Santa Maria Apartments

My family and I have recently returned from our 2 week stay at the Santa Maria Apartments in Tenerife.
The Santa Maria Apartments are located up a hill off a one way bricked road. Since First Choice coaches will not drive up the hill to the accomodation you are dropped at the bottom of the hill and left to walk with your suitcases to the top. Not suitable for people with difficulties walking.
It was hit and miss with the reception staff some did not know how to smile where others did not stop smiling.
Our room was located on the first floor near the lifts. This at first seemed like an excellent location but we soon realised we were directly over reception and the noise was constant.
One of the things that were noticed in this accommodation was the fact that a large number of the rooms are in fact privately owned by Spanish people. One thing that we noticed about the Spanish occupants was that they speak in very load tones and stay up through the night till all hours. This added to the noise levels as we could hear people chatting outside our room and through the walls and upstairs.
The corridors outside the room seemed to have suitcases and trolleys wheeled up and down it at all hours and it was very difficult to stay asleep.
I do have to say though that there was no shortage of sun beds. Although people did go out and save the beds with their beach towels, there were still beds available later in the morning.
Ice cream and drinks by the pool were reasonable but the food was not something to be experienced a second time.
We did have cockroaches in our room which was unpleasant but not to the extent of the amount that you will find in Gran Canaria.
We did really like the beach Puerto Colon and there is lots to do, but all at varied prices so you do have to shop around. All of the reps great deals were so much more expensive than booking yourself.
We did book a courtesy room for the last day, this turned out to be the pool public toilets and shower room, which they neglect to mention.
I do also feel the need to mention the horrible first choice coach rep. This woman was rude and old enough to be a grand parent. We were hurried onto the coach, told that if we did hurry the driver would be fined and told we did not have time to say good bye to the reception staff and one of my suitcases was grabbed off me as she ushered us down the hill. I’m still not entirely sure why our coach could not come to the hotel entrance as all other travel company coaches seemed to be able to make it to the entrance ok.
Places to eat :: Pop-ins, Harleys
Car rental from Morreno :: Not recommended, we had to change the car after a day as the break pads where squeaking, not good when coming back from Teide. They gave us a different car, but we lost a full tank of petrol.

We stayed at the Santa Maria Apartments in Dec 06.
Accommodation was clean and room serviced regularly.
The food was lovely and on New Year’s Eve received a fantastic gala meal with all drinks free of charge. English TV in rooms which was good.
I would definitely go back to this hotel but would have preferred a pool view.

Our first visit to Santa Maria apartments were very good.
Our Studio was a decent size, with a small kitchen area, microwave, fridge, toaster & kettle; with a small lounge and TV (some channels are pay per view but only 1 Euro an hour) the studio was very clean and did not see any cockroaches or crawlies whilst we were there.
The only downside was that we were on the ground floor near the lifts and this was quite noisy late at night and early morning, so I would ask for a room on a higher floor. The staff were friendly and helpful.
The pool area was very nice, but you are also only a 5 min walk to the beach.
The location was good, with plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from. Harley's American diner was very nice and good value for money, they also do nice cocktails.
We also found the best chip shop which is a five min walk (turn right out of the apartments) near a bar called the Wigan arms. The Wigan arms do a nice breakfast as well.
A taxi into the centre of las Americas costs approx 6-7 euros. There is a nice bar called the Giddy goose which has good pub food. If you are looking for something a bit more upmarket I recommend 'Garibaldi' restaurant.
We also went to the 'Chicken shack' which is in the small village of Adeje, again about 7 euros in a taxi. Here you can eat Canarian chicken & potatoes with salad. It’s very well known and has been there for years.
Overall a very nice holiday and apartments, I would stay at the Santa Maria again.

Arrived at 04-30 on the Wednesday morning, delay on flight.
We were in a studio apartment, half board. Hotel was on a steep incline, there were work men working on it while we were there.
The room was OK, no air-con (it was in the 30's while we were there). Just a fan over your bed, our friends hired a fan through the hotel(50 euros) they did not have a ceiling fan at all.
Room OK you had a fridge, microwave and kettle so you could make a drink. Very close to the beach, loads of touts (time shares) did my head in everywhere you went.
Pool OK could get busy. Major drainage work on the main road at the bottom of our hotel, difficult to walk around at times. Tenerife itself very nice, hotel was clean just missed my air con, food was good.

The Santa Maria Apartments offer good value for money.
The rooms which are en- suite and equipped with kitchens are old fashioned, 1970's style but nonetheless clean and functional. The balconies are a little dull and would really benefit from a few plants and a splash of paint!
The pool area is very clean which is great. The staff were friendly and helpful.
However, if you are thinking of this region and want a little more luxury, I would recommend the Jardin Tropical- in a league of its own- I visited it just to be nosey and it's really beautiful-amazing sea views, and lush gardens and balconies oozing with colourful plants.

Been in the Santa Maria twice now, and going back on the 1st October. It is a wonderful Hotel the staff are so friendly, no problem too big for them.
The meals were excellent; I would recommend the Hotel to anyone. I always go with my family, and stay in a 2 bedroom apartment, and it as ample space, and plenty of wardrobe space.
It's very clean, the pool is very clean, the best I’ve every seen in Tenerife. My uncle thought it was that good, he even bought a studio in the hotel.

Superb 3 star hotel, no air conditioning but fan in room more than sufficient. Great rooms helpful English speaking staff, suitable for families.
Location brilliant for beech restaurants etc. Nightlife more suited for families not a lot for teenagers/20's. Highly recommend this hotel. !!!

Booked last minute so only paid £180, not expecting very much at all, but really surprised. The hotel location is fantastic, right opposite the main promenade to the beach. Overall the hotel is really clean and there's plenty to do there.
The apartment is very bright and clean with everything you need for an enjoyable holiday including air conditioning, will definitely go again. Loved the pool and pool bar for easy snacks.