Hotele niedaleko Ruka, Kuusamo

This is a great place to stay in Ruka. The location can't be beaten - right in the middle of Ruka Village and literally a few yards from the Gondola and ski hire shops. We've stayed here three times now and picked the superior rooms to get access to the balcony, as the views on to the skiing area are spectacular. The rooms are comfortable and large, with a sizeable modern bathroom, a drying cabinet for ski gear, and ample desk and wardrobe space. The ”double” rooms are actually twins with two smaller beds pushed together, in the European style. The rooms are well-heated, even when it's well below zero outside, and we made use of the screened vents and the balcony door to moderate the temperature. There's a TV, good quality Wifi and a Chromecast in the room, along with the usual things like a kettle and tea and coffee. Although we didn't use them, there are Sauna facilities. Breakfast is wonderful, a great mix of Finnish and international breakfast food, served in a separate area at the back of the hotel. There's a great restaurant and bar at the front of the hotel that serves amazing local dishes at a cost. We usually book the half-board option, and the hotel has clearly listened to feedback, as the half-board option is now served in the rear of the hotel, in the same area as the breakfast. The quality of the food has markedly improved since last year, and even though it's cooked to a budget, we've eaten some great choices there this week with a local flavour - reindeer salad, arctic char, pickled vendace, alongside some more conventional nuggets, fries, meatballs and meatloaf that fussy kids would like. The hotel has clearly made a lot of effort on the half-board menu, adding in much more local food, desserts and choice, which is great to see. The staff are great - courteous and really helpful. They can't do enough for you. The rooms are kept spotless and clean, as are the interior areas. We were allocated a ski locker behind reception. which is very handy for the start and end of the day. The location cannot be beaten. Ruka is split between the Village and the Valley, with the majority of shops, eating and entertainment in the Village. The Scandic is right in the middle of everything and a few steps away from the ski bus, heated parking, gondola, ski facilities, outdoor excursions, shops, cafes, bars, supermarket and several restaurants at various budget levels. The majority of the skiing is on the Valley side, but we definitely prefer the Village, and love the Scandic.

Towels and bed sheets plus cleaning have to be bought separately.

Started our 7 night stay in Ruka valley apartments on Christmas Eve 2023 . Didn’t start well as we didn’t seem to have a bed for our ten year old . We were told it’s under the other two singles that were made up . We revisited the room and found a mattress on small caster wheels . We were then told that’s it and no one was going to make it up or help in anyway like where to put it as space was a little limited . As the title suggests the answer so far has been no . We requested extra pillows and was refused , later in the week we asked for towels again the answer is “no” . Seems Pinja only knows “no” as an answer to any of our requests. I have asked to speak to the manager tonight but that was also a “no “ as it was 945pm . No regard for trying to keep a family happy at the reception . So far the food has been a buffet every night and has changed the main offering each night . Wine starts at 12€ a glass of wine. Obviously Finland is very expensive and you can buy a bottle for 90€ for only a half decent drop . Tonight food was chicken tikka. Which was very nice but it ran out twice halfway through service . I did manage to get fed but only just tonight . Last night was. Meat balls and mash . Gala dinner was meats and mashed carrot or mashed turnip .