleaning products? Good sign!
- Individually-wrapped food options: Helpful.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Necessary!
- Safety/security feature? They went beyond and above!
- Smoke alarms? Excellent!
- CCTV in common areas & CCTV outside property: Peace of mind.
- 24-hour front desk? Always a relief.
- Cashless payment service? Modern, I loved it.
- Doctor/nurse on call? Good.
- Room sanitization opt-out available? That gives you options!
The Room: Cozy Nest or Cold Cave? (Spoiler: Mostly Cozy)
My room was…lovely. (Okay, more than lovely.) The soundproofing was fantastic - I never heard my neighbors, which is a minor miracle. I absolutely adored the blackout curtains. Sleep is a precious commodity on vacation!
- Air conditioning? Well, no, I didn't need it. But, I did have a window that opens, which was great because that fresh, arctic air is everything.
- Coffee/tea maker? Yes! Saved my life every morning.
- Bathtub: Hello, relaxation!
- Free bottled water? Always appreciated.
- Bathrobes and Slippers? Yes!
- In-room safe box? Check.
- Desk and laptop workspace? The workspace was good.
- Mini-bar: Of course.
- Non-smoking rooms: Thank god!
- Satellite/cable channels? Plenty of options.
- Wake-up service? Helpful.
- Smoke detector? Essential.
- Socket near the bed? Important.
- Additional toilet? If you can get it, it is amazing.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Difference
- Concierge? Helpful, friendly, and knows the area.
- Currency exchange? Useful!
- Daily housekeeping? Cleanliness = happiness!
- Laundry service & Dry cleaning? Essential on a long trip!
- Luggage storage? Always a plus.
- Car park [free of charge]? Amazing!
- Airport transfer? Sooo convenient!
For the Kids: Family Fun?
I didn't come with kids, but it sure looked kid-friendly.
- Family/child friendly: Yes!
- Babysitting service? Nice to have!
- Kids facilities? Sounds like!
- Kids meal? Always appreciated!
Areas for Improvement/Minor Gripes (Because I'm Honest)
- Signage: Could be a little clearer, especially around the spa. I may have gotten lost…more than once.
My Verdict: Should YOU Book Lapland Hotels Riekonlinna?
YES! Absolutely, yes. It's a truly memorable experience, and I highly recommend experiencing the Arctic.
The Offer You NEED To Book Now: (Warning: I'm Biased!)
Tired of the Ordinary? Crave the Extraordinary?
Get ready to be absolutely blown away by Lapland Hotels Riekonlinna! Forget cookie-cutter vacations, this is where Arctic luxury meets Northern Lights magic.
- Unwind in the Best Spa: Dip in the pool. Sweat in the Sauna. Relax like never before.
- Feast Like a Viking: From a fantastic buffet to gourmet meals, your taste buds are in for a treat!
- Comfort and Convenience: Free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk, and a dedicated concierge team will make your trip as smooth as ice.
But Here's the DEAL (and it’s a good one):
Book your Riekonlinna escape NOW, and get:
- A complimentary welcome drink and a bottle of sparkling water to start your adventure!
- A 10% discount on all spa treatments (because you deserve it!)
- Free parking.
- A private Northern Lights viewing tour (limited slots, so don't wait!)
Why Book Now?
- Limited Availability: These rooms, and these deals, won’t last!
- Arctic Magic Awaits: Don't miss your chance to experience the beauty of Lapland!
Click HERE to book your unforgettable Arctic adventure!
Lapland Hotels Riekonlinna: Where luxury meets the Aurora Borealis!
DMK Airport: Your Ultimate Guide to Nearby Hotels & Attractions
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your pristine, perfectly planned travel brochure. This is my Lapland adventure at Riekonlinna, and trust me, it's going to be a ride. Strap in, because this is going to be a messy, hilarious, and hopefully heartwarming journey.
Lapland Hotels Riekonlinna: A Messy Love Story (Maybe With Some Frostbite)
Day 1: Arrival & "Where Did I Even Park This Thing?"
- Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Wake up. Or, more accurately, try to wake up after a night of zero sleep because the excitement level is basically a supernova. Trip to the airport via taxi. I swear, every single time I pack, I overpack. How can one person possibly need that many layers? Also, I'm pretty sure I left my phone charger. Fantastic.
- Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM): The flight itself. Pure, unadulterated boredom interspersed with frantic attempts to avoid the airplane smell (is that even possible?). Gaze out the window. The clouds like cotton candy. I'm so ready for this.
- Afternoon (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Touchdown! Rovaniemi Airport, here I come! Land. Immigration. Luggage Carousel. "Where. Is. My. Damn. Suitcase?" Oh, there it is. Thank the heavens. The rental car pick-up, a minor fiasco involving a language barrier, a rogue GPS, and a slightly panicked feeling that I'd accidentally chosen the wrong side of the road to drive on (Finland is thankfully sane).
