Arona Gran Hotel, Los Cristianos, Canary Islands
Hotel Information
Recent Price: £193
Hotel Class:
Hotel Description:
The Arona Gran Hotel is an elegant hotel which combines a luxurious atmosphere with a relaxed ambience. The hotel is well situated on the outskirts of Los Cristianos so guests can take advantage of the lively resort or relax in the hotel's sunny gardens which overlook the beach. Facilities include three swimming pools, a gym, sauna and squash/tennis courts. A buffet style restaurant and a bar are also available. loading...
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Arona Gran Hotel Reviews
" Wonderful Hotel "
Submitted By: LadygateHaving arrived home from Arona Gran last Tuesday 18.11.08 I must give any future guests our impressions of this hotel. Wonderful wonderful wonderful! Everything is just perfect.This time of the year the hotel was about two thirds full so there was plenty of room for everybody. No trouble whatever to get loungers round the pool, whatever time you got there. The weather was perfect for all the 11 days we stayed there.The rooms were vere spacious and cleaned every day. Pillow covers changed every day. Beautiful private balconies and excellent bathrooms. The buffet meals were out of this world. Everything you could wish for. The staff were excellent.
All I can say is roll on next year.
Advice: Yes, but the hotel was so good we didn't go out all that much!
Activities:
Good for: Beach City Breaks
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- Date of Holiday:Nov 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" Brilliant Hotel "
Submitted By: lesley998
Just arrived back from the Arona Gran, and while it was a fabulous hotel and a fablulous week, there are a few things I wanted to mention after reading the reviews on this site.
First of all, we booked online, using a well known site. Flights, accomodation and 'Resort Hoppa' airport transfer. Big mistake. We waited, sitting on the Resort Hoppa bus, for an hour and a half to go the fifteen minute journey to the hotel, and then they insisted on picking us up at 4.00am for the same journey back - our flight was at 7.30 am! We got there over an hour too early which is a big deal at 4am! Also, you have to phone 24 hours in advance to confirm your return pick up, and the lines are constantly busy. We panicked a little when we could not get through and it ruined a morning worrying the bus would not turn up. We now discover if you book direct with the hotel online, you get a free transfer, ten percent dicount off accomodation, free sauna, etc. HOWEVER even if you intend to book as a package with a travel agent... forget Resort Hoppa. Just get a taxi yourself. It cheaper than the bus and not half as much hassle.
Anyway...the hotel itself is wonderful - we have been on many cruises and the accommodation was of a similar standard to the big cruise ships. It did not 'feel' like a typical Spanish package tour hotel. When the curtains are shut, and the air con is on, you could be in any quality city hotel. Only the heat outside gives it away! The rooms are very comfortable, with huge flat screen, good channels, large comfy beds, good quality furnishings, air conditioning, lovely big bathroom, dressing gown and slippers etc. The communal areas were gorgeous - marble floors and hanging plants. Piano playing in the background, lovely lounging areas.
A tip - if you want the sun on your balcony, try to get the pool facing rooms on any floor ending in numbers 50 upwards. Any room ending in 10 - 40, although with pool view, is on the curve of the building and does not get any sun on the balcony at any time of day. Even the inland facing rooms get some sun!
Ferry horn IS loud, but after a day you don't hear it. It hardly disrupts your holiday anyway, it's just a blast on a ships horn after all! (I quite liked hearing it cos I don't wear a watch and it told me the time)
We only had breakfast in the hotel. It was...'ok'. I can't vouch for the evening meals which other people have raved about. But, the water in most of the tea/coffee machines was not hot enough ( I had to search the whole dining room for a decent drinks machine to get a hot pot of water for tea..and it tasted very 'chemically'. ) Also they obviously leave the cereals, biscuits etc out all the time, and they go soft. Small moans I know, but I hate soft cornflakes and cold tea! Hot food was nice enough, made to order for you. Waiting staff are slightly surly. Pool area was gorgeous, clean fresh towels every ...but the usual panic in the morning to get a sunbed. However, the staff do remove the 'reserved' towels if the lounger has not been sat on for an hour or more, which was good to see.
Go to the 'Polygon' right across the road for really cheap pre dinner drinks - only five euro for a typically huge spanish vodka with coke, and a huge draught beer in a cold glass. Owners are Welsh and nice people. We usually stopped off for a night cap too. I got almost a whole bottle of Bailies in one glass! Hic.
The Hotel is a brisk walk from the main areas of Los Christianos. It's a nice walk right along the coast into town and you can keep going to Playa de Las Americas. We found the best meal on the island on this walk - the 'Chill Out Bar'....just as you come out of the tunnel at the Port. A guy wanders around the restaurant singing - he is fabulous entertainment, almost better than the food. But not quite.
Watch out for the scammers with their scratch cards and fake 'hello's'...don't fall for any of the touts whether they are selling sunglasses, restaurants or timeshare. Bodyswerve the lot and don't even reply to them.
