Can only repeat all the good things to say! Fantastic holiday of a lifetime, if your thinking about it....DO IT!

After reading mixed reviews of this hotel, we were slightly worried what to expect from this hotel, as have never been anywhere like this before. Need not worry it was the best holiday ever, and I can only totally agree with Clairedevon and nikkipink with their reviews.

We booked with Thomsons. Flight was very festive, staff were wearing Santa hats and handing hats out to passengers. We sang Xmas carolls, children were given Xmas colouring/fun packs and there was a colouring competition for the children.

When we arrived at Kittila, we were greeted by our Elf (Cranberry who was Fab!) and our rep Red Nose Rachel who was great fun! We were taken to a big shed next to the airport and kitted out with all our thermal clothing, which included snowsuits, snowboots, hats, socks, scarves and gloves. My snowsuit was too small for me, and this was exchanged afew hours later at the hotel reception.

The 50 minute transfer was very magical for a first timer to Lapland! Just how you imagine the picture postcard to look - the kids were soo excited!

We had booked a one bedroom apartment, but were upgraded for free to a two bedroom apartment in the E block. It was great! Clean, warm and cosy with a sauna and woodburner, we were very pleased with it, although we didn't spend that much time in there!

We were very worried about the food, as have a child who is an extremely fussy eater. We were actually pleasantly surprised and enjoyed the food! No there isn't loads to choose from, but you will not starve and it is adequate and tasty! There were lots of meats, samon, potatoes and veg, chips, soup, homemade bread and a couple of tasty desserts to choose from. At breakfast they have plenty of cererals, bread, coissants, fruit, yoghuts, eggs becon etc. We have had far worse on our recent holiday to Florida! Preferred the food in Lapland!

The scenery was wonderful. We enjoyed walking around the hotel grounds with our torches with the kids, pretending to look for elves in the twinkeling snow. (If you google Akashotelli webcam, you can see the hotel!)

The Finnish people speak excellant English, even in the supermarket, so no worried there! They are very nice people. Staff on the main reception are very helpful.

We visited the Snow Village/Ice Hotel which was fantastic, and enjoyed the reindeer, snowmobile and husky rides. All the excursions were great with Thomsons and the Kids had a fabulous time meeting Santa, who was very traditional looking!

On Xmas eve, they turn off all the street lights about 3.30 ish and light up with candles. It looks beautiful and well worth seeing.

We met some some wonderful familes there aswell and would love to go back for Xmas 2012! I would forgo my Florida holiday to go here instead now, as absoloutely loved it and can't wait to return! Book it - you'll have a fabulous time!

My husband and I went for 5 days over christmas too and would second everything that claredevon said.....we were treated wonderfully and not made to feel as if adults have no place there! Like the previous reviewer I'd say that I had heard complaints about the food but really, these complainers need to get a life because the food was fine. We stayed in a cabin and I'd recommend one to anyone who wants a piece of idyllic christmas!
It was the best organised trip I'd ever been on.

We have just come back from staying here for 5 nights over Christmas with our 2 girls. Booked through thomsons we had a fab time. We were met at the airport by the Elfs and after putting cases on the coach walked across to get all the snow gear. A short ride to the hotel where we stayed in the premier apartments. They are very clean modern and the sauna and log fire make a nice touch. There is a log store in the shed on the upper car park.

The staff were very friendly and the food is fine. Food has had a lot of poor reviews here and all i can say it does depend on what you expect. Thomson platinum it is not but there was always something we could find and it was replenished whilst we were there.

It is in a beautiful setting and a short walk from the lake where we saw the northern lights one night. Loads on toboggans around but if you don't get one buy your own from the supermarket 10 mins down the rd for 11euros. Drinks are expensive so worth bring your own bottle or buy beers from the supermarket.

With Thomson you stay with your elf on all the inclusive trips, get on your named coach each time, so it is very well organised. Ours was holly berry. We had huskie rides and 3km snow mobile ride included one day and then on Xmas day we went to santas lodge to see him, make cookies go on reindeers cook marsh mallows toboggan etc it was magical. Gala dinner on the last night included fireworks.

We also paid for the snow mobile safari which takes you through what I can only describe as nania, it was amazing. It's best to book trips before you go they are more expensive in resort.

If you want to see the ice hotel go by taxi, 150 euros with a 2 hr wait whilst you look around, that is plenty of time. Better than the 350 euros thomsons wanted!

If you want a ski lesson see inghams as they get good deals and equipment is included. Ski bus is 10 euros each way for family of 4.

Entertainment is fine with the two reps either upstairs or downstairs in the nightclub. However the kids are so tired after all activities we only went twice.

We also went to the Santa village which is 20min walk so have a private visit with Santa for about 10 mins, as you only get a few minutes on the inclusive visit. 5 euro per person including adults.

We now understand why people say they have been before, it is magical and would def go back. Loved yllas as very traditional and on Xmas eve they line the street with candles and turn off street lights. Magical!

You will not be disappointed with hotel or location or thomsons. Worth booking late for a good deal.