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Santasport Hotel Rovaniemi – Things you need to know before you stay

Santasport Hotel Rovaniemi. When we built our own DIY trip to Lapland I was looking for a hotel that was on the budget end of the scale. Knowing that the trip was going to probably work out expensive and keen to keep it under the cost of a package deal to Lapland I settled on Santasport Hotel. Little did I realise that hotel is actually used almost exclusively by TUI hotel guests. Although we stayed in a separate building in the Santasport Apartment Hotel. Whether you are staying at the hotel independently or as part of a package then this blog post on Hotel Santasport Rovaniemi will help you to prepare for your visit.

Before I start I made our hotel booking via Booking.com* three years ago. However, we had to cancel twice because of the pandemic. Although my booking was made without a free cancellation option Santasport was extremely flexible. Allowing me to roll the dates over for two years without losing any money.

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Where is Santasport Hotel Rovaniemi located?

Santasport Hotel Rovaniemi is located around 2km from the city center and technically within walking distance. It takes around 25 minutes to walk into the centre of Rovaniemi. Although we when visited it was too cold and snowy to walk in with kids. A taxi from the hotel tasks around 5 minutes and costs 15€ for up to four people and 20€ for up to eight. We took a taxi from Rovaniemi airport (which is the nearest airport) and it cost 32€ for four with four large bags.

Checking in to Santasport Hotel Rovaniemi

If you check in after 10 pm to hotel rooms then you need to let them know in advance, although the front desk is 24 hours a day. We checked in around 11 pm and had no problems at all. The reception area is in the main building where the pool and restaurants are located. The taxis will pull up directly in front of the entrance, or if you are on a package trip you will be directed into a restaurant for an initial meeting. At check in you are given some brief information and you pick up a map of the local area.

Our apartment at Santasport Hotel

The family rooms and apartments are located in a large grey building across from the car park. It is a short walk and easy enough with bags. The hotel places grit down on a regular basis on top of the snow so that you can move around easily. There are forty apartments in total. As well as a selection of different-sized modern rooms sleeping up to six

Ours had a large entranceway leading into a living area. It comes with a fully equipped kitchen including a fridge, freezer, dishwasher, electric kettle and cooker. There was no microwave. It was nice to find that washing-up things were provided including plenty of dishwasher tablets. Although there was no tea towel. The living area included a large table which seats six and a sofa bed. Our sofa bed was made up for Charlie to sleep on. The living area also leads out onto the balcony.

The balcony was fully enclosed when we visited with glass panels put up to stop the snow from falling in. The flooring is carpeted and there are two chairs. It was useful when we were getting ready to go out. As you could sit outside while others got all their layers on to stop you from overheating.

There is also a single bedroom and a double room. The double has a wardrobe that runs the whole length of the wall. But there is little in the way of storage for cases. There is plenty of shelving within the wardrobe. The apartment has two toilets one in the living area with a basin and the other in the private bathroom. There is no bath but a powerful rainshower and a wet room. There is also a private sauna which is attached to the wet room. Instructions for the sauna are provided in the room.

Our opinion of the Santasport Apartment Hotel

We found the apartment to be quiet and clean. The beds were very comfortable with plenty of lighting, bed linen and towels. There were power sockets next to the bed and in the kitchen.

Luggage storage was a bit of an issue for us as we had four bags due to staying for six nights. It did mean that we had to leave the bags in the main living area for the duration of our stay.

The flat-screen TV was okay. There were no English channels on the cable TV and we struggled to cast. So it was a bit pot luck. Although we do not tend to use a TV much while away. Charlie was not well for one day so it would have been useful to have it for him to watch. Although the free wifi was pretty good and we were able to stream onto handheld devices.

During our stay, there was a fire alarm. This was due to an issue with someone’s sauna. Although there was no fire they directed us to the main building while we waited for the fire engine. Which arrived promptly.

Breakfast at Santasport Hotel Rovaniemi

A buffet breakfast is included in the room rate. The varied breakfast is served in the main hotel building. Meaning you do need to put coats and snow boots on. Although we did not bother with all the layers as the main building is warm and way too hot for the full kit.

The first day we ate breakfast it was extremely busy. Breakfast is served from 7 am to 10 am. We arrived around 8 am and it was chaos. With many items (including hot water) running out. And although the staff were trying to replace them they could not do it quickly enough. I think this is because we caught the end of a package trip and so everyone had to be out by a specific time either for an activity or to catch a flight. The other three mornings the breakfast was a lot more sedate.

Breakfast is a buffet. With both continental and cooked items avaliable. I can recommend the meatballs which are particularly good. There are also cereals, fruit, cheese and meat. A wide choice of different types of bread. They also had plenty of different types of milk. Although not the best breakfast it is more than sufficient and good that it is included in the room rate. The self-service buffet is at as much as you would like.

The only bugbear is that it is located on the second floor of the hotel and the only way to reach it is via a lift. There are no stairs and the lift only really fits one family in at a time.

