Saying in the arctic snow hotel in Rovaniemi Finland will definitely go down as one of the most unique places we have ever stayed. The hotel is made completely of ice and snow and it is a very unique experience staying on a bed made of ice.  The arctic snow hotel is built fresh every winter in Rovaniemi Finland. Every year around October time the ice and snow is lifted from a nearby lake and work begins to construct the hotel for this years winter season. Guests start to arrive late November and December. The hotel has been constructed every year since 1998  and each year the architects work and imagine to make it a little different with one of a kind features.  The hotel stays at around -5 to -10 each day, often making it warmer inside than outside in the harsh Finnish winter where temperatures can reach up to -40.  The hotel features a range of rooms and suites, a chapel for those wishing to be married amongst the snow and ice and also an ice restaurant and bar.   The hotel is linked to the Arctic glass igloo hotel located it the shared complex. This enables you to all access the Kota restaurant, snow sauna, Finnish sauna and hot tubs. Booking for private sessions can be done at an additional charge.  Transfers and shuttles can also be added on to reach Rovaniemi city centre and Santa Claus Village where you an find tours and explore all that Rovaniemi has to offer.

Here is everything you need to know before staying in the Arctic snow hotel

1. There is a common room located in the main lobby building with a log fire place, the perfect place to warm up if the ice room becomes too cold.

2. Locker rooms are provided and the room is heated to store personal belongings and anything you wish to keep warm.

3. Showers are located both in the toilets and in the snow fall sauna building.

4. We recommend taking your own sleeping bag liner and pillow case. Although they are provided int he locker room, we prefer to use our own.

5. You can upgrade your ice room to a snow suite. offering features such as ice sculptures. Anyone who becomes claustrophobic should condor upgrading.

6. You can book private sessions int he sauna and hot tub. We recommend doing this int he evening to keep an eye out for the northern lights and then you have the opportunity for a private shower before bed.

7. Have dinner in the warm Kota restaurant on the night of your snow room stay. This gives you the opportunity to warm up.

8. Bring thin layers to sleep in such as thermals and pyjamas, a hat and gloves are also recommended.

9. Let the hotel reception know if you would like to be woken for the aurora alarm. The night watch will come and wake you up if there is a sighting of the northern lights.

10. Power cords are available next to the bed for you to charge any of your electricals. 2 power sockets can be used at any one time.

11. The reception team will come and wake you up at the time of your choice with hot berry juice. This is the perfect wake up call.

12. The room is lit with LED lights which can be switched on and off. We found the experience a little challenging at first, however with the sleeping bag and layers managed to stay warm throughout the night and truly embrace the experience. 

Would we do it again? Well… No. But we are delighted we had the opportunity it was definitely a bucket list check for us and one to add to our unique places to stay list!