We booked with First Choice (£150 cheaper than Thomson website for same holiday) and had been watching the prices tumble in the run up to Christmas. We were 2 adults and 2 kids and had a 5 day trip for the price of a day trip. Saariselka wasn't our first choice but it would be next time. A resort at the very north of Lapland with plenty of snow.

Thomson/First Choice made plenty of effort even on the flights out. They gave all the kids santa hats, had regular updates from the cabin crew who were phoning Mrs Claus and we could clearly see Rudolph's Red nose flashing beyond the wings. The kids had colouring competitions and they even had the whole plane singing chrismas carols.

Arriving at the snowy alpine airport is a sight which only adds to the excitement and there you are met by the elves as well as the rep's. Its about 20 mins to the resort, there is a induction where they tell you about the resort and there is the usual selling spree, but even the rep's made an effort with song's and poem's. Then to the hotel where you are pre-checked and hence dropped off at the room of your hotel block with your key.

The rooms are pretty basic but everything you need including a fridge and are warm and cosy. Kids are on a sofa bed. You get your snowsuit, boots, socks, gloves and hat's from sister hotel and off you go.

We were B&B. Breakfast was fine, scrambled eggs, toast, cereals, juices etc etc and sometimes bacon or similar. We've learned our lesson with fussy kids and took some cereals they liked and choc spread so they were happy enough. Eating out is not cheap, but this hotel seemed one of the most reasonable places. £9 for burger or pizza with chips. Daily specials, steaks etc were £20+. Drinks were very expensive, £6 a pint of local beer and £30+ for house white wine. The supermarket is 10 min walk but we used the off licence next door as cheaper. £8 for 8 bottles of lager and wine £6 upwards. Lots of us cheap Brit's were doing the same.

The hotel was good and staff very friendly. Not too much to do with kids apart from play in the snow but that was just as well as it was so tiring.

With Thompson's, Day 1 was left to yourself. Day 2 was Santa's resort trip which was included in the trip. 30 min coach trip from hotel. Excellent day out! You arrive when its still dark which is most of the time apart from 10am to 2pm when you get a dawn, but no sunrise. The way to the centre is lit by candles. Plenty to do but don't hang around as you leave about 2.30pm. Start with search for santa on skidoo drawn slay's. Meet the big man himself in his cabin, private affair for each family and very well managed. Next we did the reindeer sleigh ride, followed by mini skidoo's for the kids and snow scuplting. Next we did the husky sleigh ride and the skidoor safari. Then some free lunch, a trip to santa's house where kids make decorations. Gift shop, blacksmiths and lappish experience. A great day out with priceless photo's.

Day 3 was to yourselves again, make sure you grab a sled from outside the hotel and head for the taboggan run which is a 10 min walk. Largest in europte (1 mile) and takes an etternity to climb with young kids (believe me). However, the ski bus will take you all the way to the restaurant at the top. 5 euro each for adults to ride unlimited all day and kids are free. This is also the ideal place to view the northern lights, although it was too cloudy when we there. Although there was one benefit of being cloudy, it was only -2, previous week it was -30!
I would check weather forecast before booking Northern lights experience as it is very expensive, about £450+ for family of 4. Infact all the trips are expensive and are about the same price. There is a hire shop in the hotel with ski's 15 euro for adults and 12 euro for kids which includes helmet and boots so quite reasonable for 24 hour period.

Day 4, we'd booked on to the elves experience trip. This is a half day trip where you are taken to a frozen lake in the forest. There is ice fishing, alpine skiing trial, minin skidoo's again. A christmas tree hunt where the kids chop down a tree and then decoate it with the elves. There's also ice hockey, football on the ice, toasting marshmallows and free pancakes and hot chocolate. It was all right, a bit naff, but the kids enjoyed it,

That night there was a gala dinner in the hotel. Surrounding hotels also came to ours and there was a 3 course buffet Xmas dinner. There was a bit of a disco for the kids and all followed by a surprise afterwards. Again all included in the holiday cost.

Day 5 was back to the aiport and home ready for christmas.

A fantastic trip, probably a one off and enjoyed by all.

A childhood dream to see the real Santa and it was just perfect. 2 grandparents, 4 grandchildren - aged from 4 - 9 years including 2 from Australia - and 4 parents shared the experience of Lapland in early December. The trip was booked through Esprit and we stayed in the Gielas wing of the Tunturi hotel in Saariselka. The room was warm & comfortable and included a sauna and a drying cabinet for outdoor gear. I was most impressed with Esprit's organisation of the 3 night package which was efficient, friendly and worked like a well-oiled machine. Plenty of snow activities which were never over-crowded and no queuing and the husky sledding was awesome. The skidoo ride through the forest to find Santa, including naughty elves, was pure magic. Saariselka is quiet, remote & completely un-commercialised with an excellent toboggan run nearby. I would have no hesitation in recommending Esprit and the Tunturi for that once-in-a-lifetime journey into Santa's homeland.

Stayed here on a First Choice holiday. Had a room with own sauna & kitchenette. It was well worth the slight extra cost. Went half board as expected Lapland to be very expensive. The food was very good. They had a lot of choice considering they are at the end of the earth. The hotel was clean, very warm and cozy. The staff were really nice. It's not a place for night life, the old biddies waltzing every night in the bar may not agree with me. We were there as a couple on essentially a child's holiday to see Santa. I have to say it is 1 of the best holidays I have been on & I have been 2 all 6 continents. The elves made the trip, Santas village was incredible, there is do much to do, some of it expensive some of it not so. The sledging is free & the best fun. We did see the Northern "Clouds" it was to thick to see them clearly but the changing clouds to green & orange were still amazing. The only downside id it is very dark at this time if year, apparently the best time to go is March, snowy & sunny. I will definitely check it out again

Stayed there in December on a Santa Holiday with Esprit. Had an apartment with private sauna, kitchen etc. Couldn't fault it. Meals in main block were nice, especially the breakfasts and the starters for the dinners. I don't hesitate to recommend the hotel and Esprit were fantastic if you are thinking of a Santa break.