Riekonlinna Lapland Hotel, Saariselka
Hotel Information
Hotel Class:
Hotel Description:
The Riekonlinna provides a high standard of service for the guest who appreciates good services. A wide range of things to do and fantastic scenery right at the doorstep. Families and international conferences alike enjoy their stay. loading...
Riekonlinna Lapland Hotel Reviews
" An extraordinary and magical trip!... "
Submitted By: Mrs Sonia Peloe
An extraordinary and magical trip!
Saariselka is a small village with a good supermarket, a handful of restaurants, and a few hotels. It is surrounded by beautiful fells and boasts the longest toboggan run in Europe, (well worth the walk up to get hot chocolate at the cafe at the summit and then toboggan down - or if you're in a hurry get the ski bus or taxi up!).
The hotel is warm and comfortable but although rated 4* it does not compare to British 4* hotels. However, we had perfectly nice interconnecting rooms with a private sauna, balconies, TV, and coffee making facilities. Plenty of storage space and very useful drying cupboard.
The trip itself was excellent. The Emagine reps were an absolute credit to the company and were fantastic with both adults and children alike. They really did see to your every need and were extremely well organised.
The included excursions were perfect. We were taken in small groups so at no time did we feel herded around and there was no queuing at all.
The first day we were taken on a snowmobile safari through the forest, which was fantastic. There was plenty of time for us both to have a go at driving. After lunch we drove our own husky sledges which was incredible, over the frozen landscape. Again this was a long safari.
The second day we were taken to a frozen lake to try lots of different arctic activities such as ice fishing, quad bikes, reindeer driving, mini kids snowmobiles - again very well organised. Later we were taken, one family at a time to see Father Christmas in his cabin in the woods. He was very authentic and we had a lot of time with him.
The final day was free time and we walked up the toboggan run which had magnificent views and then tobogganed down. Some of us then got a taxi up and did it again!
The final evening featured a wonderful gala dinner and Christmas party where Father Christmas visited again, this time with a superb present for each child.
The absolute icing on the cake to this fantastic holiday was the appearance of the Northern Lights on our last night - the perfect end to a perfect trip! I would thoroughly recommend this trip with Emagine; they really could not have done it any better - Now we're saving to take our 2 year old when he's a few years older!
Saariselka is a small village with a good supermarket, a handful of restaurants, and a few hotels. It is surrounded by beautiful fells and boasts the longest toboggan run in Europe, (well worth the walk up to get hot chocolate at the cafe at the summit and then toboggan down - or if you're in a hurry get the ski bus or taxi up!).
The hotel is warm and comfortable but although rated 4* it does not compare to British 4* hotels. However, we had perfectly nice interconnecting rooms with a private sauna, balconies, TV, and coffee making facilities. Plenty of storage space and very useful drying cupboard.
The trip itself was excellent. The Emagine reps were an absolute credit to the company and were fantastic with both adults and children alike. They really did see to your every need and were extremely well organised.
The included excursions were perfect. We were taken in small groups so at no time did we feel herded around and there was no queuing at all.
The first day we were taken on a snowmobile safari through the forest, which was fantastic. There was plenty of time for us both to have a go at driving. After lunch we drove our own husky sledges which was incredible, over the frozen landscape. Again this was a long safari.
The second day we were taken to a frozen lake to try lots of different arctic activities such as ice fishing, quad bikes, reindeer driving, mini kids snowmobiles - again very well organised. Later we were taken, one family at a time to see Father Christmas in his cabin in the woods. He was very authentic and we had a lot of time with him.
The final day was free time and we walked up the toboggan run which had magnificent views and then tobogganed down. Some of us then got a taxi up and did it again!
The final evening featured a wonderful gala dinner and Christmas party where Father Christmas visited again, this time with a superb present for each child.
The absolute icing on the cake to this fantastic holiday was the appearance of the Northern Lights on our last night - the perfect end to a perfect trip! I would thoroughly recommend this trip with Emagine; they really could not have done it any better - Now we're saving to take our 2 year old when he's a few years older!
1 out of
1 reader found this review helpful
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- Date of Holiday:Dec 2007
- Board Basis:Full Board
- Tour Operator:Emagine
" This holiday was the best experience... "
Submitted By: Mrs A Cleeve
This holiday was the best experience ever! We booked for 3 days through Santatrips.com and my only regret was not booking for longer.
Everything about the holiday was so well run and thought out, I cannot fault anything or anyone.
