Holiday Club Kuusamo Tropikki 4* Holiday Club Kuusamo Tropikki 4*

As a matter of fact, my review is not about the hotel itself (although a few words about it will be below), but about an excursion that I do not recommend visiting in order to save money, and most importantly, time, which is so important in such a short vacation. It's about Rovaniemi. It would seem that why we are going to Finland with children - yes, because this is the birthplace of Santa Claus - every parent will answer, taking their child to meet this fairy-tale hero. I thought so too. Until the moment I saw a long line of tired parents and whining children to the same tired, but not whining (position does not allow), with frankly yawning elf assistants, Santa Claus - Yolo Puki. Yes, but before that there was no less exciting sight - Santa Park (or Santa Claus Cave - another name). Who was in the year 2002-2003 in Hurghada on excursions in a submarine (for some reason it seems to me that these excursions have long been closed due to their complete profanity), he will understand me. Old, dusty, frankly worn scenery. And against their background, enthusiastic guides, as if for the first time they see the disappointment of tourists. Yes, you will get such an expensive (monetary) and coveted photo with Santa, but get ready for a fly in the ointment. And is it worth it to spend a whole (!! ) day on a trip from Kuusamo to Rovaniemi? Do not be tempted by the stories of our compatriots who work there as tour operators - they will persuade the dead, if only to sell this excursion. Not far from Kuusamo there is the so-called Santa's cottage. There, in a homely atmosphere, almost the same Santa, with his old woman, talks with children and parents, and together they bake Christmas cakes and decorate postcards, and before that they go sledding and frying sausages. This can be recommended. For children, and for parents as well, it is interesting, calm, without fuss. There I got into a conversation with one of the old workers there (Finns usually speak English, some in good Russian), he told me about the history of this mansion and about the inhabitants there.
About the hotel. Normal, solid, European. Good cuisine, if you, of course, are not from that category of people who consider themselves picky and only for some reason on vacation. At home, as a rule, such people eat everything. It is very pleasant to swim in a warm pool when it is bitterly cold outside. It is strange why Finland is compared with Turkey here. Different religion, culture, nationality, not to mention nature and climate. Turkey in Turkey. Consider mentality and traditions. Yes, the New Year ends at 0.15. Don't drink, don't smoke, don't dance. But they ski, take a steam bath in saunas, enjoy the silence and pristine nature. They really put meat in sausages, don't make fires anywhere, speak English, learn Russian and love nature. So choose where you feel comfortable. If there are questions, I will gladly answer.