We are definitely going back to the Arona Gran, or one of the other Spring hoteles in the area.
First of all, we booked online, using a well known site. Flights, accomodation and 'Resort Hoppa' airport transfer. Big mistake. We waited, sitting on the Resort Hoppa bus, for an hour and a half to go the fifteen minute journey to the hotel, and then they insisted on picking us up at 4.00am for the same journey back - our flight was at 7.30 am! We got there over an hour too early which is a big deal at 4am! Also, you have to phone 24 hours in advance to confirm your return pick up, and the lines are constantly busy. We panicked a little when we could not get through and it ruined a morning worrying the bus would not turn up. We now discover if you book direct with the hotel online, you get a free transfer, ten percent dicount off accomodation, free sauna, etc. HOWEVER even if you intend to book as a package with a travel agent... forget Resort Hoppa. Just get a taxi yourself. It cheaper than the bus and not half as much hassle.
Anyway...the hotel itself is wonderful - we have been on many cruises and the accommodation was of a similar standard to the big cruise ships. It did not 'feel' like a typical Spanish package tour hotel. When the curtains are shut, and the air con is on, you could be in any quality city hotel. Only the heat outside gives it away! The rooms are very comfortable, with huge flat screen, good channels, large comfy beds, good quality furnishings, air conditioning, lovely big bathroom, dressing gown and slippers etc. The communal areas were gorgeous - marble floors and hanging plants. Piano playing in the background, lovely lounging areas.
A tip - if you want the sun on your balcony, try to get the pool facing rooms on any floor ending in numbers 50 upwards. Any room ending in 10 - 40, although with pool view, is on the curve of the building and does not get any sun on the balcony at any time of day. Even the inland facing rooms get some sun!
Ferry horn IS loud, but after a day you don't hear it. It hardly disrupts your holiday anyway, it's just a blast on a ships horn after all! (I quite liked hearing it cos I don't wear a watch and it told me the time)
We only had breakfast in the hotel. It was...'ok'. I can't vouch for the evening meals which other people have raved about. But, the water in most of the tea/coffee machines was not hot enough ( I had to search the whole dining room for a decent drinks machine to get a hot pot of water for tea..and it tasted very 'chemically'. ) Also they obviously leave the cereals, biscuits etc out all the time, and they go soft. Small moans I know, but I hate soft cornflakes and cold tea! Hot food was nice enough, made to order for you. Waiting staff are slightly surly. Pool area was gorgeous, clean fresh towels every ...but the usual panic in the morning to get a sunbed. However, the staff do remove the 'reserved' towels if the lounger has not been sat on for an hour or more, which was good to see.
Go to the 'Polygon' right across the road for really cheap pre dinner drinks - only five euro for a typically huge spanish vodka with coke, and a huge draught beer in a cold glass. Owners are Welsh and nice people. We usually stopped off for a night cap too. I got almost a whole bottle of Bailies in one glass! Hic.
The Hotel is a brisk walk from the main areas of Los Christianos. It's a nice walk right along the coast into town and you can keep going to Playa de Las Americas. We found the best meal on the island on this walk - the 'Chill Out Bar'....just as you come out of the tunnel at the Port. A guy wanders around the restaurant singing - he is fabulous entertainment, almost better than the food. But not quite.
Watch out for the scammers with their scratch cards and fake 'hello's'...don't fall for any of the touts whether they are selling sunglasses, restaurants or timeshare. Bodyswerve the lot and don't even reply to them.
We are definitely going back to the Arona Gran, or one of the other Spring hoteles in the area.