Restaurants at Santasport Hotel

The buffet restaurant (Restaurant Puhti) also serves lunch and dinner with a focus on healthy meals. We did not try these sittings. Although the pricing makes it very competitive with adults at 12.10€ and children under the age of 14 only 7.80€. It is likely that if you are on a package deal this will be included. Lunch is served from 11 am to 1 pm and dinner from 4 pm to 7 pm. It is set up for th students that are attending the sports academy. And the menu reflects this.

Downstairs opposite the reception area there is a bar and snack area called Buusti lounge & deli. We ate here twice during our stay. It is not very big in comparison with the number of rooms so can get really busy around meal times. They serve a limited menu but the burgers were very good and included a soft drink for 12.90€. They also have pre-made sandwiches, cakes, cold drinks, hot drinks and alcoholic beverages. It backs onto the bowling alley.

Behind the bar, there is another restaurant called Restaurant Leiripaikka although this was not open once during our stay. Likewise, there is a Lappish restaurant. Both of these are set up for corporate or private events only which is a bit of a shame. It also means that many people end up ordering takeaways. This seems like a very common occurrence. You can download the app Wolt or Foodora which can be used to order a huge variety of food. We tried both pizza and Mexican. If you ask at reception they will give you a little piece of paper with pictures of the app and full address.

We did not cook in the apartment. This was mainly because the local supermarket was a drive away and we did not have a car.

Facilities and Amenities at Santasport Hotel Rovaniemi

As well as the facilities already mentioned there are a number of leisure facilities that you can have access to while staying at Santasport Apartment Hotel. Many of which are perfect for a family holiday.

Swimming Pool & Spa

As you are staying in the hotel you can have access to the indoor pool area at set times of the day for free. Ideal if you want a daily morning swim. This is usually during the public swim sessions. You will need to collect a wristband from reception.

It consists of a fitness pool with four lanes, hot pools, a hot tub and a cold pool that equates to ice swimming. The spa also has a heated pool for children with a small water slide. Separate dressing rooms with lockers and shower sections for different genders, and both sides include their own sauna. Free toiletries are provided.

Bowling

The 12 bowling lanes are located just behind the snack restaurant. You can get a 20% discount when we played as a family of four it cost 18.30€ for an hour. There are plenty of shoes and different weight balls avaliable. It is used by many of the locals so it is worth checking if there is availability. As the alley often hosts competitions and clubs. You can enquire and book your lane at the till point next to the door of the bowling alley. Bumpers are available for youngsters.

Funpark

It is always useful to have something indoors to keep the kids entertained when it is cold outside. The play area costs 5€ a day per child. Although it is not available all the time. You buy tickets from reception. The indoor play area includes soft play, nets and slides.

Rental Services at Santasport Apartment Hotel

When we visited we hired sledges for 5€ for 24 hours. This was by far the boy’s favourite activity of our whole stay. We did not have any trouble hiring one. Although the hotel reception did indicate numbers are limited. As well as the sledges there is also various ski equipment hire. Including fat bike hire, cross-country ski sets, snowshoes and ski shoes.

Gym & Sports Hall

As a hotel guest, you can also have access to the sports hall and CMS fitness center. The gym is free to use between 6 am and 4 pm. It is open until 10 pm but if you would like to access it between 4 pm and 10 pm there is a 10€ charge. The sports hall can also be hired but there is a 6€ fee for this. Check availability and make a booking at the hotel reception.

Outside play area

Behind the apartments, there is a small children’s playground.

Things to be aware of when staying at Santasport Apartment Hotel

The kids inside play area is generally not open between 4 pm and 8 pm on weekdays. This is because it s used for child care for gym members. Useful to know if you want to avoid meltdowns like we had when we did not realise it.
As tempting as it is there is a much better sledging hill than that located in the car park. It is only a couple of minutes’ walk across the road and to the left of the hotel. You can get a map from reception, it is located next to the football pitch. Much safer and more fun all round.
If you hire a sledge it cost 5€ for 24 hours. We hired them in the afternoon and did not need to return them to the following afternoon.
Many of the package deals are located in the hotel itself and not the apartments.
If you do hire a car there is plenty of free private parking on site.

And..

Santasport resort check-out time is not until 12 pm which is useful if like us you are moving onto another accommodation. As you can not generally check in much before 3 pm in most places.
You can use the spa at set times during the day for free if you are staying at the hotel. To do so you need to collect a wristband from reception. During the week you can access free of charge between 6.30 am and 8 am or 2 pm and 9 pm. At the weekends between 7.30 am and 9 am and then 12 pm to 7 pm.
The receptionist will be able to call a local taxi for you and generally they only take 5-10 minutes to arrive.
If you are arranging some independent trips while staying at Santasport Hotel make sure you negotiate your transfers in advance. Many organised trips will only pick up from set areas within Rovaniemi. As the hotel is on the outskirts you would have to travel into the city centre. However, we did manage to convince a couple to pick us up. But not all.
You are given a password for the free wi-fi at check-in.