The hotel was beautiful; everything was clean and well maintained. The room had a mini fridge, TV, kettle with tea/coffee supplies, private sauna, hair dryer, shampoo/soap etc. It also had a drying cupboard for wet clothes.
Each apartment has a balcony and all rooms were toasty warm, which is just what you need when you have been hiking through snow all day. My son and I were sleeping on a pullout sofa bed and it was surprisingly very comfortable.
This is the only hotel that has a viewing room for the northern lights. It was lovely and peaceful with leather sofas and a panoramic window. Unfortunately, our northern light experience was nothing more than a teeny green light on the horizon!
From the minute we landed, it was so magical for the children. A Lappish couple were there to meet us with a reindeer, all in traditional dress. Perfect photo opportunity.
Elves were there to greet us inside the airport. We were all given song sheets on the coach and the children were urged to sing as loud as they liked.
Next we were all kitted out with the appropriate clothing, which was a bit like a military operation, but the people were very experienced and could judge your size by looking at you, and within 30 minutes, we had boots, socks, snow suit, mittens and hats if required.
Back at the hotel, we tried it all on and looked a treat! Fortunately EVERYONE in Saariselka was dressed in the same suits, so as long as you were warm, you didn't care.... and believe me, it was -5% and we were roasting!!
The food at the hotel was wonderful. It was buffet style and there was so much choice, from kid’s nuggets and chips and salad, to various soups, pate's and traditional dishes e.g. reindeer stew.
Breakfast was just as plentiful with cooked items, cereals, different breads, pancakes etc to salad and cooked meat, which was quite surprising.
On the 2nd day we were picked up and taken to a beautiful scenic spot in the middle of nowhere, where everything is lit by giant tea lights. We had a visit with Santa (this is a private thing, you are taken family by family by snowmobile, so you don't 'bump' into anyone or have to queue).
They have different activities in different areas and it's all very relaxed. There is no queuing or waiting around, just wander around until something is free.
The available activities are ice-fishing, ice-sculpting, husky sledding (parents drive), reindeer sleigh rides, tobogganing, snowmobile for children (tied to a tree, so they just go round in a circle, but love it all the same), skidoos, arctic circle ceremony and a cosy hut for hot berry juice and gingerbread.
They do insist that the husky and reindeer rides are only done once, so everyone gets a go and the animals get a rest.
That night we were treated to Christmas Gala, which was basically another wonderful buffet, with crackers and a kid’s party thrown in! The reps who ran the party were fantastic and played some brilliant (if somewhat revolting) games that even the shyest of children wanted to join in.
Around the corner from this hotel is a toboggan slope that boasts to be the biggest in the world. Whether this is true or not, this is where we spent our last morning, and we only managed to get halfway up it! We could've easily spent a full day there, it was fantastic!
In front of all hotels, there are plastic sledges to be borrowed by anyone who wants one. The best thing about the whole experience is, apart from a couple of small souvenir shops, there is absolutely nothing to spend your money on.
There is nobody taking pictures and trying to sell them to you. There are opportunities to do extra activities e.g. snowmobiling but we found the holiday fun filled enough. Apart from some postcards and a couple of stuffed toys, I didn't buy anything.
Tips
A camera with lots of films/memory is a must
We spent loads on thermal wear but found we didn't need it as the suits (combined with being active) were sufficient.
I would suggest normal long sleeved tops or sweatshirts would be fine. As for thermal leggings, forget it. I wore comfortable jeans and my son wore thick cargo pants. DO USE THE MITTENS AND SOCKS OFFERED.
Last but not least, I would like to say that although this was an expensive holiday, it was worth every penny, as it is definitely a once in a lifetime thing.
Everything about the holiday was so well run and thought out, I cannot fault anything or anyone.
The hotel was beautiful; everything was clean and well maintained. The room had a mini fridge, TV, kettle with tea/coffee supplies, private sauna, hair dryer, shampoo/soap etc. It also had a drying cupboard for wet clothes.
Each apartment has a balcony and all rooms were toasty warm, which is just what you need when you have been hiking through snow all day. My son and I were sleeping on a pullout sofa bed and it was surprisingly very comfortable.
This is the only hotel that has a viewing room for the northern lights. It was lovely and peaceful with leather sofas and a panoramic window. Unfortunately, our northern light experience was nothing more than a teeny green light on the horizon!
From the minute we landed, it was so magical for the children. A Lappish couple were there to meet us with a reindeer, all in traditional dress. Perfect photo opportunity.