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- Date of Holiday:Oct 2008
- Board Basis:Bed & Breakfast
- Tour Operator:Other-
" I HAVE JUST COME BACK FROM THIS HOTEL... "
Submitted By: Mr S M Matthews
I HAVE JUST COME BACK FROM THIS HOTEL AND I AM WANTING TO REBOOK FOR NEXT YEAR ALREADY. THE HOTEL IS VERY NICE INSIDE AND OUT. I WAS EXCEPTING THE WORSE FROM PREVIOUS REVIEWS BUT I FOUND THE HOTEL VERY NICE AND PLEASANT AND VERY CLEAN. THE FOOD WAS VERY GOOD I WAS VERY CONCERNED FROM EARLIER REVIEWS SAYING THAT FOOD WASNT COOKED RIGHT BUT I FOUND OUT IT WAS VERY WELL COOKED (IF YOU SPEAK TO THE CHEF THATS COOKING YOU CAN GET THINGS WELL COOKED AS I FOUND OUT WHEN HE DID SOME STEAK FOR ME ). THE MEALS ARE BUFFET STYLE AND VERY WELL PRESENTED. THERE IS LOADS TO CHOOSE FROM AND THEY CATER FOR EVERYBODY INCLUDING DIABETICS WHICH WAS VERY SURPRISING. EVERYTHING IS CLEARLY MARKED. IF YOU WANT MEAT WELL COOKED THEN ASK THE CHEFS TO COOK SOME FROM FRESH AND THEY DO IT WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS FOR YOU. YOU CAN GET MEAT COOKED WELL DONE, MED AND RARE THERES EVEN SIGNS ON THE GRILLS TELLING YOU THIS. THE ROOMS ARE VERY NICE AND ALL ROOMS COME WITH A 32inch LCD THE BEDS ARE COMFORTABLE AND VERY CLEAN YOU EVEN GET A BATHROBE AND SLIPPERS TO WEAR WHILE YOU STAY THERE WHICH WAS NICE AFTER A SHOWER. THE HOTEL HAS ACTIVITIES ON THREW THE DAYTIME AND SHOWS ON A NIGHT TIME FOR GUESTS. THERE ARE 3 POOLS ONSITE WHICH WHERE GOOD TO SWIM IN 2 FOR ADULTS AND ONE FOR CHILDREN TO PADDLE OR SWIM IN. IT GETS VERY HOT IN THE DAYTIME TEMPERTURES GET WELL INTO THE 30'S AND EVEN HIT 40 ONCE THAT I KNOW OF I HAD HEARD OF A FEW PEOPLE HAVING SUNSTROKE AND BEING BADLY BURNT SO WEAR PLENTY OF SUNCREAM (HIGH FACTOR) AND DRINK PLENTY OF WATER. YOU ARE ASLO GIVEN A VOUCHER FOR A FREE TOWEL TO USE I WOULD ADVISE YOU TO GET IT AND PUT IT ON A SUNLOUNGER AS QUICKY AS POSSIBLE AS THE SEATS GET HOT IN THE SUN OR THE GERMANS GET THE BEST ONES FIRST (SUNLOUNGERS THAT IS) ON THE WHOLE THIS IS A VERY NICE HOTEL AND I WOULD RECOMMEND IT TO ANYONE AND I AM LOOKIN FORWARD TO RETURNING NEXT YEAR WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS. THE SURROUNDING AREA IS NICE BUT BASIC AND COULD DO WITH SOME MONEY BEIN SPENT ON IT (IE LOS CRISTIANOS) THERE IS A VERY NICE PUB IN THE TOWN CENTER CALLED THE DEVON ARMS THAT DOES GOOD FOOD AT GOOD PRICES AND IS A GREAT PLACE OVERALL. I HOPE THIS INFO HAS HELPED SOME PEOPLE AND I HOPE YOU HAVE A VERY NICE HOLIDAY LIKE I DID. ALSO FOR SOME CHEAP WATER AND CHEAP FOOD THERES A NETTO RIGHT ACROSS THE ROAD FROM THE HOTEL ITS VERY GOOD FOR CHEAP WATER AND OTHERTHINGS U MAY NEED . I AM GIVING THIS HOTEL 9 OUT 10
ONE MAJOR POINT THAT I DID LEAVE OUT WAS ROAD SAFETY PLEASE BE CAREFUL WHEN CROSSING THE ROAD AS CARS DONT OFTEN STOP AT THE ZEBRA CROSSINGS AND YOU COULD BE VERY BADLY HURT AND EVEN KILLED I SEEN A FEW PEOPLE AND MYSELF DODGING THE TRAFFIC ON THE CROSSING RITE OUTSIDE THE HOTEL SO PLEASE BE CAREFUL
ONE MAJOR POINT THAT I DID LEAVE OUT WAS ROAD SAFETY PLEASE BE CAREFUL WHEN CROSSING THE ROAD AS CARS DONT OFTEN STOP AT THE ZEBRA CROSSINGS AND YOU COULD BE VERY BADLY HURT AND EVEN KILLED I SEEN A FEW PEOPLE AND MYSELF DODGING THE TRAFFIC ON THE CROSSING RITE OUTSIDE THE HOTEL SO PLEASE BE CAREFUL
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" Me and my boyfriend just got back... "
Submitted By: Miss N Thomas
Me and my boyfriend just got back from our 10 day holiday in Tenerife and we absolutley loved it. I would give the hotel 10/10 and would definately recommend it.
It was very clean and quiet. The staff were very friendly and would help you as much as possible.
The buffet had alot of choice, catered for all and we both thought the food was delicious.
I would definately visit this hotel again and really miss Arona Gran and Tenerife!
It was very clean and quiet. The staff were very friendly and would help you as much as possible.
The buffet had alot of choice, catered for all and we both thought the food was delicious.
I would definately visit this hotel again and really miss Arona Gran and Tenerife!
