Name: Aurora Nights
Address: Office 8 Empingham House, 1e Uppingham Gate, Ayston Road, Uppingham, Rutland
Rating: 4.88

“We achieved our objective - seeing the aurora borealis. The journey was smooth and there were no problems. The food was very good. On the negative side our room in the Abisko Mountain Lodge was very small and basic, rather like a youth hostel. There was no room on the vinyl floor to open suitcases and our two single beds were at right angles with the space between filled with a small but adequate wet room. The window looked out onto the side of another building. The corridor outside was so narrow that opening the door meant no one could get passed. Every noise carried. Once we had got used to the idea, this didn't spoil our holiday. Staff were helpful and the common room, bar and restaurant area were good.”

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Posted 9 years ago

Dear Alison Thanks for your feedback and i note your feedback on Abisko Mountain lodge. The rooms are relatively basic but i love the atmosphere and the people who run it. If you ever decide to go back the lodge have just added four superior rooms which are fantastic. Thanks for traveling with us and best regards Kevin

Posted 9 years ago

“Excellent trip, helped by generally favourable weather. Good flights, on time and reasonable legroom in Cattle Class despite being 6ft 2in. Good airport experience at Terminal 1 Heathrow and Keflavik. Hire car company efficient and the car was spacious and comfortable if high mileage (96000 km). Easy drive to Reykjavik and a nice hotel. Street parking was OK but might be a problem at a busier time of year. First day self drive around the Golden Circle was good. The hotel Restaurant was good and relatively cheap with 20% discount for residents. 2nd day was walking around the town in the morning then a pleasant if longish drive to Hotel Ranga. The Northern Lights excursion that evening was fun, successful and much longer than advertised - a good thing. The following day we had gorgeous clear weather for a wonderful 4 wd trip up to waterfalls and glaciers etc. Friendly knowledgable driver. The highlight of the trip. It was then a long drive back to the airport via the Blue Lagoon. Overpriced and overrated. Don't bother! Overall though an excellent trip, very well organised.”

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Posted 9 years ago

Dear Graham, thank you for your feedback and your kind rating of 5 star for your Iceland Northern Lights Holiday. I am delighted you had such a super time and that you got to see the Northern Lights ! They are a great team and will often stay out longer on the Northern Lights Hunt if it means you get to see the Northern Lights. Disappointed to hear you didn't enjoy the Blue Lagoon, but thankyou again for taking the time to feedback. Regards Abigail Abigail

Posted 9 years ago

“A full, busy but very enjoyable trip. While we missed the really spectacular aurora displays just before we arrived and the nights were a bit cloudy, we did see and photograph the lights on 3 occasions. The best night being during dinner at the Sky Station when there was a longer gap in the clouds. For us the highlight of the trip was the day long husky sledge ride when we each drove our own sled and team of dogs. Even saw a 400lb moose cross in front of us and stop 50m away to look at us as we passed quickly by. We had a cooked lunch in the snow. A really great day. For those less fit or mobile the shorter half day trip might be better suited. The lodge changed our scheduled programme and this was very much better, more achievable and enjoyable than the one from Kevin! It would be very helpful if there was more practical advice on what to wear for each event. For example one needed as many layers as possible plus sun glasses for sledge day or ice fishing, but less for the night snow shoe walk when you get warm. The provided Arctic suit ( and it is one piece not jacket and separate trousers) and the hat were very good. The over boots are a misnomer as these are boots with thermal liners and you only need to wear socks. The day trip to Norway and Narvik was ok but there was no real description of the Battle of Narvik and with my background I knew considerably more than the guide. Finally do not forget to pack your soap or shower gel and shampoo as these are not provided. This trip for us was one of the best holiday/break that we can remember. The staff at the Lodge were cheerful and very helpful. Anyone going on this trip will really enjoy it.”

