Playa La Arena Hotel, Playa De La Arena, Canary Islands
Hotel Information
Recent Price: £123
Hotel Class:



Hotel Description:
Situated on the picturesque coast of Santiago del Teide, with its favourable year round climate, the Playa la Arena enjoys a prime position. Guests can appreciate the excellent views of the black volcanic beach of Playa de la Arena, as well as the spectacular sheer cliffs of Los Gigantes rising some 1600 ft from the ocean. loading...
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Playa La Arena Hotel Reviews
" I thought the hotel was fantastic.The... "
Submitted By: Mr R.D Donovan
I thought the hotel was fantastic.The water slide was unreal and at happy hour I got drunk.I had 18 pints of Budwiser.The restraunt was brilliant,the food was lovely.The entertainment was brilliant.It was fantastic.The rooms were very comfortble.I kept singing in the shower.My dog was not allowed in the hotel.
" Hotel spotlessly clean throughout.... "
Submitted By: Mr I Saxton
Hotel spotlessly clean throughout. Arrival at Reception proved unfriendly and unhelpful staff were offhand.
I know we arrived at 10.30 on a Sunday night but there was no offer of assistance with baggage or offer of a refreshing drink. We found the food good here and drinks not overpriced.
Particularly liked the Piano Bar, featuring excellent pianists who will play your favourite pieces if you ask them. One big big problem for us was the number of children staying here. We deliberately left a 2 week gap between our holiday date and the end of half term, but an horrific number of families don't seem to care enough about their offspring's education and all of them seemed to be at this hotel.
The pool area was a no-go area if you wanted peace and quiet and a pool not tainted with urine. It was absolutely jam packed full of unruly kids who seemed to spend all day screaming at each other.
Overall a nice hotel with pleasant grounds but ruined by too many children. I'd recommend it for families with unruly kids and for adults who give school holiday dates a very wide berth, allow at least 2 to 3 weeks before and after break up otherwise you'll find yourself in the same boat we were in, not pleasant.
I know we arrived at 10.30 on a Sunday night but there was no offer of assistance with baggage or offer of a refreshing drink. We found the food good here and drinks not overpriced.
Particularly liked the Piano Bar, featuring excellent pianists who will play your favourite pieces if you ask them. One big big problem for us was the number of children staying here. We deliberately left a 2 week gap between our holiday date and the end of half term, but an horrific number of families don't seem to care enough about their offspring's education and all of them seemed to be at this hotel.
The pool area was a no-go area if you wanted peace and quiet and a pool not tainted with urine. It was absolutely jam packed full of unruly kids who seemed to spend all day screaming at each other.
Overall a nice hotel with pleasant grounds but ruined by too many children. I'd recommend it for families with unruly kids and for adults who give school holiday dates a very wide berth, allow at least 2 to 3 weeks before and after break up otherwise you'll find yourself in the same boat we were in, not pleasant.
" A wonderful hotel which merits all of... "
Submitted By: Mr G Armstrong
A wonderful hotel which merits all of the positive comments above. My wife and I agree that this is the best hotel we have ever stayed in on a package tour. The staff were consistently courteous and helpful and all areas were maintained and cleaned to the highest standards. Food was excellent and the choice was extensive.
There was only one small negative in the whole stay, this was the high charge levied on ice from the bar when you take it to your room, 6 euros for two large containers of ice (the majority of which has to be thrown away because it is impossible to keep it from melting in the small drinks cabinet provided) when all that is required is a couple of cubes for a G&T on your balcony seems a little excessive, it is also the amount you pay when ordering ice from room service but charging this when you are picking it up yourself seems to be extortionate.
This is particularly irritating when compared to the generosity of the staff in all other areas of the activities and facilities of the hotel. This small gripe aside I would recommend this hotel to anyone and will certainly be returning.
There was only one small negative in the whole stay, this was the high charge levied on ice from the bar when you take it to your room, 6 euros for two large containers of ice (the majority of which has to be thrown away because it is impossible to keep it from melting in the small drinks cabinet provided) when all that is required is a couple of cubes for a G&T on your balcony seems a little excessive, it is also the amount you pay when ordering ice from room service but charging this when you are picking it up yourself seems to be extortionate.
