We had originally booked a room in a hotel, with options on offer. Balcony or sauna (or both). We "settled" for the balcony, more practical with children. When the accommodation was changed, and we were given a €420 refund, we were moved to what resembles a hostel or student dorm. TUI did not let us know that there was such a huge downgrade. The airport is only a 25 minute drive from Saariselka. 25mins does not seem so bad, does it? But when the tour operator brings you on a magical mystery to collect rental equipment (40mins), have a pointless rep meeting(1hr) and drop you off to check in and collect keys (20mins), the time adds up. With travel weary kids and a missed excursion it's not a great start. We missed a €400 excursion with no refund. To not disappoint the family we booked the same tour with a different operator which cost €900. Hotel drop offs and check it. Nobody had a clue what was going on. The Snowflake hotel residence were blissfully unaware as to what everyone else had to do. First they stopped at a hotel and some people had to get off to check in, collect keys and get back on the bus. Then others got off and didn't come back. We then got left outside the student dorm with no info on how to get in or where our rooms are and the "elf" and driver left. Que several minutes of us and another beleaguered family wandering around the building rattling fire exits before we found the main entrance (it was -14°C). Breakfast buffet: Look I know hotel breakfast can be hit and miss. But this was awful. Considering the majority of guests were from the UK and Ireland you think they would cater somewhat to their needs or the needs of kids, who are fussy wherever they're from. The continental selection was just processed meats and cheeses. Tinned fruit and tiny grapes. The hot food was tired looking eggs, boiled mini hot dogs and toast. It was utterly miserable. *After 2 days I would already say we would not come back. The cost just isn't worth it. You don't get what you paid for and you're ultimately let down. For the amount of money paid out you expect everything to be laid out for you and go perfectly. The level of misinformation, bad communication and direction just leaves you feeling it was a big waste of time and money. Dreading Santa on Saturday 😕.*
翻譯