Columbus Aparthotel

We recently came back from Tenerife where we stayed in Columbus aparthotel. However, two days before we left for our flight to Tenerife we had an apartment alteration where we were moved to Columbus. We looked up the apartment and thought of it as very modern and well equipped.
On arrival to the apartment, we checked in with no problems; rooms were clean and we had a good floor choice as requested. However, as we were half board we had our breakfast and tea within the restaurant where the food was appalling! Each night the food was repetitive, meat wasn’t cooked inside and there wasn’t much to cater for anyone. Staff in the restaurant were rude and couldn’t speak much English in which they couldn’t help with anything. Despite paying for half board we missed out on two evening meals as we came in late on the Friday and we were told we weren’t entitled to any food the night we went home, in which I thought was disgraceful (even thought I'd rather not eat the food).
Towards mid week, in our apartment we found a cockroach on the balcony despite being on the 5th floor! We thought it was just a one off. However within the next couple of days we had seen at least 6 in just our apartment alone. We did complain in which the cleaners sprayed the room to kill any that came in, however it amused them that this was a problem we had. Although they did act quickly we still continued to find them and in our opinion on the 5th floor that isn’t good enough!
I wouldn’t go to the Columbus aparthotel again but facilities within the apartment were excellent, there were many bars and drink was cheap. We were very impressed with what activities they had to offer just a shame staff were rude and unhelpful.

Hi all just returned from my holiday at the Columbus apartments in Tenerife. After reading some of the reviews I was really worried about staying in these apartments, however my worries were ungrounded.
We arrived at the apartments at about 9.30pm and checked into our room about 10 minutes later. The check in was very quick and staff were very friendly and helpful. The rooms although basic were very clean and had all of the necessary amenities for a self catering holiday. The rooms remained clean throughout our stay as the maids cleaned the rooms and provided clean linen and towels every day. The pool was also always clean and was a fairly decent size. The only complaint we had was that it was nearly always impossible to obtain a sun lounger by the pool as the early morning risers always beat us to it. This wouldn’t have been so bad if when people left the complex they didn’t reserve the sun loungers by leaving there towels on then for the remainder of the day. However, although this was annoying the complex also has sun loungers scattered around the grounds of the complex and on the roof so you could sunbath on site if you wanted to. However, my friends and I preferred to go to the beach at Los Cristianos which was only a 15 minute walk away.
The complex is in the centre of playa de Las Americas, therefore is close to both the beaches and the nightlife (veronicas strip is a 10 minute walk away, not too far to walk for a good night out, but far enough away for those who like to get some sleep on a night). The complex is also surrounded by a number of supermarkets, bars and restaurants. We found that it was very cheap to eat out in Tenerife, however be warned that if you want to go our and drink regularly at the bars and clubs on veronicas strip this can be costly. We found that both the Columbus apartments and Tenerife in general, has something for everyone. If you don’t want to go to veronicas strip there are a number of small bars in close proximity to the Columbus apartments which provide live music and entertainment for both singles and families alike. Unlike at the bars on veronicas strip where a drink will cost you 6-7 euros, a drink at these bars will cost you 2-4 euros depending on what you are drinking. The complex is also only a 15 minute bus journey from the aqua park (which is brilliant, although be warned they use salt water) and a 25 minute bus journey from the jungle park, so is in an ideal location for families wishing to take there children out for the day.
The only thing I would say to avoid if staying at these apartments is the reps that will try and sell you either their excursions or a 'green banana card'. Although my friends and I did not go on the reps excursions we did buy a green banana card which he assured us would enable us to buy drinks at the bars on veronicas strip for 3 euros at most of the bars, however although we paid 20 euros for the card it actually only saved us 1 euro whilst on the holiday, giving us a total loss of 19 euros. We found that although the drinks at veronicas strip cost 6-7 euros, to get you into their bars the PR's would give you a buy 1 get 1 free ticket (as well as a free shot) anyway.
Overall, we had a brilliant holiday and would recommend the Columbus apartments to anyone.
P.s a number of people have commented that the Columbus apartments are noisy, however my friends and I didn't find this to be the case. This complex is not an 18-30's hotel but caters for everyone.