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Posted 9 years ago

Dear David Thanks for the wonderful feedback and i am delighted that you had such a great time. I remember you coming int the office last August and the detailed conservation we had about your trip. You were very lucky as the lodge upgraded your husky tour to a full day version which was unexpected! Sounds like it was an amazing day! I am delighted you saw the Northern Lights as well - testament to Abisko and its position as probably the best place on earth to see the Northern Lights from. Thanks for using Weekend a la Carte for your northern lights holiday. Regards Kevin

Posted 9 years ago

“One of the best holidays I've ever had! We had brilliant views of the Aurora for 3 hours on my first night - absolutely mesmerizing; a shorter viewing from the Sky Station 2 nights later, and a few glimpses between clouds on the photography evening (which nevertheless gave some very useful tips). The Lodge was really lovely, with tantalizingly beautiful views of the mountains. My room had a breath-taking view straight out into snow-filled woods. The staff were extremely informative, helpful and friendly, the food everywhere was very good. The husky ride was great fun, and the Sami visit/reindeer farm fascinating. I struggled a bit keeping up with the snow-shoeing, so missed most of the commentary on animal tracks (and fell down and couldn't get up on the way down!), but the talk given on top of the hill was good. We saw no Aurora that night. Although I went on this holiday on my own I found it all very friendly and met some really nice people. Just one travel problem: the connecting flight times at Stockholm were too tight - security was busy and I very nearly missed the flight to Heathrow. This needs re-scheduling. But overall a most memorable trip - thank you!”

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Posted 9 years ago

Dear Sally Thanks for your wonderful feedback! It is our aim to make a trip to Lapland one of the best holidays our clients ever experience and i am delighted that mission was accomplished for you! Regards Kevin

Posted 9 years ago

“We travelled in March 2015 and had a brilliant time. Everything was well organised and we were in a small group of 8. Our first 2 nights were in warm rooms at the Ice Hotel. -5 was just a little too cold for us. Then we spent the last 3 nights at Abisko Mountain Lodge whhere the rooms were basic but clean and comfortable. We were well looked after by Ciss and the rest of the staff. The photography evening we attended was with Julian from Lights Over Lapland and he was very helpful and gave each person as much or little help as they needed. The Ice Hotel in Kiruna was amazing and of course we just had to try the Ice Bar which served a good choice of cocktails. We saw the lights 4 nights out of 5 which was pretty amazing. Going up the chairlift to the Abisko Sky Station was an experience not to be missed even though I am scared stiff of heights. All in all a fantastic holiday.”

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Posted 9 years ago

Dear Alison. Thanks for the feedback. Wow seeing the northern lights so often must have been amazing. We normally say to clients that you will get to see them one one night but pretty well on all the nights is just fantastic. I hope you have lots of memories! Regards Kevin

Posted 9 years ago

“This trip was to celebrate my imminent 70th birthday. Excellent from start to finish. Efficient and friendly hosts and staff who went the extra mile to get the Northern Lights to perform (sadly only a glimmer was achieved). However, all other aspects did not disappoint. Dunking in the hot tub at night, with the sides iced, kitted out in blue wool hats making us look like Smurfs. Magic trips on snowmobiles with the snow fluttering down, stopping for hot lingonberry juice, exhilarating dog sledging in brilliant sunshine gliding over frozen lakes, downing vodka in the Ice Hotel, sipping wine by the fire outside the lodge watching the steak for supper being barbequed in the fading evening light, gazing at the stars by the fire lying on reindeer rugs, travelling by snowmobile over frozen, darkened marshland to feed the reindeer and eating moose stew by the fire in the Sami yurt. Magical and we are recommending it with 5 stars to friends. Thank you to all.”

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Posted 9 years ago

Dear Sarah Thanks for arranging your 70th birthday northern lights trip with us and i am thrilled it all went off so well for you. I will ensure the team in Lapland receive a copy of your feedback Regards Kevin

Posted 9 years ago

“I could not have asked for more from Weekend a la carte. From the first email I sent with questions regarding the aurora nights package they were responsive, helpful and proactive. On the trip itself everything 'just worked'. We received clear information at each of the hotels regarding the trips we had booked while staying there. The accommodation was fantastic and the food amazing throughout the trip. All the trips were brilliant, and the tours guides all knowledgable and friendly - they could not have done more to make us welcome and ensure we enjoyed our trip. The photography evening was especially magical - Julian was brilliant; he was very patient and ensured everyone got the assistance they needed with the cameras and tripods - the lights came out to play spectacularly and we've got some fantastic photographs which give me goosebumps when remembering the evening. The Abisko Mountain Lodge staff were a particular highlight, again, they could not do enough for us. Finally, to top it all off Abisko is a simply stunning and magical place to visit. The scenery is breathtaking in every direction! I would totally recommend Weekend a la Carte and the Aurora Nights package.”