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- Date of Holiday:Jul 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Classic Collections
" Just returned from 2 weeks with my... "
Submitted By: Mr G Turney
Just returned from 2 weeks with my wife at the Arona Gran, which we booked online through First Choice. The hotel was brilliant, possibly one of the best we've ever stayed in. Spotlessly clean, well presented, good food and the pool areas are outstanding. I was a bit concerned from earlier reviews about building work at the hotel but this now appears to have finished and there's not a trace. Pity the same couldn't be said about the sea front at Los Cristianos: for the first week the beach and the walkway along the prom were fenced off and the walk from the hotel to the harbour felt like being in a prison camp. As for the "harbour" itself, it's not the kind of harbour we had expected - it's basically a ferry port for Fred Olsen and other ferries, not very attractive at all. The area around the Arona Gran Hotel looks very tired, immediately adjacent to the hotel is an area of waste ground that seems only to be used for the Sunday market. The walkway past this waste ground is dimly lit and is quite scary at night-time, particularly when the vagrants who seem to occasionally occupy this area suddenly come scrambling up the bank and appear in front of you! Apart from crossing to the other side of the road, which is still quite dimly lit, this is the only way to reach the local bars with any sort of entertainment at night other than walking along the prom. Of course the hotel had a full evening entertainment programme which changed every day, but sadly this was indoors and although we thought of giving it a try on at least two occasions I'm ashamed to say we failed miserably simply because of the age profile of the audience - and we are no spring chickens! So overall, the rating we give this holiday reflects the quality of the hotel itself. Work seems to be going on to update and refresh Los Cristianos and so it should, because we were disappointed. As for First Choice, the least said the better - the transfer time from the airport to the hotel was advertised as 30 minutes, but took almost an hour and a half. There was no First Choice rep or any other rep on the bus, the driver spoke very little if any English and quite frequently appeared to be lost. We arrived at the hotel at nearly midnight, having arrived by plane at the airport at about ten past nine! Likewise on the return journey, although this was a speedy transfer there was still no First Choice rep, either on the bus or in view at all at the airport. So had it not been for the run-down state of Los Cristianos and the virtual absence of First Choice reps at arrival and departure, we would be giving the hotel itself a 10/10 rating - but we will not be back.
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- Date of Holiday:Jun 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" we have just returned from a weeks... "
Submitted By: Mrs C SWEENEY
we have just returned from a weeks holiday at the Arona Gran in Los Christianos.
We chose this hotel as it was our silver wedding anniversary,and thought we would like a bit of luxury.On arrival as we walked into the reception area our first impression was wow!the same applied in every area pool,dinning room,bathroom,view from balcony.
We found the rooms comfortable but dated,all though nice flat screen television.
There was 2 days the maids never touch our room and on both days we were out from
8am to 6pm on day trips.The food was average and i have eaten much beter in other 4
star hotels.
I would advise anybody to stay in the hotel but take plenty spending money as drinks
are very expensive,but a lovely bar across the street called Big Ben, good atmosphere
and reasonable priced drinks 3 euros for 2 pints or 2 spirits with mixers 6 euros.
There is a supermarket straight across the road were water is 41cents a bottle it is 2.20
euros a bottle in hotel.
Good shops locally and good market next door on Sundays, but watch out for lucky lucky men with copy watches and sunglasses.
If you get chance go to loro parque. it out of this world especially the Orcas.
but book on the office near the harbour they go everyday, and it is 11 euros each cheaper than Thomas Cook.
We chose this hotel as it was our silver wedding anniversary,and thought we would like a bit of luxury.On arrival as we walked into the reception area our first impression was wow!the same applied in every area pool,dinning room,bathroom,view from balcony.
We found the rooms comfortable but dated,all though nice flat screen television.
There was 2 days the maids never touch our room and on both days we were out from
8am to 6pm on day trips.The food was average and i have eaten much beter in other 4
star hotels.
I would advise anybody to stay in the hotel but take plenty spending money as drinks
are very expensive,but a lovely bar across the street called Big Ben, good atmosphere
and reasonable priced drinks 3 euros for 2 pints or 2 spirits with mixers 6 euros.
There is a supermarket straight across the road were water is 41cents a bottle it is 2.20
euros a bottle in hotel.
Good shops locally and good market next door on Sundays, but watch out for lucky lucky men with copy watches and sunglasses.
If you get chance go to loro parque. it out of this world especially the Orcas.
but book on the office near the harbour they go everyday, and it is 11 euros each cheaper than Thomas Cook.
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- Date of Holiday:Jun 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Sorry -- can't find anything to... "
Submitted By: mugshot8
Sorry -- can't find anything to complain about!!!!