This is particularly irritating when compared to the generosity of the staff in all other areas of the activities and facilities of the hotel. This small gripe aside I would recommend this hotel to anyone and will certainly be returning.
" My wife and I had previously stayed... "
Submitted By: Mr J Bone
My wife and I had previously stayed at this hotel when it was only 6 months old.
We had been so impressed at that time that we promised to return, and did so to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary.
We were a bit apprehensive, as we have, in the past, been disappointed with hotels that were very good on a first visit but had changed so much on future return visits, but I am pleased to say that this was not the case at this hotel.
The hotel had improved with age. The plants inside and out have grown and have added to the feeling of a place that is well kept and appreciated by all who visit and work there.
The fabric of the hotel and grounds are in superb condition and in fact I rate this as one of the cleanest best maintained establishments I have ever stayed at.
The feeling within the hotel is one of total relaxation. The staff are exceedingly helpful.
The amenities are excellent for all ages, such as water aerobics, archery, rifle shooting, mini golf (very difficult course), tennis, water flume, free poolside towels, more than enough loungers to go round, and there is even a giant sized outside chess board build into the floor outside the conference centre.
There are several large outside patio seating areas with comfortable seats, tables etc to just laze away your day should you wish.
The one at the front of the conference area is magnificent with views across the water to La Gomera, but be careful all areas are sun traps.
The restaurant is self service which is perfect as you can eat what you like and as much as you like. I don’t care what your preference in food is, if you cannot find something from the vast selection of food on offer, and then you are too fussy.
Again the dining area is to the same high standard of cleanliness, and the staff as usual only too happy to help.
The poolside eating area also affords a wide choice of foods at a very reasonable cost.
The bedrooms (we were staying this time in a superior room) are very well kitted out. We had 2 showers, and a bath, this was a first. The beds were very comfortable, and again they were spotless.
Carpeted floors outside the rooms ensure that you will not be annoyed with the clatter of people walking past early hours. The balcony had a table and chairs, and the views were terrific, also this was a great place to wind down at night before going to down for dinner.
The town itself is ideal, no touts, noisy motor bikes, loud mouthed youths, or drunks, just a quiet friendly place to be. You can walk into Santiago or Los Gigantes which are similar and both worth a visit. I would recommend this at night after dinner as it is very relaxing and safe to do so.
All in all the hotel Arena is the ideal place to holiday if you want to be spoiled, get the sun, be catered to by very pleasant and helpful people, be in a place that is immaculate in every way, and this includes the towns.
However if you want to have a wild time, keep away and go somewhere else as I would like this area to remain as it is "A little piece of heaven".
There is a lot of construction work going on the hillsides to the rear of the towns, so I hope they don’t make the area into another Las Americas, as to do so would be a crime.
We had been so impressed at that time that we promised to return, and did so to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary.
We were a bit apprehensive, as we have, in the past, been disappointed with hotels that were very good on a first visit but had changed so much on future return visits, but I am pleased to say that this was not the case at this hotel.
The hotel had improved with age. The plants inside and out have grown and have added to the feeling of a place that is well kept and appreciated by all who visit and work there.
The fabric of the hotel and grounds are in superb condition and in fact I rate this as one of the cleanest best maintained establishments I have ever stayed at.
The feeling within the hotel is one of total relaxation. The staff are exceedingly helpful.
The amenities are excellent for all ages, such as water aerobics, archery, rifle shooting, mini golf (very difficult course), tennis, water flume, free poolside towels, more than enough loungers to go round, and there is even a giant sized outside chess board build into the floor outside the conference centre.
There are several large outside patio seating areas with comfortable seats, tables etc to just laze away your day should you wish.
The one at the front of the conference area is magnificent with views across the water to La Gomera, but be careful all areas are sun traps.
The restaurant is self service which is perfect as you can eat what you like and as much as you like. I don’t care what your preference in food is, if you cannot find something from the vast selection of food on offer, and then you are too fussy.
Again the dining area is to the same high standard of cleanliness, and the staff as usual only too happy to help.
The poolside eating area also affords a wide choice of foods at a very reasonable cost.
The bedrooms (we were staying this time in a superior room) are very well kitted out. We had 2 showers, and a bath, this was a first. The beds were very comfortable, and again they were spotless.
