5 Reasons the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel in Rovaniemi, Finland, Belongs on Your List [Review]

Rovaniemi, Lapland’s capital in northern Finland, lies on the Arctic Circle and is known as a winter playground and Santa Claus’ hangout. The area is also home to a unique hotel that offers some of the best winter experiences imaginable.

Although the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel is best experienced in winter, my off-season visit was simply divine. I was fortunate to have a friend who had seeing the northern lights on her bucket list. Plus, she was willing to use her hotel points to do so.

Our late-autumn 2026 visit didn’t include snow, but the stay exceeded expectations.

Here’s why you’ll want to add the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel to your future travel list.

1. You Can Book Your Stay With Hyatt Points

Hyatt loyalists will be excited to hear they can book the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel, a Mr & Mrs Smith property, with World of Hyatt points. However, the hotel is not inexpensive. Cabins start at around 40,000 World of Hyatt points per night and can reach up to 200,000 points. Point availability can be scarce, so book as far in advance as possible. Also, most rates are nonrefundable.

For our 2-night stay, my friend paid 42,000 points per night. We value World of Hyatt points at about 1.4 cents each, so 42,000 points are worth about $588. Cash rates per night can range from around $300 in low season to over $1,500 for premium suites in high season.

You can also book the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel through Chase Travel using Ultimate Rewards points with a Points Boost discount. However, depending on the room type and nightly rate, you may get better value by transferring Ultimate Rewards points to World of Hyatt to book your stay.

With the Chase Sapphire Reserve^® or Sapphire Reserve for Business℠, you can transfer Ultimate Rewards points to World of Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio.

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Welcome Offer

Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

100,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$2,000

Annual Fee

$795

APR

19.74% - 28.24% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Excellent

Why We Like This Card

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve^® is one of the best options.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like worldwide airport lounge access, with excellent point earning and redemption options. Plus, it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to cover you at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the more than $2,000 in annual credits, which can offset the annual fee!

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 8x points on all Chase Travel purchases
• 5x points on Lyft rides
• 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly

Cons

• $795 annual fee

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Get $3,000 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
• Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases.
• $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge^® by The Club with two guests. Plus, a statement credit of up to $120 every four years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card for a Global Entry, TSA Precheck^® or NEXUS application.
• Get up to $150 in statement credits from January through June and again from July through December for a maximum of $300 annually when you dine at restaurants part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
• Get complimentary subscriptions to Apple TV and Apple Music for a minimum of one year when activated by June 22, 2027, a value of $324 annually.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.74% - 28.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

OFFER EXTENDED

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Sapphire Reserve for Business℠

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business card is perfect for frequent traveler business owners who want premium perks.

Apply Now

Sapphire Reserve for Business℠

The Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business card is perfect for frequent traveler business owners who want premium perks.

Welcome Offer

Earn 200,000 bonus points after you spend $30,000 on purchases in your first 6 months from account opening and access more than $7,000 in total business and travel value in your first year.

200,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$4,000

Annual Fee

$795

APR

Flex for Business Variable APR: 17.99% - 28.74%

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Chase Sapphire Reserve Business card is a great pick for business owners who can easily make use of the annual credits for travel, Google Workspace, ZipRecruiter, and more. Plus, it offers helpful bonus categories such as ad spend and offers access to over 1,300 airport lounges — including Chase Sapphire Lounges.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 8x points on Chase Travel purchases
• 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly
• 3x points on advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines (up to $1 million per anniversary year starting 11/15/2026, then 1x)

Cons

• $795 annual fee

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 200,000 bonus points after you spend $30,000 on purchases in your first 6 months from account opening.
• $7,000+ in value your first year. 200K points, valued at $4,000 for select flights and hotels through Chase Travel℠, plus $3,000+ in annual value through travel and business benefits.
• Earn 8x points on Chase Travel℠ for airline tickets, hotels, including The Edit℠, car rentals, cruises, activities and tours.
• Earn 5x total points on Lyft rides through 9/30/27.
• Earn 4x points on flights & hotels booked direct.
• Earn 3x points on social media & search engine advertising on up to $1 million in spend each anniversary year, starting 11/15/26.
• Get the most flexible travel credit compared to any other card, with up to $300 in statement credits each anniversary year on travel purchases.
• Enjoy complimentary access to the Chase Sapphire Lounge^® by The Club network and Priority Pass™ Select membership. Two guests may accompany the Primary Cardmember to the lounges free of charge.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: Flex for Business Variable APR: 17.99% - 28.74%
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Hot Tip:

With just 32 units, the hotel fills up fast during the high winter season. The hotel has also been voted the best luxury destination hotel in Finland.

2. The Experience Was Posh

We were in the forest, but this wasn’t glamping. The upscale experience began at check-in, when staff warmly greeted us and our on-site driver and concierge, Soma, took us on a Mercedes tour of the property.

Cabins were spread throughout the forest within walking distance of the main hotel lodge, but you may want a ride with luggage. The hotel had several vans to shuttle guests around the property.

Room

Our room, more like a cabin, was well appointed, with plush bedding and chair coverings. A bottle of wine arrived shortly after check-in, in recognition of my friend’s World of Hyatt Globalist status.

Wi-Fi strength was good and available in the cabins. Guests had to contact the front desk via WhatsApp messaging, as there were no phones in the rooms.