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM): The drive to Riekonlinna. Oh my god. The trees… the snow… the sheer vastness of it all. My brain is screaming with joy and I am not ashamed. The scenery is straight out of a Christmas card, except a real one. And I keep stopping the car to take pictures. Did I actually remember to bring a charger? The camera just died.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Check-in at the hotel. The lobby is cozy with a roaring fire and a scent of pine. I'm greeted with warmth. It's my first time in Finland! Finally, I am ready! The room… Okay, not exactly what I expected. Basic, but clean. I might have a slight issue with the extremely bright fluorescent lights, which are just the thing to ruin any sense of coziness. And the heating is on full blast. It's like a sauna in here. Unpack or make a break for the outside? The outside won.
- Evening (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM): First walk. The cold air hits me like a slap in the face. It's AMAZING. I can already feel stress melting away. I saw some reindeer. They were majestic. I think. My glasses kept fogging up. I didn't bring enough layers. Oops.
- Evening (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Dinner at the hotel restaurant. The food is delicious! I'm so hungry. I ordered the local reindeer stew. It's rich and savory, and yes, it tastes a bit like a Christmas dinner. I'm gonna be honest, after a couple of glasses of wine, it's all a bit of a blur. The restaurant is full of people, all chatting happily. I'm by myself, but feeling not alone at all.
- Evening (9:00 PM - 10:00 PM): Maybe I'll see the Northern Lights? They're supposed to be amazing up here. I bundle up and stumble outside. Oh, the sky! No idea what I'm looking at. I just stand there, looking up, for ages, until my nose is freezing. The light is there and I see it. I take a photo. I think. I was gone for a minute. Did I take a photo or just stare? Who knows?
Day 2: Sami Culture & The Huskies (and My Emotional Breakdown)
- Morning (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Wake up. Feeling like I was run over by a reindeer. Coffee and the hotel breakfast buffet. I'm completely addicted to the smoked salmon. There's so much of it!
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): A visit to a Sami cultural center. It turns out to be incredibly moving. I have to admit, I went in expecting something a little… touristy. But the stories. The music. The connection to the land. It all just… hit me. I feel I have a bit on my eyes. I wanted to cry. I did cry. I'm a mess, but it's a beautiful mess.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Lunch. Still processing everything.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Husky sledding! Oh my god, the huskies! The pure joy on their faces! The speed! The wind! The snow in my face! (I think the snow in my face was a problem). I laughed. I screamed. I felt like I was flying. I didn't fall out (a miracle!). I'm still grinning like an idiot hours later. The dogs were magnificent. They loved the work, they looked happy. I'm so happy. This, more than anything else, is what I will remember years from now.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Hot chocolate by the fire at the hotel, trying to thaw out. I feel like I'm completely and utterly exhausted. But the good, kind exhausted.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Dinner. Feeling somewhat more "human," but still giddy. I have to tell someone all of this. I met some new people today. They're all talking about the Northern Lights and the snow. I'm looking at the weather patterns. The patterns are not looking good.
- Evening (8:00 PM - 10:00 PM): More Northern Lights gazing. No luck. But… there's something about the silence, the stars… it's enough. I did see a shooting star! This is a good trip. It's a really good trip. I have to remember this.
- Evening (10:00 PM - Onward): Falling face-first into bed.
Day 3: Snowmobiling (and My Near-Death Experience)
- Morning (9:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Breakfast. More coffee. I need all the caffeine I can get. I'm suddenly starting to wonder if I should have started exercising more. I can't feel my legs, I think.
- Morning (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Snowmobiling. Okay, I should have probably been more prepared for the whole "driving a snowmobile" thing. I crashed. Repeatedly. I almost drove myself into a tree (seriously, I have a photo to prove it). I got stuck in the snow. I spent a good half-hour just laughing. I felt like a total klutz. It was terrifying and the most fun I've had in ages. The guide was incredibly patient. They were so kind and gave me helpful advice about balancing.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Lunch. Still shaking from the snowmobiling. I'm so glad to be alive, though! Everything tastes extra good.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): An afternoon sauna. Ahhh. Pure, unadulterated bliss. This may be heaven. The steam, the heat, the icy plunge into a lake. I don't know what to say. It was wonderful.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Dinner. Tonight's dinner is a simple meal of rice and veggies from the hotel's market. I meet some nice people on this trip and we have good conversations.
- Evening (8:00 PM - 10:00 PM): The Northern Lights… I can feel them… I'm sure. But they are playing hide and seek. I think I'm tired now.
Day 4: The Farewell (Maybe With Some Tears)
- Morning (9:00 AM - 10:00 AM): One last breakfast. I want to stay here forever. I really, really don't want to leave. I could live here, even without the lights. The smoked salmon. The dogs. The Sami people.
- Morning (10:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Packing. "What did I even do here?" I keep asking myself. I think I just let myself feel everything. Which is kind of the point.
Lapland Hotels Riekonlinna: So, You *Think* You're Ready for the Arctic? Let's Rumble.
