Sol Puerto de La Cruz

Bit out of centre; but only c10 mins walk and flat; shops, bars & restaurants nearby too, inc great Tapas place right under hotel. Overlooks sea which is dramatic with breakers; but recommend upper floors for views as between it and sea is municipal outdoor pool and sports ground. Rooms large and clean, basically decorated but everything you need. Bar / lounge area on ground floor and a bit disappointing; large and sparsely furnished with little atmosphere. Pool and sunbathing area smallish but never got busy even though looked like hotel was. Restaurant weirdly in basement; has windows but all you can see is legs of people walking by - food good though with decent choice. Guest quite a mixed nationality wise; tend to be more mature and popular with Spanish. Not to be confused (which my drop-off driver did) with Sol Atlantico; which is more central, modern and I assume pricey.

Needs to be rated a 3 star. Firstly. We got to the airport our transfer was sat there waiting for us and we were happy, the bus driver then came up to us and said 'full bus' and then drove off and never told us when the next transfer was arriving. So that put us back 2 hours. Fuming!! Secondly, hotel - the rooms were very outdated and shower was useless! We went to have food and we had to pay for our own drinks which you would expect to have included with your food. Location wise wasn't really for us, if you're elderly and want a chilled holiday then it's perfect, we like to venture and have things to do but that didn't! Food was average the breakfast was the best part. But evening meal was pointless. Staff rude and arrogant, the lady at reception was very welcoming though.

I do not usually write reviews but I really think it is necessary in this case. Firstly the so called 4* is definitely a 3*. The 'restaurant', although more like a canteen, had white plastic furniture, white plain walls. No atmosphere at all. The food was luke warm in the main, although a good choice. The layout of the crockery was inconsiderate and fairly often they ran out of certain items, although did eventually replace them. The bedroom again had no pictures on the white walls, no atmosphere, nor a full length mirror (which is always useful). The room facilities were basic, not what I have usually got with 4*, no fridge, around £17 a week for the use of their in room safe, no niceties such as tissues, shower cap, body lotion, paper and pen, kettle or complimentary tray. The balcony was on their timer which did not suit when I wanted to go out and read my book etc. Their huge entertainment/bar/lounge area again had no atmosphere and often I could not find a seat, as they were quite sparse, and occupied by families. Again no atmosphere, although they had singers every night, but there was no area for a quiet read. I also did not realise between the sea and the hotel was a football pitch and main swimming baths, so not as quiet was one might hope. It was a disappointment, luckily Puerto De La Cruz itself is very pretty.

Nice hotel. Good selection for breakfast, rooms were clean, swimming pool was nice and bar service was good. Our room did not have any facilities like an iron or tea/coffee making facilities and the car park if you rent a car is very small. Apart from this the hotel and staff were really nice. The hotel is also located only a 10 minute walk from the main square and a few minutes walk to Playa Jardin. I would stay at this hotel again.