This is one of the very best places I've stayed at! The service here is extraordinary, and the…read morestaff go out of their way to make your stay special. I can't possibly explain all they have to offer, but I would encourage anyone to visit their website for a more thorough list. If you are looking for a special place to take that special someone, this is it! Here are some of the highlights from our stay:
Getting here is super easy to do, from private car, taxi, or bus. We arrived on the island and took the 343 bus from the airport (TFN). The bus was super clean and reasonably priced (less than 10€ for two!).
When we arrived, check-in was easy. They gave us fresh juice and were given a quick tour of the main dining areas and spa. Then, they showed us to our room and gave us a rundown of how things operated (light switches, mini-bar, TV, safe). Our room was fully stocked with everything imaginable. They even had slippers and oversized robes for guests to use for the spa.
The grounds are a work of art (see pictures). Peaceful walkways, pools, fountains, flowers, wild birds and butterflies abound. This seems like an oasis within the busy tourist area of the Puerto de la Cruz. There is a poolside restaurant with waiters to tend to your every need.
For restaurants, they have three main offerings: The Oriental is their top dining selection, offering exquisite Thai cuisine (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays). Other dinner options include La Parrilla as their Spanish restaurant and Il Pappagallo for traditional Italian fare. For breakfast and lunch, their main floor restaurant and poolside area offer an incredible buffet and special order items. My wife and I were only disappointed that we weren't staying more days!
The spa is what truly makes this hotel a premier destination. There are special pools, exercise rooms, yoga and Thai chi rooms, saunas (many types - Turkish, Japanese), jacuzzi tubs, an ice room, water beds, and other items to help one relax and rejuvenate. My wife and I did the 'Experience for two' in their Private Dragon spa bath. This was a special treat for two and a half hours, and felt great after climbing up/down Gibraltar and wandering Sevilla with bags of stuff.
There are sports courts here as well, but since I'm not a sports guy, I'll leave that to others to review.
The staff here are great, and they will help you book reservations at local restaurants in advance if you want to venture out. They also have a courtesy bus that takes guests up/down the hillside regularly throughout the day, so you don't have to hike up and down from the hotel. If the bus doesn't work, they always have taxis standing by to wisk you away to wherever you want to go.
I would highly recommend Hotel Botanico for anyone who wants to get away from the routine and spoil themselves for awhile.