Hotel was nice, big and clean. Maids cleaned room everyday, sheets and towels changed every other day. Only problem was that the bathroom was very dated and a bit dingy. Not really a problem as didn’t spend much of our week in there!
Pool was nice and big, separated in half by a bridge, one side allowed inflatable one not which I thought was good. Lifeguard there everyday from 10-6, very friendly, plays with the kids, sharing sweets etc!
For breakfast in the resort we preferred the chieftain just around the corner from the hotel, and we found that the netto just above it was the best value for shopping.
Beach is about a 10-15minutes walk from hotel, not too bad if you are planning on spending a bit of time there, taxi there would only be a couple of euros.
We do not recommend Decades, we were really disappointed and left early via the back door! Not what you would expect at all, teenagers on the stage pouring pints over there heads, fun!!!
Also, we felt it wasn't really worth going on the train tour of las Americas, cost 7euros each only to go down the same roads a few times, and even ended up on the motorway for a little while, very Smokey, much nicer to have a walk and explore it for you.
We feel the resort and hotel is suitable for families in September, however it may be a bit livelier in July/August, kiddie’s pool etc, and lots of restaurants in las Americas to cater for even the fussiest eater!
All in all thoroughly enjoyed our holiday, don’t know if we were impressed enough to return to Tenerife though, very English resort for somewhere abroad.

All I can say is families keep away from the hotel Columbus we arrived after a flight full off 18 to 30 then all the way on the bus constant noise and swearing.
I thought they cant be going to the same hotel as us but I was wrong they were we had six nights with no sleep after constant noise doors being kicked in and music playing all night long after constant complaints we asked to be moved the rep said it would cost us 500 to move hotels witch we could not afford or 200 to move to a superior room so we took that option.
We filled in a complaints form and sent it to Thompson there advisor said they have no control who they send to there hotels. So why do they say in the brochure that this hotel is good for families and couples when they mainly cater for 18 to 30 so families watch out.
So I would like to thank Thompson for ruining my holiday I saved up for all year. It is a shame because the staff and the hotel were very nice also the resort was good eating out also very good. What a shame Thompson can’t get there act together.

This is the second time we have stayed at the Columbus in October 05 and May/June 06. Well were do we start excellent accommodation lots going on most evenings Very good shows, friendly atmosphere. Activities in the day were good, very clean apartments , friendly and excellent maid service.
Rooms were cleaned far more than what was stated in the brochure. Suitable for families or groups, not far to walk to "Veronica's", lots of duty-free shops and supermarkets. The Columbus is far enough away from the really loud music but is within easy reach of it if that’s what you want. Overall Fantastic Holidays both times. Options of half board in the hotels restaurant or eating out. ( Try LA BOCA) excellent Sunday dinners!
But too many good places to eat out you are spoilt for choice. Hotel's lifeguard was very friendly and joined in with most of the fun. Will be going back there again. If you are considering going to Las Americas and are not sure where to go you should give the Columbus a try.

My week in Tenerife was unexpected, but I had a great time. My friend and I both in our 40s stayed at Columbus apartments. Luckily we were over the bridge in the block away from the main road, I would have hated to be in the block next to road. Also we were on the top floor so no noise from above. We ate out so never used the cooking equipment, room was basic but ok.
Receptionist who checked us in was very abrupt we were told at 9 at night we had to go back after 11pm for a safety deposit box, we wanted to drop our cases and head out, not wait for safety deposit box.
Tenerife itself is very expensive, I’m used to Benidorm where alcohol is cheaper than at home, not somewhere more expensive.
Don’t go to Decades night out, its a rip off and a joke, the bar staff disappear so you cant get as much free drink as you want, also they try to get you doing games to drinking time, it was a waste of money, my most sober night out.
Do go on a boat to see the dolphins and the whales, it was breathtaking.

