House Govadas Inari

Our two late-night snowmobile trips with Kai were a real highlight, especially when the aurora appeared too. We were perfectly dressed for the -20 conditions thanks to the great selection of winter gear provided. The activities were fabulous again, and every effort was made to fit what we wanted into our four-day programme. Try the tobogganing, it's a real adrenaline rush. This was a return visit, and it felt just as magical. Javri is our winter wonderland, and we'll remember it fondly until next time. The lodge is comfortable and homely, and the food was just as excellent as it was four years ago. Juha and Katja's eye for detail, sustainability, warmth and vision is what makes the lodge stand out for us in Lapland.

We came to Javri Lodge at the end of December for New Year in Lapland, expecting a winter fairy tale. Instead, the organization was poor, there were constant excuses, and staff seemed to take no responsibility. The lodge looks nice, but the service didn't come close to what we expected. For the price, it's not worth it. Not recommended. Our flight was delayed by weather, and when we arrived late at night, no transfer was there. The hotel said they were surprised we arrived at all and claimed the airport was closed. There was no apology, while other hotels were collecting their guests without any problems. Several things went wrong during the stay. The promised cross-country skiing guide didn't show, which was especially difficult for people with no experience. Some guests couldn't ski properly because nobody explained or helped. During the busy holiday period, sauna access was very limited, only short slots booked in advance, even though it had been advertised as freely accessible. There also wasn't enough winter equipment when occupancy was high, and proper sizes were missing despite being told in advance there wouldn't be a problem. After a husky tour, we waited almost an hour for a ride back. The hotel wouldn't help and said it wasn't their responsibility. For several days before and after New Year there was no proper hot water. We had to wash in barely warm water, which is unacceptable in Arctic conditions, especially after being outside or coming back cold from activities. Staff blamed the extreme cold, but a few days later, in the same temperatures and with fewer guests, hot water suddenly came back and our complaints were dismissed. Food quality noticeably declined after New Year. The soundproofing was extremely poor for such an expensive place: we could hear conversations and showers from neighboring rooms, and earplugs were offered as the solution. Even a simple request for one large duvet was refused, with only small ones available. The central issue was the repeated lack of accountability, misleading information and dismissive attitude toward guests. Problems were blamed on the weather or other parties.

The lodge is modern, cozy and clean, with excellent staff and food. Juha is a very special host, and there are lots of adventures to enjoy in the amazing Lapland wilderness. It felt like a fairytale!

A luxury hotel with top-class service, very friendly staff and high-end food.