Okay, What *Exactly* Makes Riekonlinna "Luxurious?" I'm picturing a reindeer-shaped ice sculpture that melts on your pillow.
Alright, picture this: Luxury in Lapland isn’t about gold faucets (though, who knows, maybe they have those somewhere). It's about that raw, wild, breathtaking landscape. Riekonlinna capitalizes on it. Think: spacious rooms with giant windows practically *begging* you to watch the Northern Lights dance. Wood-paneled everything, cozy fireplaces, the sort of place where even a grumpy cat would purr. And yes, they *do* have these ridiculously oversized pillows you could practically sleep in. But the real luxury? That’s the feeling of being utterly, gloriously remote. You're miles from the noise, just you and the crisp Arctic air. It’s soul-food, folks. Pure and simple.
Can I *actually* see the Northern Lights from the hotel? Because I've been burned by blurry pictures and broken promises too many times.
Okay, let's be brutally honest: the Northern Lights are the ultimate tease. Sometimes they're a shimmering green curtain, other times, a faint glow behind the clouds. But Riekonlinna is in a pretty good spot. They *do* have dedicated viewing areas (which gives them a leg up on the competition), and the staff is super helpful, alerting you if there's a sighting.
My *own* Northern Lights story? Well, I'd been waiting for DAYS. We'd booked a fancy Aurora alert service on our phone! Then, one night, finally! My phone was buzzing like crazy. I stumbled outside, half-asleep, and... the sky exploded! Vivid greens, purples, the works. I was screaming, I was crying, I swear the reindeer outside started blinking in time. It was... epic. Just, be prepared for the anticipation. It's part of the magic (and the ultimate letdown, if they don't show, of course!).
Alright, food. Because reindeer stew or nothing? Tell me the truth.
Reindeer stew *is* on the menu, and yes, it's glorious. But Riekonlinna's restaurant offers *way* more than just the staples. Think fresh fish, locally sourced ingredients, and a surprisingly sophisticated take on traditional Lappish cuisine. I'm talking: cloudberry desserts that'll make you weak in the knees. And the breakfast buffet? Utterly dangerous. Smoked salmon, local cheeses, pastries... you will gain approximately five pounds. Worth it. Trust me. Just... maybe bring some stretchy pants.
What about the activities? I'm more than just a couch potato. (Maybe).
You've got options, people! Dog sledding (a *must*), snowmobiling (exhilarating, and slightly terrifying the first time), cross-country skiing (if you're brave/masochistic). They even organize ice fishing trips. The point is, you're going to be outside in the crisp arctic air. It's fantastic.
I signed up for a snowshoeing trek, and wow, let me tell you, falling in the snow is a deeply humbling experience. There's a LOT of snow. And I really mean *a lot*. Getting back up is an Olympic sport. But the scenery... otherworldly. You'll be taking photos to the point where your fingers are numb. Just...check your insurance policy before you go.
Is it kid-friendly? Because trying to wrangle small humans in sub-zero temperatures sounds like a special form of torture.
Yes! Riekonlinna *is* generally kid-friendly. They usually have family rooms, and the staff is used to dealing with little ones. Think about it: what kid *wouldn't* want to ride a reindeer or build a snowman the size of a small car? However, consider the ages, especially if you want to do any adventure activities. Safety first. Also, pack extra layers. And maybe a very large amount of chocolate.
What's the Wi-Fi situation? Because, let's be real, I need to post my "I'm in Lapland!" photos.
The Wi-Fi is...well, it's there. Let's put it that way. Don't expect blazing speeds, especially when everyone's trying to upload their Instagram feed all at once. It's the Arctic, people! Embrace the digital detox. Besides, wouldn't you rather be staring at the landscape in front of your face instead of a screen? Probably the best thing to do is save the uploading for when you return to the hotel and keep your camera on constantly.
How do I get there? Is it a terrifying snowmobile ride through a blizzard? (Please say no).
Thankfully, you can fly into Ivalo Airport (IVL), which is a relatively short drive away. They often have shuttles, or you can arrange a transfer with the hotel. Driving yourself? Check the road conditions, especially during the winter months. Expect a bit of a scenic adventure once you get off the main road (more wilderness!), but it's generally doable. Just take it slow. And admire the view.
Any downsides? Because nothing is perfect, right?
Okay, let's be real. The price tag can be a bit... ouch. Lapland in general isn't cheap. And depending on the activities you choose, the costs can add up. Plus, you *are* in the middle of nowhere. So, if you're the type who gets claustrophobic or needs constant city buzz, this might not be the place for you. Also, prepare for *cold*. Seriously. Dress like you're going to the moon. That said, this is minor considering all of what you will experience!
So, is it worth it? The final verdict!
YES. Absolutely, unequivocally YES. Yes, it's pricey. Yes, the Wi-Fi is a little dodgy. But the experience, the memories, the pure, unadulterated *magic* of Lapland and Riekonlinna? Worth every single penny. Go. Just... go. And maybe bring me back some cloudberries.