There was a flat-screen TV (hidden behind the curtain), but we never used it.

Hot Tip:

The room had a kitchenette, so we could take a ride-share to town, buy provisions, and make a few meals ourselves. Rovaniemi is about 10 to 12 minutes away, and a ride-share costs $13 to $16 each way. The town has 2 major shopping centers side by side.

The room had a beautiful forest view through floor-to-ceiling windows. We enjoyed sitting in those comfortable chairs watching for the northern lights once it became dark.

If you have a child, they’ll love the hidden bunk room, accessible via the provided ladder (shown in the upper left of the first room photo).

The bathroom, although small, was well stocked with toiletries, plush towels, robes, and slippers.

Rakas Restaurant

The breakfast buffet at Rakas Restaurant, included with all stays, included 4 types of caviar, 4 types of local marinated or smoked fish, eggs made to order, and several varieties of homemade breads and pastries. It also included several meats, roasted potatoes, scrambled eggs, cheeses, fruits, yogurt, cereals, overnight oats, and grilled vegetables. Every food item was high-quality and well presented.

The room was lovely with a great view, and our breakfast was delightfully good. The breakfast staff were welcoming, with friendly servers who didn’t mind us lingering with our coffee and enjoying the view. I don’t believe I’ve ever had caviar for breakfast before this stay, but I’d like to do it again.

Rakas Restaurant also serves lunch and dinner with limited hours. Guests can order light meals through room service for a €30 ($34) service fee.

3. The Northern Lights

One of the best reasons to visit Rovaniemi, and Lapland in general, is to see the northern lights.

As soon as we arrived, we downloaded the hotel’s aurora alert app so we wouldn’t miss the lights — the hotel has an on-site camera that watches for the lights and alerts guests. Fortunately, our first night was clear, and we received several alerts when the lights were visible. They were spectacular enough to check the item off my friend’s bucket list.

The best months for seeing the lights are late August through early April. According to the hotel, you can view the lights around Rovaniemi for about 150 nights each year.

Hot Tip:

We downloaded the Aurora Alert Realtime app (iOS, Android) to track the northern lights while in Finland. For worldwide northern lights tracking and alerts, try the My Aurora Forecasts & Alerts (iOS, Android).

The aurora alert went off several times. We bundled up in warm clothes and walked around the property for the best view. Temperatures were in the 30s.

For security, several streetlights were on the property. The glare could make it hard to see the northern lights, but they were visible from the parking lot and, with an unobstructed view, from the lookout tower, a short hike from the cabins. We even saw the lights from our cabin window.

You can still see the northern lights during the off-peak fall or spring season, when nightly rates are lower and the lights are still likely. The property is also less crowded during the low season, which can make for a better overall experience.

4. Natural Surroundings

The Arctic TreeHouse Hotel is surrounded by forest, with hiking trails and plenty of space to explore. The cabins are separate from the main hotel building, so you need to walk there (or message for a ride). Sit outside and enjoy the ambience, build a bonfire, sip a drink, wander the woods, or take a forest sauna (reservations required).

Pick up a DIY yoga packet from the hotel front desk and head to the forest for a mindful yoga session. If you’re up for more activities, there are endless ways to stay engaged in and around the hotel.

5. Year-Round Activities

While winter is ideal for outdoor activities at the hotel, the peaceful low season has plenty to do. The hotel offers complimentary fat-tire and kick bikes for exploring the area.

In winter, the hotel provides equipment for outdoor winter activities, including tobogganing, sledding, and tubing. Guests can also go cross-country skiing and hike using the provided Nordic walking poles. Additional guest experiences (bookable for a fee) include Arctic floating on a northern lake, a husky-pulled cart or sled ride (depending on the season), or a guided visit to nearby Ranua Wildlife Park. Transportation is included.

From late October through late January (dates vary slightly each year), the hotel has its own Santa Park. Meet Santa, bake gingerbread, feed the reindeer, enjoy the elf show, go to elf school, take a magic train ride, cross the Arctic Circle line, and more. You can spend several hours exploring Santa Park.

The attraction is underground adjacent to the hotel, in a former air-raid bunker that could hold thousands of people. Each year, the hotel hires hundreds of “elves” from around the world to work at Santa Park. There’s also a secret Santa Forest.

If you stay at the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel when its Santa Park isn’t open, you can visit the nearby Santa Claus Village. The village is open year-round and is about a $10 ride-share from the hotel. There you can see reindeer, take a sleigh ride, visit Santa, take a dog sled ride, visit the wild animal park, stop by Santa’s post office, cross the Arctic Circle border, and more Christmas activities.

You could easily fill up a week with activities in and around the hotel. The Rovaniemi tourism website has a great list of additional things to do there.

Final Thoughts

Rovaniemi (RVN) is a 1 1/2-hour flight from Helsinki (HEL), making it easy to reach. We flew there on Finnair from Copenhagen (CPH) via Helsinki for 6,500 British Airways Avios.

I would describe the experience at the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel as rustic posh. We were surrounded by nature, yet didn’t lack many of the amenities expected at a luxury hotel.

Aside from the larger, more expensive suites, though, the rooms could be tight for a family. For the 2 of us, we were comfortable.

The service was excellent. Staying during the off-peak season made the experience feel more personal, as the hotel was not busy at all. We loved the staff, had several interesting conversations with them, and had a memorable stay.