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Posted 9 years ago

Dear Elizabeth Thank you for the feedback on your trip. I am delighted you liked Abisko Mountain Lodge so much. They are such a warm and inviting team. I personally love staying there on my frequent trips to Abisko. I hope we can do another trip for you in the future. Regards Kevin

Posted 9 years ago

“All the arrangements were first class, with the hotel staff being very friendly and helpful and accommodation being good. The various activities were well organised and did what they said they would do. The back office travel arrangements were good, although we had a very long wait at Stockholm airport which could have been avoided. This may have cost more money, but it would have been good to have been told that other flights were available at an extra cost and then we could have made the decision.”

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Posted 9 years ago

Dear Anne Thanks for your feedback. I note your comments re flights. We do try and make the best connections possible but at times availability is not there and the additional cost premium is prohibitive. I am delighted you enjoyed your time in Lapland Regards Kevin

Posted 9 years ago

“Amazing package and yet felt it was tailored just for us. Had some apprehension that we would be the oldest on trip and might be too tired - nothing to worry about. The lodge was most comfortable and indeed had extra clothes (gloves and balaclavas that we needn't have brought/bought. All the activities were brilliant and our varied hosts too. The stopover in Stockholm was a useful addition - maybe we should have gone for 3 days . Hotel Rival one of the best we had stayed even down to the unique DVD library”

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Posted 9 years ago

Dear Patrick Thanks for the feedback on your trip. I am delighted that not only the Lapland part but also the extension in Stockholm was so rewarding for you. The Rival is a super hotel - we have been using it for years and we get wonderful reviews from clients. Thanks for booking your northern lights holiday with us! Regards Kevin

Posted 9 years ago

“Thank you for refunding the money so promptly I can confirm it has come through. We were disappointed that the Tour was cancelled but can confirm it was quite a storm that hit - flights were apparently also cancelled that afternoon. As far as we were concerned it gives us a reason to return and complete the Tour, not that we need an excuse we absolutely loved the time we had there and we are determined to return at some point next year. Our thanks for organising all the trips and excursions the other two were fantastic - the company you used, Sila (not sure of spelling) at Southern Adventures was really good company and obviously very knowledgeable making for a great day out. Snowmobiling the following day was also great - all the vehicles being Sila's pride and joy making us feel very safe. Hotel Ranga has to be one of the best hotels we have ever stayed in both for food and surroundings - the friendliness of the staff and we even got a glimpse of the Lights. As you can tell we have had a fantastic stay, once again thanks to you and your organising of the trip.”

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Posted 9 years ago

Dear Eric I am delighted you had a good time , despite the weather. I am told the storms have been the worse they have been for a decade, so you have certainly seen the country at its "rawest". Thankyou for your kind 5 star rating. Regards Abigail

Posted 9 years ago

“Arrival day and we saw the aurora as we left the airport! When we went there was a strike by Norwegian airlines. Kevin at Weekend a la Carte did great things and got us another flight from Stockholm to a different airport and arranged a taxi to get us back to Pine Bay Lodge arriving very late but we were there. Day 1 was snowmobile driving. Great fun weaving in and around trees. My wife found it a bit hard. Racing across the sea ice at 45 kmph was exciting. We managed not to spin but another couple did! Lunch in a large teepee was excellent. The arctic clothing provided kept us warm while driving the snowmobiles. Again got excellent shots of the aurora from down on the lake ice in front of Pine Bay Lodge. Day 2 was dog sledging in the afternoon. I had to miss out on that as I had slipped on ice and hurt myself. My wife and the other couple had a great time. The DOGS are in charge. Taken out with a guide on another sledge to keep overall control. We did pay extra to go out in a 5 seater hovercraft over the sea ice in the morning and got to see ringed seals! Again we had good views of the aurora from the lake ice. Food at Pine Bay was excellent and everyone was very helpful. Day 3 was transfer by train up to Abisko. About 5 hrs with wonderful snowy vistas. In the evening some fantastic shots of the aurora from the helicopter pads behind Mountain Lodge. Day 4 was a tour to Narvik and back. Nice sights but coffee at the top of a building overlooking the railway yard and then packed lunch on a beach left a bit to be desired. Saw a sea eagle but it flew away as we stopped. Some great scenery on the drive there and back. Photographic evening in the National Park with cameras and tripods supplied (if you wanted them) but only a brief glimmer of the lights. Got given lingenberry tea in a sami hut with fire. Very pleasant. Day 5 we explored part of the National Park but failed to see any moose. Saw a red fox! Great scenery but slightly hard work as without snow shoes and an overnight snowfall had made for deep patches of snow to walk through. In the evening we had dinner up at the Sky Station. Excellent meal and views. The arctic clothing provided kept us warm going up in the cable car. A good talk on the aurora after dinner but very strong winds and lots of cloud and a no show of the aurora. Cannot win them all. The toilets are rather primitive and cold. The facilities, food and staff at Abisko Mountain Lodge were excellent although you did need your own shower gel or soap. Day 6 was a transfer to Kiruna airport by taxi and then the flight home via Stockholm Arlanda. When at Arlanda airport the best food is at SkyCity between terminals 5 and 4. One can walk from terminal 5 to 4 in 10 minutes”

