One of our most popular destinations, the Ice Hotel is on the bucket list of many of our travellers. Having recently returned from the Swedish Ice Hotel, Kiruna after a few days checking out the new Ice Hotel 365, here is our Quick Fire Kiruna Ice Hotel FAQ;
What is the difference between the IceHotel and IceHotel 365?
I’ve been asked this question so much and in all honesty the answer is there is no difference – 365 has been built so as to extend the experience of staying in an IceHotel all year round. The Art Suites are all built in the same way as the original Ice Hotel – constructed fresh each year by artists from around the world. I think people are worried that staying in 365 is different from the original Ice Hotel but it’s not at all! When you’re inside the Ice hotel (original and 365) it is such a unique experience, there is no difference.
What is the difference between the Ice Hotel Restaurant and The Old Homestead Restaurant?
The Ice Hotel restaurant offers more speciality food and is far closer to the Ice Hotel itself. Old Homestead is about 800m away from the Ice Hotel – it’ just a little further down the road. I have to say, it’s worth trying out the food van about 400m away from Ice Hotel – they have some delicious burgers!
What is your favourite Ice Hotel winter activity?
That’s a tough one – I really enjoy husky sledging – I’ve done it a few times now across a variety of the resorts we offer but this time I didn’t get to drive the husky sledge so i’m going to have to say snowmobiling however, given the opportunity to drive the sledge – husky sledging would be my favourite every time. At Ice Hotel the meeting point for all activities is in front of the Ice Hotel reception – you’ll be shown where on check in.
Where is the Ice Hotel Sweden?
Ice Hotel in Jukkasjarvi Sweden, it’s only a small village, it’s approx 30mins from Kiruna airport and around 30-40 mins to the center of Kiruna. In Kiruna there are a number of small shops, restaurants and bars. If you’ve got time during your tour, it’s certainly worth taking the time to go and see the main town of Kiruna.
What room did you stay in?
Previously when I’ve stayed at the Icehotel my accommodation has been a standard cold suite, these are fairly basic (although still a great experience) This time I was able to stay in an Art Suite called Dancers in the Dark and it was amazing! People ask me was it cold at night and the answer was no! I was properly tucked up in my sleeping bag which i ended up undoing halfway through the night as I was a bit too hot! In the ice rooms, generally the temperature is usually between -5 and -8, and the beds are actually surprisingly comfortable. I also has 2 nights in the regular warm cabin accommodation – it was warm and spacious. I was in the Arctic Chalet – this has 2x bedrooms – double bed in one, single in the other (sleeps up to 3) mini kitchen with tea and coffee facilities. There was a small lounge area and access to Free Wi-Fi in the cabins.
What about the bathrooms for the cold rooms?
Don’t worry about the ice hotel bathroom facilities – warm chalets have facilities as standard and then if you did need to go to the bathroom in the night, in the Ice Hotel, bathrooms are only a short walk from your cold room. If you have a Deluxe Suite there is a bathroom and sauna attached to it – really luxurious – these are only found in Ice Hotel 365.
