Rokua Health & Spa

We chose this property and drove out of our way to get to it because it advertised 4 pools and was kid friendly. The Expedia pictures even supported that. What it didn’t say was that upon our Sunday arrival, the pool and facilities would be closed at 3:30 pm (which was when we arrived) and the one and only restaurant in the area would close at 6. When I asked if there were any pools open for our kids, we were told “the lake”. Lol thanks. Real helpful. This is not a normal resort, it’s a health institution and that is fine, but it should be advertised as that. We honestly walked in with two tired kids, who just wanted to swim, Looked at the room and then promptly left. We decided it was worth the extra hour drive and forfeiting the money we spent, not to stay here. Again, nothing against the people staying there and the aim of the place of treatment and healing, but better advertisement is needed. I do also wonder the quality of the facilities for kids if we were there during operating hours. Would they be welcomed or just a burden, because let’s face it, kids in a pool just want to laugh, splash and have fun. I am doubtful that would be allowed.

The hotel is situated in the middle of nowhere and that is the best part of this hotel. There are silent nature areas everywhere. Good hiking and mountain biking (or cross-country skiing) trails start from the hotel. The hotel is also a rehabilitation center. All services are accessible for disabled people. That means that the hotel is a bit like a hospital. They have different family rooms (Lofts and Junior Suites). Our Junior Suite had a sleeping room (two beds and a table) and a living room (two wall beds, a sofa, two chairs, a writing desk, a small table, a smallish flat screen television). Wall beds were better than foldable extra beds. However, the strings or other mechanisms of these foldable beds were all too creaky. There were wardrobes and a self-adjustable heating/cooling in both rooms. We also had an own electric sauna. ”Free toiletries” meant only shampoo and soap. There are playgrounds, a day spa, a gym and a swimming pool department. The largest swimming pool is 25 meters long. There are also a children's pool, a pool with a small water slide and a cold pool. Other pools are small ones with massaging bubbles. They also have a Finnish sauna and a steam room. The breakfast was ok. Unfortunately they use curtains in the breakfast room and it is hard to see the pond view. Restaurant Rousku serves a'la carte meals. Lunch and dinner buffets are also available. The opening hours of restaurants and the swimming pool department are very limited.

Though the place is middle of nowhere, it was a pleasant stay as we love nature. Hotel is just in the heart of national geopark. We enjoyed every part of untouched nature. Pool area is renovated, clean and safe for kids. There is not many options in the restaurant but we could find some in utajarvi & vallas area. Hotel breakfast buffet is ok. We had junior suit & it was spacious. Toilet was ok & there is attached sauna. Room furniture is simple and very basic.