Hotel - food- staff -- all we could wish for--- 9/10 because there were no tea/coffee facilities in the room-- not a complaint but a suggestion to the hotel to provide and bring it up to 10/10
Yes the beach is non existent but the hotel is committed to bringing it up to the standard of the other nearby beaches --- in fact the whole area nearby in Los Cristianos is undergoing improvement
A word of warning -- don't fall for the Freedom Holiday scam -- you would lose a lot of money
Hotel - food- staff -- all we could wish for--- 9/10 because there were no tea/coffee facilities in the room-- not a complaint but a suggestion to the hotel to provide and bring it up to 10/10
Yes the beach is non existent but the hotel is committed to bringing it up to the standard of the other nearby beaches --- in fact the whole area nearby in Los Cristianos is undergoing improvement
A word of warning -- don't fall for the Freedom Holiday scam -- you would lose a lot of money
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- Date of Holiday:Apr 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" Stayed 7 nights in early May this... "
Submitted By: Mr Brian A
Stayed 7 nights in early May this year. Hotel very good,superb facilities, food good, staff brill and pool area excellant and all the building work mentioned in other reviews was well finished and not worker in sight. Room on 4th floor was excellent, clean, slippers and robe provided, pool and full sea view.No brewing facilities, though if you book with the hotel direct they will provide them, I think they'll also pick you up at the airport and take you back as well. Beach is bobbins, though they were importing sand for it just as we were leaving on the 6th.
Centre of Los Christianos is a nice 15min stroll away along the prom (so to speak) with a fairly decent beach.
Lots of OAPs at the hotel and in the resort, must be a cheap do for them in early May, no! I'm not one of them yet. All in all a good hotel, part of the Spring Hotels Group, would I go back, yes probably would, though have seen Los Christianos now and may try another hotel in the group, lottery win permitting at the mo.
Centre of Los Christianos is a nice 15min stroll away along the prom (so to speak) with a fairly decent beach.
Lots of OAPs at the hotel and in the resort, must be a cheap do for them in early May, no! I'm not one of them yet. All in all a good hotel, part of the Spring Hotels Group, would I go back, yes probably would, though have seen Los Christianos now and may try another hotel in the group, lottery win permitting at the mo.
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- Date of Holiday:May 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" We booked the holiday on line with... "
Submitted By: Mr I Hurdman
We booked the holiday on line with Thomson following a recommendation from my parents who had recently returned from the same place. Thomson fly were as good as can be expected from any holiday carrier. We hired a car from the airport- about £130 for 7 days for a Seat Ibiza from Hertz- car in good condition, Hertz freindly, though quite busy. Trip from airport to hotel about 20 mins- reasonable amount of parking around the hotel, though no dedicated carpark.
Booking into the Arona Gran was very easy- you are issued with a credit card style room key which also serves as a purchase card for all drinks and services in the hotel- It is a cash-free environment, the bill being settled at the end of the week. You are also given a free drink card (for a glass of local sparkling wine or orange juice) and a card for a swimming pool towel- redeemable poolside. If you want to use the safety deposit box in the room save yourself an extra trip to reception by asking as you check in. There is a small fee and a deposit of aroud 30euros- payable with your card.The deposit box is activated by putting the small key issued by the hotel, into the top of the box's door- you then select your own 6 digit code to open and lock the box.
The room (We were in 625-top floor, great sea and pool view- for which we had paid a premium- there are rooms on the other side of the hotel with a less eddyfying view), is reasonably spacious, pleasantly furnished with good size, very comfortable, single beds, a decent TV with several UK channels, a mini-bar (prices a little high, but not extortionate-topped up daily)a large balcony with good sunloungers and an excellent bathroom. The maid service was excellent- always very clean and tidy with fresh towels every day. You are also provided with white towelling dressing gowns and slippers- a nice touch.
The hotel itself is fairly large, with enormous public areas spectcularly decorated in marble and hanging fern. There are several bars and waiter service everywhere.
Every evening the hotel is filled with sound of "Fred" at the grand piano playing and singing "Cocktail" music- I'm sure he is very talented but it was quite nice when he stopped for the occasional coke.
The restaurant is large and self service- eat as much as you like- a decent, though not fabulous selection of dishes is available- take a good look round before deciding there are often odd treats (In my case some really good langostine) hidden away in obscure corners. Drinks are only available from the waiters or waitresses- even water which we felt was a bit tight.- Breakfast was the better of the two meals- a huge selection from yoghurt and fruit to bacon and eggs, sparkling wine and even porridge.
The swimming pool area is spollessly clean, as is the pool water which varied in temperature a little over the week we stayed, but is generally around 30 C- really pleasant.- There is watress service around the pool- a bit sparsly staffed but once your order was taken it was quickly delivered.
The staff were, without exception, polite, freindly and efficient.
The only down side of the hotel, for us, was the (admittedly free) entertainment. The hotel has a fantastic, soundprooffed nightclub facility fitted with a great sound system. The acts though were execrable- particularly the resident house band- possibly worth a look just -to laugh at.
My wife and I are 40 and 44 and would have been well into the younger half of the hotel's residents- the vast majority are well over 60, though ther were a few younger couples and a very few children. This does give the hotel a quiet atmosphere and, for us, makes a very relaxed and comfortable stay.
