Wherever Hostel — Hotel in Rovaniemi sub-region

Initially hesitant due to its unique name, my stay at Wherever Hostel in Rovaniemi turned out to be an enchanting experience, exceeding all my expectations. The hostel's charm, coupled with the festive spirit of Christmas, made for a truly memorable visit.

Nestled in the heart of Rovaniemi, the hostel exuded a warm and cozy ambiance, perfectly complementing the winter wonderland outside. The decor was thoughtfully done, creating a picturesque setting that felt straight out of a festive fairytale. During my stay over the Christmas period, I was particularly struck by the delightful atmosphere in the common area, where a large screen played Christmas movies. Lounging on what seemed like a majestic couch reminiscent of royal darbars from ancient India, I was transported into a dreamy, snowy world - a surreal experience I'll cherish forever.

The hostel's accommodation was comfortable and inviting, with gender-mixed rooms housing five other people. The atmosphere was one of mutual respect and consideration, where everyone's space was honored, fostering a sense of community and ease among the guests.

A highlight of my stay was the exceptional hospitality extended by Alisha, who managed the hostel. Her kindness, humility, and approachability were unparalleled. Conversations with her about Lapland, Christmas traditions, and Santa Claus were both enlightening and enjoyable. Alisha's helpful nature shone through in every interaction, whether it was providing directions, booking an Uber, or promptly responding to queries on WhatsApp. Her dedication to guest service was remarkable, and for this, I would gladly give the hostel a hundred stars.

The hostel's location is another of its strengths, conveniently situated near the city center and close to numerous adventure travel companies. This proximity made it easy to explore Rovaniemi and book various activities, adding to the overall convenience and enjoyment of my stay.

Wherever Hostel in Rovaniemi is a destination in itself, offering a magical Christmas experience. The blend of cozy accommodation, festive decor, and Alisha's outstanding hospitality makes it an ideal choice for anyone visiting this part of Finland, especially during the...

I stayed both here and Hostel Cafe Koti while I was in Rovaniemi, so I will compare them. I like this hostel more though. You can tell the manager really cares about this place.

COMMON AREAS I was half-working remote and the common area was just wonderful. I fell in love the moment I stepped in. I was so productive on the giant couch thing. I also was so comfy working in bed. Hostel Koti... the cafe was great downstairs to hang out, but it was closed after 5. The hostel common area/kitchen was OK and I met some people, but just a bit boring.

BEDS Most comfortable bed and pillow I've ever had in a hostel. Koti's bed was like a cot. Wherever Hostel wins this one too.

KITCHEN Both were fine but I liked Wherever's kitchen more, and lots more goodies. It was also super clean.

CLEANLINESS Both were clean enough. But in Koti's, I could smell the pipes in some bathrooms. Gross. Wherever Hostel took cleanliness to another level. I would constantly see the manager in the daytime even pick up the littlest things off the floor. This may be unfair comparison b/c Koti is way bigger, but it is what it is.

LOCATION Okay, this one is hard. I think I liked Koti's slightly better because it was closer to the river. But Wherever Hostel is closer to the train station, main mall, my fav restaurant, and a block away from the best bike shop in town. Still was only a 5min walk to the river. HOWEVER - something I noticed is that Wherever Hostel seems to be on a common route for late-night bar-goers from the university. Since the hostel is on the ground floor, sometimes you could hear them at night. Not close to a bar though so it only ever lasted 1-2 seconds at a time.

Also Wherever has the BEST SHOWER i've ever had in a hostel. There are also so many shampoos out for...

This hostel experience was totally made fantastic by Alisa–the owner and operator.

Rovaniemi is in a tourist heartland, but getting one's bearings as to which activities are reputable, good value for money, and how to structure your time–are all difficult.

Alisa plays the role of a fantastic host and really went out of her way to make sure I had the best of what was on offer. Even helping transport my camera equipment to the operator of one of the activities when I was unable to make it back in time.

The hostel itself is nice, but unexceptional in any way. Not super social, but in this context, that's alright. It is however well located right near the city centre. Expect to pay 35 EUR to get there from the airport, or a 15min walk from the train station.

Alisa is warm, and made the place feel warm. She was very communicative and I know my trip would have been the worse had...