Wilderness Hotel Inari

This hotel offers a truly immersive Arctic experience, with its stunning location directly on the shore of Lake Inari serving as its signature feature, providing unparalleled opportunities for Northern Lights viewing. Guests consistently highlight the well-organized and diverse activity packages, the excellent buffet dining, and the exceptionally friendly staff. It is an ideal destination for couples seeking a romantic or honeymoon getaway, families looking for structured and engaging adventures, and adventure seekers eager to explore the winter wilderness. The hotel is particularly well-suited for sightseers hoping to witness the aurora borealis, with many guests successfully observing the phenomenon. To maximize your experience, it is advisable to book activities well in advance due to their popularity, and consider the specific room types that offer direct sky views for aurora watching.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests highly appreciate the comprehensive provision of warm weather clothing, including overalls, boots, and gloves, which are essential for staying comfortable during outdoor activities. The hotel features inviting common areas, including a main lodge with fireplaces and comfortable seating, creating a cozy atmosphere for relaxation. Many accommodations, particularly the chalets and some cabins, boast a private sauna, which is a significant highlight for guests seeking to unwind after a day in the cold. While Wi-Fi is reliably available in the main building, some guests note its absence or poor signal in certain cabins, which can be an inconvenience. The overall facilities are designed to enhance the wilderness experience, providing comfort and convenience amidst the natural surroundings.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel rooms and cabins are consistently praised for their cleanliness and overall comfort, ensuring a pleasant stay. Guests report that the beds are comfortable, contributing to a restful night's sleep. Various accommodation types are available, including Wilderness rooms, Arctic Chalets, Aurora Cabins, and Log Cabins, each offering a unique experience. Many guests particularly enjoy the in-room sauna found in some chalets and cabins, adding a touch of luxury. However, feedback on bathrooms is mixed; some guests find them spacious, while others note small sinks, a lack of counter space or hangers, and shower designs that can lead to flooding. While noise levels are generally low, some guests in standard rooms occasionally experience minor disturbances from neighbors.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining experience, primarily offered through buffet meals, receives widespread acclaim for its variety, quality, and freshness. Guests consistently describe the food as excellent, with many considering it superior to offerings at other all-inclusive resorts. The breakfast buffet provides a good spread, including popular items like waffles and local delicacies, though some guests express a desire for more coffee machines. Dinner menus change daily, featuring a selection of local specialties such as reindeer and arctic char, alongside various meat and vegetarian options. While the overall food quality is high, some guests find the dinner options can become somewhat monotonous over longer stays, and a few mention limited dessert choices. The bar offers a good selection of drinks, though prices are noted to be higher than in many European cities.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location directly on the shore of Lake Inari is a major draw, offering breathtaking views and serving as an ideal spot for observing the Northern Lights. The frozen lake provides a unique setting for various winter activities and offers unobstructed views of the night sky. The hotel is situated approximately 3 kilometers from Inari village, which is walkable for some guests, though the distance and cold weather can make it challenging. Public transportation options are available, and the hotel facilitates airport transfers, though these can be quite expensive. For guests arriving by car, free parking is conveniently provided on-site, making it easy to access the property.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentive service, contributing significantly to a positive guest experience. Guests frequently highlight the knowledgeable guides who lead the various activities, ensuring safety and enhancing enjoyment with their enthusiasm and expertise. The check-in process is generally described as quick and efficient. While most interactions with the reception staff are positive, some guests have noted isolated instances of slow service or a less welcoming demeanor. Housekeeping services are provided every other day, which some guests find less frequent than expected for the hotel's standard, but overall, the commitment to excellent service is a recurring theme.

Additional Information
The hotel is renowned for its well-organized activities, which are a major highlight for most guests, offering exciting and stress-free adventures. Many visitors opt for comprehensive packages that include these excursions. The hotel offers an aurora alert buzzer system for a fee, though some guests suggest using free phone applications as an alternative. It is important to note that the hotel operates on a cashless basis. Some guests have expressed concerns about additional charges for certain amenities, such as the general sauna access or coffee outside of breakfast, perceiving these as "penny pinching." Furthermore, there can be a lack of flexibility in changing pre-booked activities, and early check-in or late check-out may incur extra fees.