There are security guards on the main doors and the general feeling is very safe.
We were amazed to find a very nice smoking room, divided from the lower level bar area by glass panels and sliding doors- great news for stupid smokers like us. This room obviously has no impact on non-smokers because we, as dedicated puffers, had stood right next to it earlier in the week, without even noiticing its existance.
For a lively family holiday or for teens or younger groups I would suggest looking elsewhere but for a very comfortable, quiet, safe holiday I would not hesitate to recommend the Arona Gran
Booking into the Arona Gran was very easy- you are issued with a credit card style room key which also serves as a purchase card for all drinks and services in the hotel- It is a cash-free environment, the bill being settled at the end of the week. You are also given a free drink card (for a glass of local sparkling wine or orange juice) and a card for a swimming pool towel- redeemable poolside. If you want to use the safety deposit box in the room save yourself an extra trip to reception by asking as you check in. There is a small fee and a deposit of aroud 30euros- payable with your card.The deposit box is activated by putting the small key issued by the hotel, into the top of the box's door- you then select your own 6 digit code to open and lock the box.
The room (We were in 625-top floor, great sea and pool view- for which we had paid a premium- there are rooms on the other side of the hotel with a less eddyfying view), is reasonably spacious, pleasantly furnished with good size, very comfortable, single beds, a decent TV with several UK channels, a mini-bar (prices a little high, but not extortionate-topped up daily)a large balcony with good sunloungers and an excellent bathroom. The maid service was excellent- always very clean and tidy with fresh towels every day. You are also provided with white towelling dressing gowns and slippers- a nice touch.
The hotel itself is fairly large, with enormous public areas spectcularly decorated in marble and hanging fern. There are several bars and waiter service everywhere.
Every evening the hotel is filled with sound of "Fred" at the grand piano playing and singing "Cocktail" music- I'm sure he is very talented but it was quite nice when he stopped for the occasional coke.
The restaurant is large and self service- eat as much as you like- a decent, though not fabulous selection of dishes is available- take a good look round before deciding there are often odd treats (In my case some really good langostine) hidden away in obscure corners. Drinks are only available from the waiters or waitresses- even water which we felt was a bit tight.- Breakfast was the better of the two meals- a huge selection from yoghurt and fruit to bacon and eggs, sparkling wine and even porridge.
The swimming pool area is spollessly clean, as is the pool water which varied in temperature a little over the week we stayed, but is generally around 30 C- really pleasant.- There is watress service around the pool- a bit sparsly staffed but once your order was taken it was quickly delivered.
The staff were, without exception, polite, freindly and efficient.
The only down side of the hotel, for us, was the (admittedly free) entertainment. The hotel has a fantastic, soundprooffed nightclub facility fitted with a great sound system. The acts though were execrable- particularly the resident house band- possibly worth a look just -to laugh at.
My wife and I are 40 and 44 and would have been well into the younger half of the hotel's residents- the vast majority are well over 60, though ther were a few younger couples and a very few children. This does give the hotel a quiet atmosphere and, for us, makes a very relaxed and comfortable stay.
There are security guards on the main doors and the general feeling is very safe.
We were amazed to find a very nice smoking room, divided from the lower level bar area by glass panels and sliding doors- great news for stupid smokers like us. This room obviously has no impact on non-smokers because we, as dedicated puffers, had stood right next to it earlier in the week, without even noiticing its existance.
For a lively family holiday or for teens or younger groups I would suggest looking elsewhere but for a very comfortable, quiet, safe holiday I would not hesitate to recommend the Arona Gran
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- Date of Holiday:Apr 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" Hotel was clean although a bit dated.... "
Submitted By: Mr J Goodacre
Hotel was clean although a bit dated. We were very disappointed in the beach as it is advertised as on the beach and there was no beach! It was just a load of rocks and graffiti promenade walls, the nearest beach was a good 15 minute away, which was partly fenced off due to construction works. Food was okay, staff were polite. Much more suited to the over 60s. Not enough sun beds unless you got up at the crack of dawn to lay your towel on one. Town was very tired, every other shop was the same. I have never seen so many motorized scooters - you can rent them by the day!. Don't think we will be returning in this lifetime even if we do get to 60!
