The hype
Families love the pool and the new 'WoW' rooms, but everyone complains about the confusing layout and the tired state of the annex buildings.
Scandic Ikaalisten Kylpylä
$120-210/ night
Book this if You want a high-energy, unpretentious Finnish family getaway with a massive pool complex and don't mind a mix of modern and retro vibes.
Why People Love It
- Water Tropic spa is huge and genuinely fun for kids
- Renovated 'WoW' rooms in the main building are actually nice
- Beautiful lakeside location with direct beach access
Quick Take: A legendary 80s spa giant that's half-renovated and half-time-capsule—book the main building or risk sleeping in a museum exhibit.
Reviewed by @bleetary_travels: I stayed in the glass suite at Scandic Ikaalinen and it was the perfect escape. Waking up surrounded by the forest and lake was unforgettable. The private jacuzzi on the terrace made me feel like royalty. Highly recommend for a solo reset or romantic trip.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'Loft' building is frequently described as smelling musty and needing urgent renovation, yet it's still sold to unsuspecting guests.
- You have energetic kids who just want to swim for 6 hours a day
- You enjoy traditional Finnish dance nights (tanssit) and live schlager music
- You are booking a 'Superior' or 'WoW' room in the Main Building
Cleanliness & Maintenance
6.5
- Housekeeping: Daily service is generally reliable in the Main Building, but often skipped or cursory in the annexes.
- Bathroom hygiene: Main building bathrooms are modern and clean. Loft/Terme bathrooms frequently have reports of moldy grout and smells.
- Maintenance: A tale of two hotels: Main building is fresh; annexes have peeling paint, broken fixtures, and worn carpets.
- Linens & towels: Standard industrial hotel quality. Clean but not luxurious.
- Odors & scents: Main lobby smells of chlorine (spa) and food. Annexes often smell musty or 'old'.
Sleepability™
6MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Live dance music from the restaurant (can thump until late)
- Hallway noise and slamming doors due to poor soundproofing
- crying babies in family-heavy wings
Before you book
Good to know
- Breakfast is included in most rates (except 'Budget'), otherwise €15.90/adult
- Parking is free in the large outdoor lot
- Spa access is included from check-in to check-out (no time limit)
What to pack
- Portable fan (rooms get hot in summer)
- Flip-flops (for the long walks between rooms and spa)
- Your own pillow if you're picky (hotel pillows are hit-or-miss)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Main Building 'Superior' or 'WoW' rooms (renovated, AC, elevator access to spa)
- AuroraHut Igloo Boats (for a unique, private lake experience)
Rooms to avoid
- Loft Building (formerly Ikaalia) – 'falling apart', no AC, 300m walk outside
- Terme Building – dated apartments, often musty, 400m walk outside
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am requesting a renovated 'Superior' or 'WoW' room in the Main Building (Maininki). Please ensure I am NOT assigned to the Loft or Terme annexes due to allergy concerns.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is this still a Scandic hotel?
No. Scandic ceased operations in November 2020. It is now privately owned as 'Ikaalinen Spa & Resort'.
Is the Ti-Ti Nalle house still there?
No. The attraction closed in 2018. Do not book expecting to visit the bear family's house.
Is the pool water warm?
Yes, reviews consistently praise the 'Water Tropic' for having genuinely warm water, unlike many other Finnish swimming halls.
Do the rooms have air conditioning?
Most do not. Only specific renovated suites in the Main Building have cooling. The Loft and Terme buildings can be sauna-like in July.
How far are the rooms from the spa?
Main Building rooms are an elevator ride away. Loft and Terme rooms require a 300-400m walk outdoors, which is tough in winter.
Are pets allowed?
Yes, pets are welcome for a fee of €25 per stay, which includes a pet towel.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Budget' room rate often excludes breakfast and spa access—read the fine print carefully.
- ✨
Restaurant Kyrös can get chaotic at peak breakfast times; go before 8:30 AM.
- ✨
There is a microwave available for public use near the reception if you need to heat baby food.
5 things to know before you go
💡The demolition of the old spa wing is ongoing, so some views might be of a construction site.
💡The 'Loft' rooms have a weird layout where the sleeping area is upstairs, which is dangerous for toddlers.
💡You might spot Finnish schlager celebrities at breakfast after a gig.
💡The hotel has a 'beautician' school connection, sometimes offering cheaper treatments.
💡The corridors in the Main Building are incredibly long—ask for a room near the elevator if you have mobility issues.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Scandic Ikaalisten Kylpylä is located and what's nearby.