Planning started in 1975. Was it bloodline or an unshakeable belief in Lappish tourism that made Heikki and Vuokko Grhn begin the plan a hotel for Rovaniemi? The decision-makers of Rovaniemi may even be jovially said to be party to blame as they too became involved in the project. On the land plot owned by the Grhn's, there was a two and a half storey high, old and dilapidated building. The town set a condition whereby within a certain period of time, the faade of the building had to be completely renovated. The owners believed that the building was too run-down and the costs of the renovation would have been too high. Other alternatives were to establish either industrial or accommodation facilities. However, the latter was the only option due to the location. The opening of CityHotel in 1978. The new hotel opened its doors on 9 March 1978, increasing the number of hotel rooms in Rovaniemi by a quarter. A total of 66 rooms were made with a restaurant seating 55 and a meeting room with sauna. By size, at that time the hotel was the third largest in the Province of Lapland employing 15 persons. Back then, the utilisation rate of Rovaniemi hotels was approximately 70%. City-hotel was also often fully booked and guests were sometimes even accommodated in the dressing room of the sauna or in the meeting room. The heyday of coach travel. Around the same time, the hotel was affiliated with the Point Hotels and Best Western marketing chain. This was the beginning of the wild summers with coach-loads of foreign groups. Many were on their way to the North Cape to experience the Midnight Sun. The majority were German senior citizens who came to remember the old war years. The bustling Greeks filled the reception, and the Scandinavians came to the town to party the weekend away. Expansion and training. In the 1980s, there was a great deal of discussion on what large hotel chain would be housed on the Konttinen plot in Rovaniemi. The utilisation rates of the town's hotels had dropped to below the average for the rest of the nation. There was however a strong belief in the tourism possibilities and the future of Rovaniemi. A decision was reached to begin the expansion of CityHotel in 1985. The hotel gained 33 more rooms, a new restaurant seating 150 diners and a 100-person conference facility with new saunas. At the same time, the staff was trained and sent on courses. Our waiting staff was then voted best customer service staff in Rovaniemi. Similarly, during this time, the local commerce association voted City-hotel Enterprise of the Year. Development continues. City-Hotel opened its doors in March 1978. Operations and services have been intensively developed for over twenty-five years. On the outside, City-Hotel was completely renewed in autumn 2000. The faade was designed by Architect Jaakko Puro. The building's new colour scheme and lighting, along with new entrances for the hotel and restaurant, has received much praise from our guests.

Enjoy being our guest. CityHotel is a high standard, pleasant family-owned hotel with exquisite service located in the very heart of the town of Rovaniemi. Only a few kilometres away, is the Santa Claus Village on the Arctic Circle where you can meet Santa Claus in person. Our hotel has 92 rooms. All rooms have been completely renovated. Most of our rooms are no smoking and suitable for allergy sufferers. Our wining dining restaurant MonteRosa is one of Rovaniemis favourite dining spots serving both international dishes and Lappish specialities. The world of music, bands and beer can be experienced in Kellari, the bustling pub in the hotels cellar. The top floor of the hotel houses meeting rooms with AV equipment, as well as our sauna wing.

Restaurant Monte Rosa. The design and idea for the Monte Rosa Restaurant has been influenced by City-Hotel's Managing Director Mikael Grhn's many trips abroad. The name refers to the Italian Alps, where the highest mountain is named Monte Rosa. The general appearance of Monte Rosa is a North American Little House on the Prairie atmosphere. The model comes from a hunting lodge with patio.

Kellari is a high-standard, fully-licensed socialising club and pub. Kellari is located in the basement floor of City-Hotel. The pleasant atmosphere attracts students in their twenties as well as middle-aged civil servants. One factor bringing the clientele together is good music and a relaxed carefree atmosphere. For those enjoying music, Kellari hosts live bands twice a month, comprising major and minor celebrities. Music concentrates on blues and rock.

Services Activities. Looking for thing's to do? We can arrange on your behalf various activities around the beatiful nature of Rovaniemi, for example rapid rides, riverboat cruises or nature hikes. Safari operators in Rovaniemi: Popular destinations nearby: offers charter busses and coaches. Check out other event's happening in Rovaniemi from the Rovaniemi