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Posted 9 years ago

Dear Roger Thanks for the feedback and delighted that despite the Norwegian strike we managed to get you to Lulea and from then on you seem to have had a great time. Sorry to hear about the fall you had and hope you are on the mend. Sounds like you have some great memories! Regards Kevin

Posted 9 years ago

“Feedback of WEEKEND A LA CARTE as a travel agent is very poor. Feedback of the ICEHOTEL and TREEHOTEL are excellent. It is a shame the feedback couldn't be left independently. On arrival at Lulea airport, we were the only people off our flight to be left stranded at the airport. WEEKEND A LA CARTE hadn't booked a transfer for us. After a wait, I phoned the contact name and number on the paperwork who fortunately answered the phone on a Sunday night. He said he wasn't the person who should have been contacted as he hadn't performed that role for three years ! Fortunately, he agreed to help us and arranged for a taxi to be called for us. We arrived at the TREEHOTEL very late to be greeted by the very lovely and very apologetic BRITTA. The TREEHOTEL is a old fashioned chalet type home that is extremely welcoming and full of vintage pieces from old sewing machines, to homeware, old fire extinguishers, radiograms etc. After quickly seating us for dinner BRITTA explained that there had been a further issue. We had booked to stay in two of the different tree houses on two consecutive nights. She couldn't understand what had gone wrong but there was no tree house for us that night. She agreed to put us up in the main hotel. Having studied the paperwork after the event it seems that WEEKEND A LA CARTE had booked us on Sunday night and Monday night in the same tree house and then Monday night and Tuesday night in another. I can only assume, in the absence of any further communication, that this cross-over was the root cause of the issue. The rest of our stay at the TREE HOTEL was made special by the owners who in spite of WEEKEND A LA CARTE's incompetence, made us incredibly welcome and looked after us as well as anyone could be expected to under the circumstances. We did one excursion which was husky mushing. This was a brilliant experience. There was just us and our guide. We were told by WEEKEND A LA CARTE that our train tickets to take us to the ICE HOTEL would be at the TREE HOTEL. But the owners knew nothing about it. I cannot help feeling that if I hadn't chased WEEKEND A LA CARTE they would not have been delivered. In summary, I would highly recommend the TREE HOTEL but book it direct with the owners who speak really good English. I am sure they would assist with transfers etc. The train journey to ICE HOTEL was uneventful. I had asked WEEKEND A LA CARTE to do something special for my wife's 40th birthday (which was the day we arrived at the ICE HOTEL). I suggested a bottle of champagne might go some way to compensate for the poor experience we had had from them so far. Alas, there was nothing. Nothing at all. Not even a mention of an apology from their Rep on arrival. The stay at the ICE HOTEL was good. The only complaints there were the fact we were booked into a restaurant called the HOMESTEAD on the second night. There was no mention of this in the itinerary. They booked us a table at 5:30pm. Much earlier than we would normally eat and on arrival at the restaurant, there was no one else there. Some people we befriended came at 7:30pm and they too were the only ones there as we departed. Why we couldn't have eaten at the ICE HOTEL I'll never know! The one excursion we booked here was Snowmobiling. It was generally good apart from the description WEEKEND A LA CARTE provided suggested a stop at a local Sami village to learn something of their culture. This did not happen. The ICE HOTEL is an incredible place. Very magical. And I would highly recommend a room that has sculptures (suites) as the plain rooms are somewhat underwhelming by comparison (and a suite gets you a changing room whereas a normal room only gets you a locker). Take plenty of money with you. Cocktails in the ICE BAR are around £11 each. A beer is around £6.50. Dinner, with a bottle of champagne was £250. Breakfast is included and is plentiful. Upon leaving the ICEHOTEL we had no faith in WEEKEND A LA CARTE's ability to collect us from the hotel, so we took a shuttle bus provided (at a cost) by the hotel. In summary, we were delighted with the TREE HOTEL and the ICE HOTEL. We were thrilled with the husky mushing and pleased with the snowmobiling. However, we were disgusted with WEEKEND A LA CARTE as a travel agent. This was not a budget trip. It was an expensive 4 day break for my wife's 40th birthday and I expected it to be a seamless experience, not one with added unnecessary stress. Would we recommend both Hotels? Absolutely. They should both be on everyone's bucket lists. Would we recommend WEEKEND A LA CARTE? Absolutely Not!”

