Lapland Hotel Saaga

This was the first time we stayed at the Saaga Hotel, previous visits we have stayed in a log cabin. This is the first time we have taken the kids 6,8,10 so decided a hotel may have been more straightforward. We were a bit apprehensive as to what the facilities would be like, but can't fault the hotel at all. The reception staff were always smiling, helpful and happy to assist, apart from one but we didn't run into that individual frequently. The lady that checked us out went above and beyond to make the only negative situation we encountered, better. (Our sons teddy went missing following maid service, the hotel are still looking for it and have assured us if it is found they will forward it on, at checkout the lady offered my Son a teddy from the gift shop which made him feel better about leaving his behind.) Small but compassionate gesture made a huge difference. The rooms were clean. A touch basic but well maintained. We stayed Self Catering so were in the third Chalet Block. We lucky to have a corner room so have magnificent views everyday. Definitely a bonus to staying in a hotel set above ground level. The kitchen was well equiped, we had a small sauna and a drying cupboard which was a god send to dry the kids coats and sallopets daily. No washing machine, but I wouldn't have used it had there been one. We didn't eat at the hotel so can't comment on food quality. Use of the pool area was part of our package with Inghams and was a nice alternative to break up sledging and playing in the snow. Never had any problems with Inghams as a provider. We would definitely book the hotel again. We didn't utilise any of the Ski facilities, the children's sledging area was great fun and we did take the Gondola tour to the top of the Fell which was mesmerising. We simply went to play in the snow for a week. Although the area is remote this adds to its charm. We managed a 45 min walk to the supermarket in Yllasjarvi and the bus back and we used the ski bus to Akaslompolo where the big supermarket is. Plenty of excursions to occupy yourself with, we only did the snowmobile family safari, but again, even that was amazing. Just a brilliant holiday. We would all happily have stayed.

We stayed in one of the apartments attached to the Saaga hotel for little more than the hotel room cost, on half board basis. The hotel is five minutes from the lifts and almost ski in in peak season. Off peak not all the pistes and lifts are open but it is gloriously quiet with perfect snow due to being so far north. The one bed apartment had two single beds, bunk beds and a sofa bed. A lounge come diner with small well equipped kitchen. The bathroom has a washing machine, shower and small sauna and a very helpful drying cabinet which can dry wet ski kit or a load of washing in a couple of hours. The apartment included bedding and towels but was not cleaned during the week which was fine by us. We booked with Crystal Ski which meant that use of the pool, spa and gym was included. Some operators dont include this in the price so check or you may have to pay for each entry. The pool is nice but a bit chilly, with excellent massage jets to relax ski weary muscles. The gym is small with a treadmill, an exercise bike, barbell station, dumbells, 8, 12 and 16kg kettlebell and a few fixed weight machines. The breakfast buffet included scrambled eggs, bacon, beans, hotdogs, pancakes, 2 cold meats, 3 cheeses, yoghurt, cereal, salad, fruit, freshly baked bread, rolls, croissants and cake. There is also coffee and juice included. The buffet dinner includes a salad bar which always had staple lettuce, tomato, cucumber, gherkins but also several mixed/dressed salads. These salads ranged from delicious couscous, coleslaw, rice salad, to random items such as beetroot and pineapple salad, red cabbage with grape and pear, lettuce with reindeer tartar. There was a soup every night, more fresh baked bread. The main course varied but always included some form of fish, usually salmon or trout, a meat dish such as beef or venison, some form or potatoes, vegetables and a childs option. The childs option ranged from pasta (bland) to fries (okay but soggy due to steaming in the hot dish) and some form of processed meat or fish (nuggets, breaded fish, meat sticks). Main course reminded us of old fashioned home cooked school dinners ( probably giving away our ages here!), usually satisfying but sometimes not so great. Dessert option was small but included delicious home cooked cookies most nights, cake and a mouse or fruit fool plus fresh fruit. Squash, water and coffee are all free. Any other drinks are available at a cost. There is not much on this side of the Yllas ski resort, a couple of bars and restaurants and a very small basic shop with very limited groceries, not enough to live off for a week. You can get the ski bus to the other village for supermarket but we didnt bother. The hotel has it's own hire shop and each apartment has a ski locker in ski room on the ground floor, ask for the key at reception. The staff are all friendly. The skiing is low key, slopes very quiet in January and great if you dont mind drag lifts. Confident skiers can take the gondola to the top and ski the red and black runs but otherwise be prepared for button and t bar lifts and tired legs! If you want peace and a low key ski break without the crowds and without the noisy apres ski this is a good choice.

Having planned for a Xmas holiday with the family for 7 days and the kids being very excited about the prospect of meeting Santa etc.. the magical trip became a huge let down. Firstly.. this hotel is catered for tour operators and mainly catered for French tourists. If you are booking private, like we did, then it’s a big problem. The hotel provide no assistance for anything and the organised meals etc.. are much better for the tour operators. In fact, so much so we felt like 2nd class citizens. We arrived on Xmas eve around 7pm, when we arrived there was no dinner and we had to settle for a much limited ‘bistro’ menu. Basically chicken and chips. On Xmas day we were informed by the hotel that there would be no Santa coming to the hotel and in fact there was NO Santa in town. This was due to the fact they had a Santa on 24th.. to cater for the guests who have Xmas on this day, which left us in a position we had to pay 300 euros in order to get our own Santa to come to the hotel for the our kids to actually enjoy Xmas day. We were told if we wanted the Santa experience we would need to travel 2 hours to rovaniemi, (we have a 2 and 5 year old) and a cost of 1000 euros on a taxi. It was a disgrace. BE AWARE if are coming to YLlas next year and are looking for a magical Xmas day.. it won’t happen. Just go and stay in Rovaniemi it Levi.