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- Date of Holiday:Mar 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" well what can i say my partner and i... "
Submitted By: Mr A Miles
well what can i say my partner and i have stayed at this hotel for six years .
the hotel has carried out alot of work out around to pool area which has made a huge difference .the prblem this time is we both went down with sickness and diorea .after talking to people in the hotel and a doctor it wasnt the food it was a bug which people could pick up by contact .we spoke to customer service about putting hand gell pumps around the hotel i.e by the dinning room and in the toilets but they wouldnt do this because they said people would panick, but we told them surly people would like to see mesures being taken to prevent this from speading rather than everyone blaming it on the food
so with this atitude i regret we wont be staying there again .
the other thing i should say is we normally go in oct not feb weather is nice in feb but if you are young dont stay there because 95% of the people staying there are over 80
the hotel has carried out alot of work out around to pool area which has made a huge difference .the prblem this time is we both went down with sickness and diorea .after talking to people in the hotel and a doctor it wasnt the food it was a bug which people could pick up by contact .we spoke to customer service about putting hand gell pumps around the hotel i.e by the dinning room and in the toilets but they wouldnt do this because they said people would panick, but we told them surly people would like to see mesures being taken to prevent this from speading rather than everyone blaming it on the food
so with this atitude i regret we wont be staying there again .
the other thing i should say is we normally go in oct not feb weather is nice in feb but if you are young dont stay there because 95% of the people staying there are over 80
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- Date of Holiday:Feb 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Ebookers
" What a disappointment. My girlfriend... "
Submitted By: Mr CJ Bolam
What a disappointment. My girlfriend had been to Tenerife before and had visited the Arona Gran with friends and decided that she would really like to stay there on holiday sometime. I booked a fortnight to coincide with her 40th birthday and we were both really looking forward to our visit. Roughly a week before we were due to fly out we picked up our tickets at Thomas Cook only to be told that there were minor works being carried out at the hotel and would we like to change our accommodation. The works were described as minor with some work being carried out around the pool and some room refurbishment being undertaken. As the only alternative accommodation available was in Las Americas, a location neither of us fancied, also the fact that only "hand tools" were to be used and then only on another floor, we decided to go ahead with our original plans. Looking back with hindsight we should have realised why Thomas Cook were offering alternative accommodation.
When we arrived at the airport we were met by the rep and advised that we had been upgraded to full board due to the fact that works were being carried out. Very nice, but of no use to us as we had arranged to be spending the first week going out with friends and as such only went to dinner once throughout the first week. On arrival at the hotel we were informed somewhat to our surprise that we had now been down graded to half board i.e. dinner, bed and breakfast. Again not a major problem as we would be out with friends. We had arrived Saturday afternoon and went straight to the pool to catch the last of the sun before going out for the evening. I have to admit the pool surrounds were great and the service excellent. The only thing to spoil the ambience was some green sheeting screening areas where work was being carried out.
Saturday afternoon and Sunday were the only two periods during the week that no work took place so the peace and quiet were misleading. Saturday night was a long one, what with the Hatton fight taking place at 6 the following morning and so you can imagine it was a long lie in on Sunday. We explored the hotel that afternoon, discovered we had missed the reps meeting once we located his boards (A copy of the reps times would be handy in the room!) and never saw him again until the following Saturday! Whether he actually turned up I have no idea as again we were out most of the time enjoying ourselves with friends.
On Monday morning all hell broke loose at 8am, pounding through the floor, still saws, cement mixers, cranes and workmen communicating at the standard worksite volume - very loud. This happened every morning with a break for siesta and then again until 1800. Needless to say we didn't spend too much time round the pools. When we finally got hold of the rep, he was about as much use as a chocolate fireguard, just wasn't interested. About the only thing he did manage to arrange was flexibility with meals, we could have a choice of lunch or dinner but not both, despite what the rep at the airport had indicated. As for alternative accommodation - no offer made even though it was pointed out that other reps had managed to arrange transfers.
It was obvious that the upgrading of meals was being handed out to everyone and as a result service in the cafeteria (definitely not a restaurant) was slow. The room was crowded, tables were not being set up quickly enough, wine waiters were being rushed off their feet and had no real chance to interact with the guests as much as they would obviously have liked to. The food... poor is the only word for it. It is evident that the kitchens were operating at full stretch and as a result the standard was not that which one would expect to find to find in a 2 star hotel, never mind a 4 star one. The choice was not great, the cuts of meat of poor quality and the temperature of the food most often lukewarm at best. The only meal I enjoyed was the breakfast, you can't go far wrong with toast and coffee and the occasional bucks fizz as a reviver.
On the afternoon before my girlfriends’ birthday, I went to reception to check that everything was in place - nobody knew anything about it. The rep had mentioned nothing even though he had been advised of a birthday in resort so there was nothing left to do but arrange things myself. When challenged about this on the following visit to the hotel, he said "I can't be expected to know when these things are happening!" Dedication to the job!
I will still use Thomas Cook in future, but if they mention even the slightest of works being carried out I will change my destination.
When we arrived at the airport we were met by the rep and advised that we had been upgraded to full board due to the fact that works were being carried out. Very nice, but of no use to us as we had arranged to be spending the first week going out with friends and as such only went to dinner once throughout the first week. On arrival at the hotel we were informed somewhat to our surprise that we had now been down graded to half board i.e. dinner, bed and breakfast. Again not a major problem as we would be out with friends. We had arrived Saturday afternoon and went straight to the pool to catch the last of the sun before going out for the evening. I have to admit the pool surrounds were great and the service excellent. The only thing to spoil the ambience was some green sheeting screening areas where work was being carried out.