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Posted 9 years ago

Dear Darrell Thank you for your full debrief on your trip. I am sorry that things were not as planned. I have had a chance to investigate and report back to you: 1. It was our fault that your original transfer did not happen and for this i am truly sorry. I am delighted that our partners stepped in an helped and although you arrived a little late things should have one well from there on in. I had arranged for Thomas Vestin to drop your train tickets in and arrange your transfer to the station on the day of your trip to the Ice Hotel. This he duly did. 2. The problem with your booking at the Tree Hotel was actually not our fault. I have sent you the confirmation of your booking from the TreeHotel and they acknowledge that it was their fault. They are refunding you in full the cost of the night missed in the TreeHotel and not charging you for the pensionat stay. 3. I am delighted that you enjoyed both the Tree Hotel and IceHotel and the activities. In terms of meal times at the IceHotel there are only 2 slots - 6 and 9pm and from experience clients traveling from Lulea to Kiruna on the train are normally very hungry by the time they get to the IceHotel and the early slot works best. In short I think that your holiday was marred by a poor start and once again I am sorry for this. We do take any complaints very seriously and as you suggested we would like to pay or the champagne at the IceHotel for you and will be in touch to sort. Kind regards Kevin Collins

Posted 9 years ago

“The holiday was everything I hoped it would be and more. We saw the Northern Lights three out of the four nights but I have to say I was more impressed with the other activities and the staff who made it such a brilliant experience.We loved the Ice Hotel, the snowmobiling, the food and the dog sledding was just amazing. Many thanks to everyone who made it such a memorable experience, worth every penny!”

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Posted 9 years ago

Dear Diane Thanks for your feedback. I am thrilled you had such a great time and have passed your comments on to the team on the ground Kind regards Kevin

Posted 9 years ago

“We have just returned from our Northern Sweden snow adventure - and what a time we had. Mattarahkka Lodge was perfect - stylish but relaxed and run by wonderful, young staff who made us feel at home and looked after us. The snowmobiling and husky trips were great fun. We were lucky to see the lights on 2 of our 3 nights - which really did take the trip to another level of excitement and enjoyment. We would recommend this trip and A La Carte to all our friends - infact we have been talking non-stop about it to anyone who will listen since our return!!”

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Posted 9 years ago

Dear Sue Thanks for your feedback and I am delighted that despite the Norwegian strike we managed to get you to do your break as planned. I will pass on your nice comments to the team Regards Kevin

Posted 9 years ago

“A fabulous time had. Booked as our honeymoon, the 4 day trip catered for all our requirements, with a mixture of activities, as well as having time to relax. The Mattarahkka Lodge, where we stay, was welcoming, warm and comfortable. The staff were friendly and accommodating and the food was delicious. Our husky dog experience was brilliant and the snowmobile trip was good fun. We enjoyed our visit to the Ice Hotel and biggest thanks to Hakam and Helene who drove us to Abisko on our Aurora Hunt night for us the see the amazing Northern Lights, which was absolutely spectacular. An amazing trip and honeymoon. Cannot fault this trip organised by Weekend a la Carte. Would most definitely recommend to people.”