Carpeted floors outside the rooms ensure that you will not be annoyed with the clatter of people walking past early hours. The balcony had a table and chairs, and the views were terrific, also this was a great place to wind down at night before going to down for dinner.
The town itself is ideal, no touts, noisy motor bikes, loud mouthed youths, or drunks, just a quiet friendly place to be. You can walk into Santiago or Los Gigantes which are similar and both worth a visit. I would recommend this at night after dinner as it is very relaxing and safe to do so.
All in all the hotel Arena is the ideal place to holiday if you want to be spoiled, get the sun, be catered to by very pleasant and helpful people, be in a place that is immaculate in every way, and this includes the towns.
However if you want to have a wild time, keep away and go somewhere else as I would like this area to remain as it is "A little piece of heaven".
There is a lot of construction work going on the hillsides to the rear of the towns, so I hope they don’t make the area into another Las Americas, as to do so would be a crime.
" First impressions
... "
First impressions
Arriving at this hotel you walk into a vast reception area which has such an air of opulence and lavishness, it takes your breath away and you wonder if you have been dropped off at the right hotel, particularly as it is often part of a package deal. Being a relatively new hotel, the design is contemporary but with an elegance not normally found in modern buildings and you immediately know this hotel, adorned with lush hanging vegetation, is somewhat special. Efficient and helpful reception staff provide a warm welcome and you think to yourself “ I am going to really enjoy my stay here” as you walk across the vast expanse of marble floor to enter one of the glass fronted lifts en route to your allocated accommodation.
Rooms/accommodation.
Upon entering the room, you immediately notice the quality furnishings/ fittings plus the spacious and spotlessly clean bathroom which sports not only a bidet, but a separate bath and shower too. You then focus on the huge bed (7 foot) in the centre of the room before checking out the private balcony at the far end of the accommodation. The room is already cool and the air conditioning system really does work so very well and is silent running so you know you are going to get a good nights sleep at the end of the day. On a slightly negative note though, the comfortable bed is in fact two separate divans butted together with individual bed linen and made up accordingly, which is perhaps not how the British public prefer their sleeping arrangements. They also have a tendency to move apart on the tiled floor, so perhaps some simple Velcro strips would fix that (management take note!). Sound insulation is also good and the carpeted hallways add to the serenity, so peace and quiet in the room is assured. You will see also that the balconies without the pool view will in any event, afford you a good view of the sea as well as looking out on the old town particularly from the higher floors. All in all, you will be more than pleased with the high standard, outlook and cleanliness of the accommodation.
Pool area.
After unpacking, exploration of the facilities is a must and you pass through the lower level of the reception area which is adorned with shrubbery, fountains ,pools and flat wooden bridges, all that is missing here are koi carp. You then head towards the immaculately manicured and tiered gardens which are filled with sub tropical plants which make you feel you are in the Caribbean. The curved swimming pools look so very inviting and you reflect once more that an awful lot of time and thought has gone into the design of this complex. Moving on, the gardens descend down towards the sea and as you follow the winding path (lifts are also available) you come across the most amazing waterfall which would not be out of place in Disneyland, it is that special. A security gate then lets you out onto the road adjacent to the beach and this keeps the whole area safe and secure so that it can only be enjoyed by guests staying at the hotel. Standing outside you will always notice that resort visitors passing by often look in amazement at what they are missing by not staying at this facility and you might then feel rather smug that you made such a good choice.
Now sun beds are always a consideration at holiday hotels, however the need to be Germanic and lay down towels at an ungodly hour is not necessary here as comfortable sun beds are always available and are not laid out in regimented rows due to the overall design of the area. The poolside bar/restaurant compliments the surroundings perfectly and although we did not dine there, the lunchtime menu always looked appetising. It should also be mentioned that the toilets which cater for the poolside area are always dry and spotlessly clean which is a welcome change from many a hotel we have stayed at.
Food/dining experience
We had previously read one or two reports suggesting the dining room was akin to a canteen, although when you have to cater for so many hundreds of people, it is surely impossible to get a particularly intimate atmosphere under such circumstances and we certainly felt more than comfortable at all times in this environment.
