The Ritz Carlton Abama

The hotel setting is very smart and all areas are of a high standard. However there are aspects that mar it as a 5 star experience. The restaurants need to be booked in advance (do it before you go!) and the times of the restaurants are difficult with young children, especially around 5-6pm, so we ended up just ordering pizza to the room for our grandchildren, sometimes with a long wait as gain you have to book a time. The rooms are nice but there are hardly any hand rails on the many outdoor steps, including up to breakfast, so very unsuitable if you need to use a walking stick or are generally a bit unsteady. The breakfasts are great but it gets very noisy and busy. However you can request the quiet area (which at other times is the Italian restaurant). The main pool is very good for families but the children's club area is a bit dingy. My son and daughter and two small children did not get off to a good start with the prebooked 'executive car' from the airport which simply left, telling the hotel they were a no-show when everyone knew the chaos and delays with passport control. They rang us to speak to the hotel (as we were already there in advance), but the somewhat unsympathetic receptionist simply said it was not hotel's fault as the car service was a third party company! She could not get another car or taxi so and in the end they had to hire a car and drive to the hotel at 9 o'clock at night. SIx months earlier as a family (grandparents, parents and two chidlren age 5 and 2) we stayed at the nearby Melia Gran Palacio de Isora (Red Level) and all in all that was a far superior experience in every way, expecially in respect of generous lounge facilities (with snacks) for children and families during the day, plus far more flexible options for meals. Kids acitvities were infinitely better too.

We come and stay in Tenerife a couple of times a year, usually at the Villas at Bahia Del Duque or Royal River Hotel. As Marriott members, we considered staying here and arrived to look at the hotel and grounds. As people who spend around 1000-1500 pounds a night, we thought it worth checking out before booking because of the many negative reviews.

Once we arrived, the man at the gate asked us what we want, with no hello or friendly acknowledgement, and we began to explain and there was silence from him. Even after we stopped speaking waiting for his response. He was just blank faced and silent. We awkwardly explained further. And he said ‘I don’t speak English’. We tried again in simpler language and he rudely rolled his eyes and said parking only for guests. Fair enough. So we asked if there’s anywhere we can park outside, and he said ‘always full’. Rolled his eyes again.

Glad we tried visiting before giving our money, which they will now never get. Seems the negative reviews are the ones to take heed of.

We have just returned from a week at the Abama. After our last stay, where a puddle of vomit was deposited outside our room (not by us) and housekeeping failed to clean for the duration of our stay, this was not a simple decision, but felt that with change of management and time, things may have improved.

The positive - the location and views throughout the hotel are absolutely stunning. If the view is your sole goal, you will have a perfect holiday. However, that is the sole highlight

In no specific order of horror;

1. Bedrooms are kept at 26c, with no way to go lower. For those used to tropical rainforests, you will be fine, but for many others, this is not tolerable. The guys in the room opposite experienced the same - uncomfortable nights and zero sleep
2. The route down to the beach is an adventure, but not a good one. The monorail was closed for repair, and the stairs should have been. Loose and uneven steps all the way down - an accident almost every day
3. The familiar line of I would complain about the service but there wasn't any applies. At the pool, no service, towels, drinks, anything. Same poor service throughout
4. The food, other reviews flag it is poor quality and hugely expensive. Absolutely right. Fresh fruit for breakfast was fresh once, but as pre-made the prior day was tired and sad (much like myself after zero sleep). Other meals were little better - for example scrambled eggs were clearly reconstituted and GREY
5. The reason for going was to play golf, but repeatedly had to wait 30mins plus for the courtesy shuttle was standard (even when pre-arranged)

My learning - first impressions should be trusted and Tenerife is such a beautiful island, and this hotel showcases that perfectly - but good looks can only take you so far