Saturday afternoon and Sunday were the only two periods during the week that no work took place so the peace and quiet were misleading. Saturday night was a long one, what with the Hatton fight taking place at 6 the following morning and so you can imagine it was a long lie in on Sunday. We explored the hotel that afternoon, discovered we had missed the reps meeting once we located his boards (A copy of the reps times would be handy in the room!) and never saw him again until the following Saturday! Whether he actually turned up I have no idea as again we were out most of the time enjoying ourselves with friends.
On Monday morning all hell broke loose at 8am, pounding through the floor, still saws, cement mixers, cranes and workmen communicating at the standard worksite volume - very loud. This happened every morning with a break for siesta and then again until 1800. Needless to say we didn't spend too much time round the pools. When we finally got hold of the rep, he was about as much use as a chocolate fireguard, just wasn't interested. About the only thing he did manage to arrange was flexibility with meals, we could have a choice of lunch or dinner but not both, despite what the rep at the airport had indicated. As for alternative accommodation - no offer made even though it was pointed out that other reps had managed to arrange transfers.
It was obvious that the upgrading of meals was being handed out to everyone and as a result service in the cafeteria (definitely not a restaurant) was slow. The room was crowded, tables were not being set up quickly enough, wine waiters were being rushed off their feet and had no real chance to interact with the guests as much as they would obviously have liked to. The food... poor is the only word for it. It is evident that the kitchens were operating at full stretch and as a result the standard was not that which one would expect to find to find in a 2 star hotel, never mind a 4 star one. The choice was not great, the cuts of meat of poor quality and the temperature of the food most often lukewarm at best. The only meal I enjoyed was the breakfast, you can't go far wrong with toast and coffee and the occasional bucks fizz as a reviver.
On the afternoon before my girlfriends’ birthday, I went to reception to check that everything was in place - nobody knew anything about it. The rep had mentioned nothing even though he had been advised of a birthday in resort so there was nothing left to do but arrange things myself. When challenged about this on the following visit to the hotel, he said "I can't be expected to know when these things are happening!" Dedication to the job!
I will still use Thomas Cook in future, but if they mention even the slightest of works being carried out I will change my destination.
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- Date of Holiday:Dec 2007
- Board Basis:Bed & Breakfast
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" I went to the hotel Arona Gran for my... "
Submitted By: tillery
I went to the hotel Arona Gran for my honeymoon, the hotel was beautiful and the food of excellent quality.
I was a little disappointed because we were told by our tour operator that the hotel would ensure that we would have a bottle of bubbly etc in our room when we arrived, but the staff wouldn't provide this.
There is also a card system in the hotel so you don't use cash you pay for drinks/food etc by presenting a card, and then pay at the end of the holiday at reception- you need to be aware of what you are spending because it can be a nasty shock.
If you want a hotel suited for the young this is not the place to go as the majority of the holiday makers are middle aged, as it was our honeymoon we didn't mind.
Los Cristianos is a lovely place with lots of bars, shops etc, and the Arona Gran is overlooking the bay.
I was a little disappointed because we were told by our tour operator that the hotel would ensure that we would have a bottle of bubbly etc in our room when we arrived, but the staff wouldn't provide this.
There is also a card system in the hotel so you don't use cash you pay for drinks/food etc by presenting a card, and then pay at the end of the holiday at reception- you need to be aware of what you are spending because it can be a nasty shock.
If you want a hotel suited for the young this is not the place to go as the majority of the holiday makers are middle aged, as it was our honeymoon we didn't mind.
Los Cristianos is a lovely place with lots of bars, shops etc, and the Arona Gran is overlooking the bay.
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- Date of Holiday:Feb 2007
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" Have just returned from our 10 night... "
Submitted By: Mr L Davis
Have just returned from our 10 night stay at the Arona Gran and are very disappointed, to be told the day before we left for our holiday that the pool and patio area would be closed due to building work.
We were unable to use the pool area due to lack of space and of course the noise of the continual workman. Some of bedrooms were being refurbished this also added to the noise.
We can not fault the room or the quality of the food and general helpfulness of the hotel staff.
We were unable to use the pool area due to lack of space and of course the noise of the continual workman. Some of bedrooms were being refurbished this also added to the noise.
We can not fault the room or the quality of the food and general helpfulness of the hotel staff.
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2007
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Sovereign
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The pools are clean and well kept.
The evening entertainment was good.
we will go back.....
Advice: its my first time, did not know what to expect and now I will go again,,,,,,,,t
Activities: lovely walks along the cost, good value food in nearly all restaurants.
Good for: Beach