Elves were there to greet us inside the airport. We were all given song sheets on the coach and the children were urged to sing as loud as they liked.
Next we were all kitted out with the appropriate clothing, which was a bit like a military operation, but the people were very experienced and could judge your size by looking at you, and within 30 minutes, we had boots, socks, snow suit, mittens and hats if required.
Back at the hotel, we tried it all on and looked a treat! Fortunately EVERYONE in Saariselka was dressed in the same suits, so as long as you were warm, you didn't care.... and believe me, it was -5% and we were roasting!!
The food at the hotel was wonderful. It was buffet style and there was so much choice, from kid’s nuggets and chips and salad, to various soups, pate's and traditional dishes e.g. reindeer stew.
Breakfast was just as plentiful with cooked items, cereals, different breads, pancakes etc to salad and cooked meat, which was quite surprising.
On the 2nd day we were picked up and taken to a beautiful scenic spot in the middle of nowhere, where everything is lit by giant tea lights. We had a visit with Santa (this is a private thing, you are taken family by family by snowmobile, so you don't 'bump' into anyone or have to queue).
They have different activities in different areas and it's all very relaxed. There is no queuing or waiting around, just wander around until something is free.
The available activities are ice-fishing, ice-sculpting, husky sledding (parents drive), reindeer sleigh rides, tobogganing, snowmobile for children (tied to a tree, so they just go round in a circle, but love it all the same), skidoos, arctic circle ceremony and a cosy hut for hot berry juice and gingerbread.
They do insist that the husky and reindeer rides are only done once, so everyone gets a go and the animals get a rest.
That night we were treated to Christmas Gala, which was basically another wonderful buffet, with crackers and a kid’s party thrown in! The reps who ran the party were fantastic and played some brilliant (if somewhat revolting) games that even the shyest of children wanted to join in.
Around the corner from this hotel is a toboggan slope that boasts to be the biggest in the world. Whether this is true or not, this is where we spent our last morning, and we only managed to get halfway up it! We could've easily spent a full day there, it was fantastic!
In front of all hotels, there are plastic sledges to be borrowed by anyone who wants one. The best thing about the whole experience is, apart from a couple of small souvenir shops, there is absolutely nothing to spend your money on.
There is nobody taking pictures and trying to sell them to you. There are opportunities to do extra activities e.g. snowmobiling but we found the holiday fun filled enough. Apart from some postcards and a couple of stuffed toys, I didn't buy anything.
Tips
A camera with lots of films/memory is a must
We spent loads on thermal wear but found we didn't need it as the suits (combined with being active) were sufficient.
I would suggest normal long sleeved tops or sweatshirts would be fine. As for thermal leggings, forget it. I wore comfortable jeans and my son wore thick cargo pants. DO USE THE MITTENS AND SOCKS OFFERED.
Last but not least, I would like to say that although this was an expensive holiday, it was worth every penny, as it is definitely a once in a lifetime thing.
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- Date of Holiday:Dec 2006
- Board Basis:Full Board
- Tour Operator:Esprit
We travlled with esprit but booked through santa trips for 3nights 4 days santa spectacular. I booked on 4th dec 08 and seemed to get a good deal we paid £3200 for 3 adults and 2 kids travelling from manchester.
When we arrived at hotel we were assigned 2 bed apartment that slept 6 people. It had its own sauna and all mod cons including microwave,coffee maker disshwasher fridge and electric rings.
The supermarket was 10 mins away and there were a number of slopes to sleigh down which i have to say was fab!!
we spent christmas day out on activity day from 10 to 4 and it was far too long. the activities avaialable did not suffice the time you where there. The husky dog sleigh ride was good and lasted approx 20 mins not 40 as advertised and the reindeer sleigh ride was a slow trot around a vourse about 6mins again not 20 as adverised.
the snowmobiling activity was good and you got to have a good day out with about 40 mins on board the snowmobile which to be honest was enough
throughout the holiday the food quality was good but you may need to be daring and try food you maynot have previously had. The kids always seemed to have food to eat so that was all that mattered
Visiting santa was the highlight and although this was a quick visit I have to say my 7 year old daughters face was a picture it was so worthwhile just to see the sparkle in her eye when she realised he was reading her letter!!!!
in all was good holiday but i doubt i will return and i wouldnt recommend for christmas day if you are used to other family members spending the day with you as this place lacked atmosphere
Advice: beautiful place very scenic not commercialised expensive
Activities: visiting sanya