The hotel itself is nice, if a little basic. The main thing is that it is always spotless with maid service every day and towels changed every other day.
One word of warning DO NOT GO ALL INCLUSIVE. The brochure says there are four bars and a few restaurants including a pool side bar for snacks. The only place your all inclusive band works is in one bar and one restaurant and the bar is only open at certain times of the day and serves the most basic choice of beverages.
The restaurant where you can get your meals also do a pay-as-you-go option where you can pay 5 euros for the breakfast buffet and 10 euros for the evening buffet, so all inclusive is pointless.
The staff were very disappointing. They all spoke barely any English and if you asked them something and they didn’t understand they simply walked away from you and dealt with someone else - this is the same at both the reception area (where you change money and arrange trips!) and at the one all inclusive bar.
All in all a good holiday. Like I said, the hotel was spotless, the pool areas were nice, the buffet meals were tasty, and the trips were well worth it.
If you fancy pampering yourself for a few hours you should try the thermal spa in Costa Adeje - only a few pounds in a taxi fare to get there and it is the most fabulous experience ever!

I went to the Columbus is July 04 with my boyfriend for a 2 week self catering stay.
The apartments are in a perfect location in the heart of Las Americas with shops bars on your doorstep. We were situated about 10 mins away from veronicas ( the busy part with clubs ) which for me was a good thing, thought it was too noisy and really dirty - reminded me of Blackpool.
Else where in the resorts there were lots of good restaurants pubs and clubs and there is a nice shopping centre too. The water park was excellent! We did the Teide mountain trip but I thought it was too expensive for what it was.
The apartments were ideal for us, basic but comfortable - lively during the day but you could still get a good nights sleep!

We booked window seats and ended up BOTH WAYS sitting at the back in the middle of the plane we made sure we booked window seats because it was my boy friends first time flying and our first holiday together.
When we complained we were told they had no knowledge of our pre booked seats so my boyfriends first flight on a plane was ruined he was really looking forward to looking out the window instead we spent both flights looking at the back of someone’s head.
When we arrived at Columbus we were told our room was on the 2nd floor we had booked a top floor apartment. The booking in staff were rude and very unhelpful. We got to the apartment on the second floor to find DEAD cockroaches in the bathroom under our upturned tooth brush glass! We called the maid she came removed the cockroaches and PUT OUR TOOTHBRUSHES IN THE SAME GLASS!!!!
On inspection of the cooking equipment the toaster was melted and the hob didn’t work and we were self catering!. When we went out to get away from the hotel we were accosted loads of times by reps for time shares they don’t take no for an answer this happened everyday in the end we ended up going to loads just so they would leave us alone. By the 5th day of our 10 day holiday we both wanted to go home they had ruined our first holiday together.
One evening we decided to stay at the hotel we went to the bar and the barman short changed us by 20 euros we had to wait till the next evening to get our money back and they never apologised. On our last night we thought we would try out the entertainment at Columbus he was meant to be a hypnotist guess what he didn’t show up instead we had some wanna be x factor contestant who I’m not surprised didn’t get any where on the x factor.
The main reason me and my boyfriend decided to go away together was because i had just been through a messy separation and I needed to get away and get my head together Thomas cook and Columbus ruined our first holiday and my boyfriends first ever time flying. I came back more depressed than when I went. So anyone that wants a descent holiday DONT go with Thomas Cook and DONT go to the Columbus hotel in TENERIFFE.

Had an excellent holiday, the hotel was lovely, well maintained and looked after, cleaners around 24/7. If we had any problems it was dealt with straight away, the staff are very kind and easy to get along with and can have a laugh with them.
Rooms were very nice and ideal for a couple, we enjoyed ourselves so much were going back in December again for 2 wks.
Keep up the good work!!!! And if your thinking of going, book it now cause u wont be disappointed!!!!