Scandic Rukahovi

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.