From our point of view, we can offer nothing but praise for the whole experience, the dining area was forever clean, tidy and well organised, with waiters/waitresses always attentive and eager to clear away dirty crockery; the dining itself was first class.
The food was varied, plentiful, expertly prepared/presented and the show cooking was the icing on the cake, particularly fillet steak which was on the menu twice a week and would put many a restaurant to shame with the quality of the cuts. Needless to say unless you are on a strict diet regime, the pounds will certainly pile on if you opt to try so many items from the huge variety on offer.
Entertainment
To be brutally honest, for us this was the only area where we were a little disappointed as in our view, the entertainment was a little below par. The music hall is exceptionally well appointed though and you could also sit out on the adjacent open plan patio watching the acts, however, the shows were often poorly attended which suggests our views were reflected by many of the hotel guests. There is also a piano bar which has a somewhat sophisticated air about it; the pianist provides the relaxation which makes for an ideal atmosphere for chat amongst friends and family. The bar itself reminds us of the film cocktail but we never saw Tom Cruise serving drinks whilst we were there.
We should perhaps point out that the local area is very quiet but with a distinctly Spanish flavour and there are few bars to enjoy alternative entertainment, some of which may shut early unless sufficiently patronized. Also if you have teenage children then this is perhaps a no go hotel as it really only caters for older guests or those with young children, so they may get bored quickly and that could spoil your overall enjoyment. Similarly, if you like to party into the wee small hours then this will not be the place for you.
Local area
The hotel is situated in what is not much more than a village location so do not expect too much in terms of local activities, it is also somewhat hilly so may not suit people who have mobility problems. The black volcanic sand beach just across the road is relatively small but never seemed to be too crowded so perhaps most visitors to the area are happy with lounging around hotel or villa pools.
On the plus side though, there is a complete absence of time share/holiday club touts and that for us was sheer bliss as they can often spoil your quality time in the sun with their constant harassment.
Comparisons
Having spent last years vacation at the Vulcano ( a sister hotel), we guess it is natural to make comparisons, but there is little to choose between them as they both provide the same very high standards in terms of food, room comfort, cleanliness and general “feel good” factor. Hotel Playa la Arena will more suit those requiring total relaxation, whilst the Volcano’s location provides plenty of nearby alternative evening entertainment, due to its relative proximity to Las Americas and the nearby strip of bars, some of which provide live music.
Conclusion
A most beautiful and immaculately kept hotel, which is a credit to both its owners and the management/staff who keep it that way. It exudes a warm ambience coupled with a cosmopolitan feel due to its popularity with the indigenous population and provides a relaxing and tranquil holiday for those who do not want the “ in your face” attitude that Las Americas conveys and delivers. We only wish Spring Hotels would expand into mainland Spain and the Balearics as we would then never need to consider looking elsewhere in the future.
Needless to say in true Arnie fashion, “I’ll be back”.
Arriving at this hotel you walk into a vast reception area which has such an air of opulence and lavishness, it takes your breath away and you wonder if you have been dropped off at the right hotel, particularly as it is often part of a package deal. Being a relatively new hotel, the design is contemporary but with an elegance not normally found in modern buildings and you immediately know this hotel, adorned with lush hanging vegetation, is somewhat special. Efficient and helpful reception staff provide a warm welcome and you think to yourself “ I am going to really enjoy my stay here” as you walk across the vast expanse of marble floor to enter one of the glass fronted lifts en route to your allocated accommodation.
Rooms/accommodation.
Upon entering the room, you immediately notice the quality furnishings/ fittings plus the spacious and spotlessly clean bathroom which sports not only a bidet, but a separate bath and shower too. You then focus on the huge bed (7 foot) in the centre of the room before checking out the private balcony at the far end of the accommodation. The room is already cool and the air conditioning system really does work so very well and is silent running so you know you are going to get a good nights sleep at the end of the day. On a slightly negative note though, the comfortable bed is in fact two separate divans butted together with individual bed linen and made up accordingly, which is perhaps not how the British public prefer their sleeping arrangements. They also have a tendency to move apart on the tiled floor, so perhaps some simple Velcro strips would fix that (management take note!). Sound insulation is also good and the carpeted hallways add to the serenity, so peace and quiet in the room is assured. You will see also that the balconies without the pool view will in any event, afford you a good view of the sea as well as looking out on the old town particularly from the higher floors. All in all, you will be more than pleased with the high standard, outlook and cleanliness of the accommodation.
