I put on my boots and warm jacket and ran out of the snow hotel and into the night, where it was snowing beautifully. I ran across the path into the chalet my husband — already aware of my nighttime habits — had booked at a discounted price.
My husband had spoken to reception late in the afternoon, when it was clear that no daytrippers or late arrivals were due that day, and after I had begun to fret about the bathroom situation.
On the hotel's website, one night in a one-bedroom chalet in February is listed at 8,000 Norwegian Krone, or $743. My husband was able to convince the hotel to add this on for an extra $100 instead, as no other guests would be joining that day.
So, I peed in our private bathroom, slid into a real bed, with a real blanket, no dead reindeer or sleeping bag to battle with, and slept contentedly. And, even better, in the morning, I had a coffee while sitting in the window seat of the tiny cabin — it was outfitted with only a bed and two chairs, a coffee-making tray, and a shower room — soaking in the snowy landscape before heading across for breakfast.
Would I do it again? Even at a cheaper price? No.
But that's simply because I need to get up to go to the toilet every night. Otherwise, yes, I would. The sleep was blissful while it lasted. But I'd only do it for one night, then off into the chalet for the next.