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Posted 9 years ago

Thank you Christine for the the feedback. I am delighted you had such a good time and saw a spectacular show of the lights. The team at the lodge do go out of their way to ensure people have every chance of seeing the lights and i will pass on your thanks to them Regards Kevin

Posted 9 years ago

“totally enjoyed our trip to Iceland and Swedish Lapland. Everything went as planned and very happy with the overall standard of accomodation and guides. Would certainly recommend Weekend Al la Carte,”

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Posted 9 years ago

Dear Sherrel, I am delighted you had such a good time and thank you for your kind 5 star rating. I have to say its a complicated break combining Sweden and Iceland, but you certainly see and do some amazing things! Regards Abigail

Posted 9 years ago

Dear Sherrel thanks for your feedback and delighted you had such a good time. It was a long way to come from Australia so even more important that things exceeded your expectations. Regards Kevin

Posted 9 years ago

“From start to Finnish we have been looked after by a very professional, knowledgable and curious Kevin, this so makes an enjoyable holiday as nothing too much trouble, even to the point of arranging everything (re-booking flights, booking extra stay in accommodation including meals and arranging comfortable nights stay in hotel) for us when affected by flight cancelation due to pilot strike action. Going the extra mile was well and truly exhausted by the time we got back to Gatwick. Well done and a big Thank You to Kevin.”

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Posted 9 years ago

Dear John Thanks for your feedback and it seems that despite the Norwegian strike you managed to have a fantastic time. I have forwarded your comments to the team but thank you for your very kind words about us. Regards Kevin

Posted 9 years ago

“Very good isn't a high enough ranking! One of the best holidays ever. The Ice Hotel was an amazing experience. And Mattarahkka Lodge was just so wonderful. Miko and the team looked after us brilliantly. Laura and her colleague who took us out with the huskies was friendly, helpful and answered our many questions. Casper who took us out on the snow mobiles was great and encouraging especially as I was a novice. Neither my friend nor I can praise the organisation and the activities highly enough. And the icing on the proverbial cake was seeing the Northern Lights before we came home. Please extend our thanks to everyone involved - a truly amazing experience.”

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Posted 9 years ago

Hi Christine Thank you for the wonderful feedback and i am delighted you had such a great time. Please tell as many of your friends as possible!!! Thanks for traveling with us Regards Kevin

Posted 9 years ago

“THE MOST AMAZING TRIP! We have travelled quite a bit and have to say this is up there with the best. Mattarahkka Lodge was a real home from home. Comfortable, clean, great food and ALL staff could not do enough for us, in fact going out of their way to make our stay even better than expected. Snowmobiles outside the front door - accommodating a last minute request for an extra trip out to what can only be described as heaven on earth. Husky sledding, another great day, and of course the Ice Hotel. Hot tub under the stars and a very hot sauna! The last night being the best as the Northern Lights put on the performance of their life (again the guide staying out for a couple of hours longer than planned to allow for this). Staff at Weekend A La Carte also amazing - it was a real pleasure planning the trip. Norwegian Air went on strike second to last day - unfortunately A La Carte worked so hard they actually got us home only a few hours later than planned - much to everyone's disappointment! HIGHLY recommend this company and this Lodge. Wouldn't hesitate to book again. THANK YOU!”

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Posted 9 years ago

Dear Rob and Wendy Thanks for the wonderful feedback and delighted that your 25tth wedding anniversary bash went of so well. I hope your guests had an equally good time. I have passed on your comments to the team on the ground. If you wish to go back to the Lodge do let me know! Regards and thanks Kevin

Posted 9 years ago

“Very well organised from start to finish the whole trip did everything it said on the tin loved every minute would definitely recommend excellent.”

Helpful Report

Posted 9 years ago

Shipping & Delivery
Delivery Methods	Postal Service
On-time Delivery	Greater than 94%
Customer Service
Communication Channels	Email, Telephone
Queries Resolved In	Under An Hour
Customer Service	4.9 out of 5

Aurora Nights Reviews