Pool area.
After unpacking, exploration of the facilities is a must and you pass through the lower level of the reception area which is adorned with shrubbery, fountains ,pools and flat wooden bridges, all that is missing here are koi carp. You then head towards the immaculately manicured and tiered gardens which are filled with sub tropical plants which make you feel you are in the Caribbean. The curved swimming pools look so very inviting and you reflect once more that an awful lot of time and thought has gone into the design of this complex. Moving on, the gardens descend down towards the sea and as you follow the winding path (lifts are also available) you come across the most amazing waterfall which would not be out of place in Disneyland, it is that special. A security gate then lets you out onto the road adjacent to the beach and this keeps the whole area safe and secure so that it can only be enjoyed by guests staying at the hotel. Standing outside you will always notice that resort visitors passing by often look in amazement at what they are missing by not staying at this facility and you might then feel rather smug that you made such a good choice.
Now sun beds are always a consideration at holiday hotels, however the need to be Germanic and lay down towels at an ungodly hour is not necessary here as comfortable sun beds are always available and are not laid out in regimented rows due to the overall design of the area. The poolside bar/restaurant compliments the surroundings perfectly and although we did not dine there, the lunchtime menu always looked appetising. It should also be mentioned that the toilets which cater for the poolside area are always dry and spotlessly clean which is a welcome change from many a hotel we have stayed at.
Food/dining experience
We had previously read one or two reports suggesting the dining room was akin to a canteen, although when you have to cater for so many hundreds of people, it is surely impossible to get a particularly intimate atmosphere under such circumstances and we certainly felt more than comfortable at all times in this environment.
From our point of view, we can offer nothing but praise for the whole experience, the dining area was forever clean, tidy and well organised, with waiters/waitresses always attentive and eager to clear away dirty crockery; the dining itself was first class.
The food was varied, plentiful, expertly prepared/presented and the show cooking was the icing on the cake, particularly fillet steak which was on the menu twice a week and would put many a restaurant to shame with the quality of the cuts. Needless to say unless you are on a strict diet regime, the pounds will certainly pile on if you opt to try so many items from the huge variety on offer.
Entertainment
To be brutally honest, for us this was the only area where we were a little disappointed as in our view, the entertainment was a little below par. The music hall is exceptionally well appointed though and you could also sit out on the adjacent open plan patio watching the acts, however, the shows were often poorly attended which suggests our views were reflected by many of the hotel guests. There is also a piano bar which has a somewhat sophisticated air about it; the pianist provides the relaxation which makes for an ideal atmosphere for chat amongst friends and family. The bar itself reminds us of the film cocktail but we never saw Tom Cruise serving drinks whilst we were there.
We should perhaps point out that the local area is very quiet but with a distinctly Spanish flavour and there are few bars to enjoy alternative entertainment, some of which may shut early unless sufficiently patronized. Also if you have teenage children then this is perhaps a no go hotel as it really only caters for older guests or those with young children, so they may get bored quickly and that could spoil your overall enjoyment. Similarly, if you like to party into the wee small hours then this will not be the place for you.
Local area
The hotel is situated in what is not much more than a village location so do not expect too much in terms of local activities, it is also somewhat hilly so may not suit people who have mobility problems. The black volcanic sand beach just across the road is relatively small but never seemed to be too crowded so perhaps most visitors to the area are happy with lounging around hotel or villa pools.
On the plus side though, there is a complete absence of time share/holiday club touts and that for us was sheer bliss as they can often spoil your quality time in the sun with their constant harassment.
Comparisons
Having spent last years vacation at the Vulcano ( a sister hotel), we guess it is natural to make comparisons, but there is little to choose between them as they both provide the same very high standards in terms of food, room comfort, cleanliness and general “feel good” factor. Hotel Playa la Arena will more suit those requiring total relaxation, whilst the Volcano’s location provides plenty of nearby alternative evening entertainment, due to its relative proximity to Las Americas and the nearby strip of bars, some of which provide live music.
