A Unique vacation concept - Ice Hotels

Looking for something different to do on vacation, then these "Ice Hotels" might be just the thing to do. I had heard about Ice Hotels, and while researching for something interesting and different to do - for 2012 - I found that there are of these unique places, all offering a variation of the "ice Hotel" stay.

1. Lainio Snow Village is one of the most elaborate places to visit, each year in late November they begin creating the snow village - a complex that comprises "ice artistry, handicraft and breathtaking constructions - where the size and shapes of the Village change each year.

Located above the Artic Circle, this exciting adventure awaits those who wish to spend a night in a "Snowhotel" where the rooms are made of snow; have dinner in the "Icebar" where the tables are made of ice;or enjoy the "Igloo Disco" where the drinks are served in ice glasses. Guests can also marvel at the beautiful sculptured art, and the amazing snow galleries with illuminated ice art.

Another unique feature of the "Village" - they offer Wedding ceremonies, where couples can choose between an ice chapel with the furnishings made of ice, or a more traditional, cozy wooden chapel - either choice will result in a most unusual wedding ceremony.

Snow Village is located in the Western part of Finnish Lapland, near the "Levi ski-resorts". There is an International Airport at Kittila, making it easy for guests to visit.

2. Lumi Linna Snow Castle, Finland. The builkding of this "snowcastle" starts in December and takes about 5 weeks. The opening ceremony for the 2012 season will take place on January 28 at 6PM. SnowCastle has -
A. a Snowrestaurant where guests can enjoy a meal at the "ice tables" or have a drink at the "Icebar" - both hot or cold.
B. a Snowhotel with rooms for both singles, couples, and groups; as well as a honeymoon suite, which all have sleeping bags on beds, to ensure a cozy night's sleep. Guests who stay at the "Snowhotel" are served breakfast in the warm Castlelounge and can take a shower and go to the Sauna in a nearby hotel.
C. a SnowChapel, which has over a hundred seats and is used for weddings, christenings, and other church-related functions.

There are activities for everyone - for children there is snow-tube rides and a merry-go-round; for others there are pre-arranged concerts, magic acts, and a Image Gallery with phots and ice sculptures. During the season, which runs until April 9th, SnowCastle is open from 10am to 7pm to day visitors.

Kirkenes Snowhotel rooms are equipped with beds framed in ice blocks and provided with a comfortable mattress that has thermal insulation on top, which should ensure a good nights rest. All of the 20 snowsuites have different themes from the artic culture or nature. Many of the sculptures are created by chinese artists from the nearby city of Harbin, and the lighted ice-sculptures gives the snowhotel a cozy atmosphere.

Next to the hotel is Gabba restaurant which is shaped like a Sami tent and serves both lunch and dinner, consisting of local specialties. The restaurant is circular with an open fireplace where the food is prepared. Just a short walk from the center of Kirkenes is Gabba Reindeerpark a nature reserve in "mini format" where guests can encounter friendly domesticated reindeer.

Visitors can indulge in many different activities, among them
a. snowmobile tours to the surrounding area
b. Husky trips into Lapland
c. Ice-fishing on the fjord
d. Hunting for the northern lights
All the trips include experienced guides, warm clothes, and safety equipment.

Of course one of the best experiences is sitting in a Sami Tent - a "lavvu" - on reindeer skins with a cup of coffee and learn about the Sami culture.

Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel is a a remote hotel in an idyllic environment on the banks of the Alta river. The entire hotel is decorated with beautiful ice sculptures, made of snow and ice, the 30 rooms and suites, the beds, even the glasses in the ice bar. In addition there are several lounges and an icechapel

The beds in the hotel have reindeer hides, inside sleeping bags, that are good for very cold weather. Next to the hotel is a service center that has - not only the toliet and showers for guests, but also a restaurant, 2 outdoor hot-tubs, a reception area, and souvenir shops. Overnight guests take a 20 minute shuttle from Alta Town Center to the reception center, where they are given a tour of the facilities and information about their stay.

Activities can be arranged with the hotel, among them a short - few hours - safari on snow-scooters; dog sledding on the Alta river; or a river boat excursion to the "Gabofossen waterfall".

The Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi. Swedish Lapland is said to be the largest and perhaps oldest of the ice hotels. While guests can start arriving in the beginning of December, the Icehotel is not completely open until the first of the year, and closes in April. This is the time of the year when the sun seldom rises above the horizon, and the best time to see the northern lights dancing across the sky. Staying here guests have the options of one night in the cold hotel and the rest of your time in their warm hotel and hotel chalets. There are a variety of accommodations to choose from - the cold hotels will require warm thermal underwear and a hat, then slip into a comfortable thermal sleeping bag, set on a bed of ice and snow, on reindeer skins. There are three choices for the cold hotel -
a. the Art Suite has ice art and sculptures;
b the ice room has furniture made from ice and unique artwork;
c.the snow room is simple but spacious with a -5 degree temperature.

There are two restaurants, the authentic, charming, old Homestead overlooks the Torne River, it was built in 1768 and has a la-carte menu. The other is a modern Scandinavian style restaurant. The "Absolut Bar" serves colorful ice drinks, warm coffee and red wine, while the lounge is a place to relax, meet other guests, and enjoy hot coffee, wine and beer.

The Icehotel welcomes day time visitors, as well, they are given a tour of the premises, and Included in the price of the tour is a visit to the "Absolut Bar". Hotel guests can book a variety of activities available in the winter months.

The "Ice Hotel Balea Lac, Romania" can be reached only by cable car, making it an exclusive 10-14 room hotel, with breathtaking scenery. Typical temperatures are from -2 to +2 degrees, the ice beds are covered in reindeer fur, placed on top of the matresses, fur bedding and special sleeping bags are also provided to ensure a cozy night's sleep. The rooms have lights imbedded in the ice, which gives a stunning effect when lit. Reservations are very necessary to ensure the cable car will be there to take guests to the Ice Hotel. Beside the unique experience and spectacular views, there is a variety of activities for guests - from sledging to riding a snow-mobile - their is also a ice church for those who feel the need of prayer.

The Hotel de Glace, Quebec City, Canada is located only 10 minutes from downtown Quebec City. Unique to North America, the hotel opened in 2001 with real works or art, made from ice and snow. The hotel has 36 rooms and suites, the rooms with their natural look are intimate as a igloo and come with queens size beds; the themed suites have sculptures made of ice or snow and offer artistic lighting, some have fireplaces, and one even has it's own spa. All overnight guests have access to the nordic relaxation area with it's outdoor spas and sauna. Breakfast is included for all overnight guests, but there is no restaurant on the premises.

The hotel is easy to get to as there is an International airport in Quebec city, and taxi service to the hotel just ten minutes away. Address: 9530, rue de la Faune, Quebec City, Quebec G1G 5H9, Canada. Toll free : 1.877.505.0423

Looking for something different to do during the winter, any of these icedhotels will be worth a visit, whether for a night or longer. Beside the experience of staying in a icehotel, there is so much more to experience in activities and the culture of the country, that it is one experience to be remembered, I would even say "never forgotten".