Hotel chain praises efforts to eradicate illegal short-stay accommodation in Rovaniemi – plans to expand its own hotel chain

Several major hotel projects are currently being planned for Rovaniemi. Construction of the latest project is expected to start as early as next summer.

Another new hotel is planned for Rovaniemi. Hotel Santa Claus Oy is expanding its hotel in the centre of Rovaniemi. The hotel is to be expanded on an adjacent plot of land with a separate extension worth around €20 million. Planning is already underway and construction is due to start next summer. The hotel extension is expected to be completed by the winter season 2026-2027.

New hotels are also planned in and around the city centre.

The 18-storey tower hotel planned by Arina for the city centre is currently awaiting a ruling from the Administrative Court on the appeals against the zoning change. Three appeals against the zoning plan allowing the tower hotel have been lodged by a group of neighbourhood hotels, a residents’ association in the city centre and a private individual.

In turn, the Lapland Hotels hotel is planned for Valionranta near the city center. The complex includes three apartment blocks and a congress hotel about 300 rooms, which will also have a wellness spa. In addition, two hotels are planned for Ounasvaara Golf Course.

On the map, you can see circles by clicking on current hotels and hotel projects in downtown Rovaniemi.

Record numbers and requests for action

Rovaniemi’s tourism has been awarded the record number of record numbers year after year. Airbnb-type accommodation has also sparked a lot of debate.

Visit Rovaniemi estimates last winter that about one third of Rovaniemi’s almost one million days of accommodation will be overnight in short rental.

Earlier in February, Yle reported how large hotel chains have begun this winter to report the accommodation they considered illegal. In addition to Scandic Hotels, the request for an action for the city was also signed by Lapland Hotels and Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus, who are now planning to increase their own accommodation capacity.

During the current winter, the city of Rovaniemi has already sent over 200 prompts to stop the accommodation in the apartment.

According to a news release from Hotel Santa Claus, the city of Rovaniemi’s activity has been a positive signal to start expanding official hotel activities.

\”But I’ve heard that the basics of getting funding have become tightened,\” says Määttä.

*25.2.2025 at 1:22 pm Added by Samppa Määtän comment, 13.46 Added Carthen Graphics.*