Wilderness Hotel Inari & Igloos

We first spotted this hotel on the BBC programme “Amazing hotels - beyond the lobby” and wanted to visit straight away. We booked the 6 day Winter Wonders package, with 8 activities, full board, and airport transfers. Finnair flies three times a day from Heathrow. A taxi driver met us at the airport, and our room was ready when we checked in. Since we arrived late, they'd kept a hot meal for us. Our Wilderness Cabin had everything we needed, including Wi-Fi. The bed was very comfortable and there was plenty of wardrobe space. It was a bit too warm for us, but after a quick word with reception, they adjusted it. Heating is controlled centrally. Breakfast was amazing, with lots of choice, freshly baked bread, and a waffle maker I loved. Despite what some other reviews say, the coffee machine offered all options, including latte and cappuccino. Lunch and dinner each had three courses, with meat, fish, and vegetarian options. Bar food was available for an extra cost. The activities were all scheduled in advance, so we knew what was on each day. We just checked the notice board the day before for the start time. Safety always came first, and the cold-weather clothes and boots from the hotel were fantastic. Lunch was included on longer trips, like the 4 hour snowshoeing and snowmobile adventures, and hot drinks were available on every activity. We had a lot of fun, and the guides knew their stuff. Inari village is a 45 minute walk away, with a supermarket and a large souvenir shop. If you're feeling adventurous, you can walk farther from the village alongside a frozen river to a set of rapids. We had a fantastic trip and couldn't fault anything.

We were so lucky to spend a week enjoying Finnish Lapland at the Inari Wilderness Hotel. The natural surroundings are truly wild, and you quickly see that you need to respect and adapt to that wilderness. Luckily, the guides are highly skilled and know how to handle each activity. Our weekly program was carefully planned, and everything started right on time. All the necessary gear was provided, including clothes, snowmobiles, and snowshoes, and it was pretty new and perfectly maintained. The buses and cars that picked us up were in the same condition. Once everything is arranged, all you have to do is enjoy. The staff, from the outdoor guides to the lobby and restaurant teams, showed real professionalism and care. They welcomed every question, and the positive team spirit was clear. Every person we dealt with was attentive. The modern hotel building faces Lake Inari, with large windows and an incredible view from the restaurant. Wood is everywhere, inside and out, and there are cozy places to sit, including outside by a great fireplace. Our room was spacious and comfortable. The food was generous and high quality, with something different at each meal. We both enjoyed the week so much. By the end, we felt honored to have experienced this place alongside the Saami statement: « « « These places are older than any person. These lands are our children » » ». It says it all: respect, commitment, transmission. Highly recommended!

The rooms were spacious, clean, and well equipped. There’s a nice shared space with a fireplace, and you can see the lake from everywhere. The “lake sauna” has a huge window, so you can look out at nature while you use it. The staff were great, and the breakfast and dinner buffets were probably among the best five I've ever had. I highly recommend half board.

It’s a beautiful spot by Inari lake, just as the name suggests, out in the wilderness. We tried both a regular wilderness room and an aurora cabin. I found the regular room more comfortable and spacious. The cabin glass reflected nearby lights, which made it hard to see the northern lights or stars. I did manage to see them, though, so I guess I got lucky. It's best to head outside to watch the lights. The northern lights camping and husky sledge activities were awesome, and the clothing they provided kept us warm and clean. Service varied by staff member. Some went above and beyond, while others could be so direct they came across as a bit rude. The service was functional and practical overall. The cleaning wasn't great either: after our room was cleaned, its floor still had rocks from our activities. The food was great most of the time, and I'd recommend full board. If you don't have a car, bring snacks and food, since groceries aren't accessible without a car or taxi. Buses come only every two hours or so. It's a beautiful location, but a long way from groceries.