Conclusion
A most beautiful and immaculately kept hotel, which is a credit to both its owners and the management/staff who keep it that way. It exudes a warm ambience coupled with a cosmopolitan feel due to its popularity with the indigenous population and provides a relaxing and tranquil holiday for those who do not want the “ in your face” attitude that Las Americas conveys and delivers. We only wish Spring Hotels would expand into mainland Spain and the Balearics as we would then never need to consider looking elsewhere in the future.
Needless to say in true Arnie fashion, “I’ll be back”.
" Beautiful hotel with huge rooms.... "
Submitted By: Mrs K Kirton
Beautiful hotel with huge rooms. Really nicely decorated, great food with enormous selection at breakfast and supper - didn’t need to eat again! We had the kid’s pool to ourselves for a week and it was lovely and warm. Gorgeous weather and loved the fact that towels were provided - no need for beach towels. Lovely big balconies that were real suntraps. Good varied entertainment. Kids loved the mini-disco - only objection was the videos were put on too late for our 3 years olds. Staff were extremely helpful - even providing a dairy free birthday cake for a one year old! Great facilities for kids - my daughter is desperate to go back. The town is nothing special and the beach is black sand, but the hotel was so big and comfortable that we had a completely relaxing week.
" Simply the best holiday I have ever... "
Submitted By: Mr D Gent
Simply the best holiday I have ever had. Superlatives abound when discussing this holiday. I travelled with my wife and son aged 4, and the first thing that struck us was the size of the reception. It was almost cathedral -like in its size and grandeur! To be honest, we were a little awe struck, but we needn’t have bothered, as the reception staff were very friendly and efficient.
The room was fabulous, airy and spacious, with air con and mini bar. We had been upgraded(free!) to a superior room, and had free slippers robes etc and a wonderful view over the ocean to La Gomera. Perfect. The two pools (with free towels) were blissfully warm, and uncrowned. The bar staff at the pool were a little standoffish, but the restaurant staff were great and v. friendly. The food had to be seen to be believed, with a massive choice, and different themed evenings, with show cooking by the chefs, including omelettes made to order for breakfast!
The resort was quiet, but had a scattering of shops and supermarkets, and a beautiful small black sand blue flag beach.
Buses were easily caught on the main road and took you either to Playa De Las Americas one way, or to Los Gigantes the other.
The children’s play area was also very good, with a soft play area, bouncy castle, games etc. The children’s entertainment tended to be more focused on the Spanish children, but my son enjoyed himself. Maria, one of the children’s entertainers was very good, and patched up my son when he fell on the floor.
Evening entertainment was a bit dire, but we saw the magic show, which was quite good. Our evenings were spent strolling along the promenade in the warm evening air, stopping in the Austrian bar for one of their special jugs of sangria, Nectar whilst watching another amazing sunset over the calm Atlantic ocean.
We have just learned that the hotel has been upgraded from a four star to a four star plus, and this is well earned. the only downside is it is now much more expensive to visit. Ah well I can always dream......
The room was fabulous, airy and spacious, with air con and mini bar. We had been upgraded(free!) to a superior room, and had free slippers robes etc and a wonderful view over the ocean to La Gomera. Perfect. The two pools (with free towels) were blissfully warm, and uncrowned. The bar staff at the pool were a little standoffish, but the restaurant staff were great and v. friendly. The food had to be seen to be believed, with a massive choice, and different themed evenings, with show cooking by the chefs, including omelettes made to order for breakfast!
The resort was quiet, but had a scattering of shops and supermarkets, and a beautiful small black sand blue flag beach.
Buses were easily caught on the main road and took you either to Playa De Las Americas one way, or to Los Gigantes the other.
The children’s play area was also very good, with a soft play area, bouncy castle, games etc. The children’s entertainment tended to be more focused on the Spanish children, but my son enjoyed himself. Maria, one of the children’s entertainers was very good, and patched up my son when he fell on the floor.
Evening entertainment was a bit dire, but we saw the magic show, which was quite good. Our evenings were spent strolling along the promenade in the warm evening air, stopping in the Austrian bar for one of their special jugs of sangria, Nectar whilst watching another amazing sunset over the calm Atlantic ocean.
We have just learned that the hotel has been upgraded from a four star to a four star plus, and this is well earned. the only downside is it is now much more expensive to visit. Ah well I can always dream......
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