Aparthotel Tamaimo Tropical

I stayed at this hotel from 7-14th august 2007. Myself and my boyfriend booked this holiday 9 days before we flew out from Manchester. We bought an All Inclusive package deal from Direct Holidays website. We paid £454.00 each which is more than we had budgeted for a last minute deal. To be fair it is peak season so for AI you're not going to get much better. My brother and his girlfriend booked this same holiday, from the same site 2 days later. He is flying out 24th August for two weeks AI and is only paying £100 more for both of them.
Departure day we were delayed flying out as Manchester Airport's computer system for check in had crashed at 6.30AM that day so there were severe delays for all flights. We were due to fly out at 7PM, we flew out at 9.30PM in the end. It was a 3hr and 50 minute flight.
After transfers we finally arrived at the aparthotel at 3:50AM, very tired. We were greeted on arrival by a nice polite English speaking man on reception. We were checked in very quickly, given our AI bands and shown straight to our rooms. We asked the receptionist if there was a machine were we could purchase some water. He said as we were AI we could get water straight away and brought us two bottle's to our room.
We had been allocated a ground floor 1 bedroom apartment with terrace opposite one of the large pools. The apartment consisted of a bedroom with 2 twin beds, bathroom with bath shower, kitchenette (2 cooking rings, microwave, cooking utensils and a fridge, kettle), satellite TV and a safety deposit box (which we didn't choose to use).
The apartment was very spacious and on arrival clean and tidy. We had fresh towels and a bath mat. On the terrace we had a table and chairs and a clothes horse to dry any washing. The maids came and cleaned our rooms and changed bed sheets every day but Sunday. Sunday is their day off- this did leave problems for us though on the Monday. The hotel had run out of bath towels so we still didn't have any by 7pm on Monday evening. We went to complain to reception twice and we did get our towels but it was after we had drip dried and gone to dinner. There were several guests complaining about this. I think this will prove a continuing problem for the hotel and during the summer months when the hotel is full this is bound to happen. This is the only complaint we had about the hotel really so I’d just advise any guests to bring a spare bath towel from home just incase this becomes a problem.
The hotel was huge. It had 3 large swimming pools (including 2 baby pools), Jacuzzi’s, a sun terrace (which we didn't find out about till the last day)! 2 tennis courts, table tennis and pool tables, laundry area. 2 pool bars. There was entertainment going on for children and adults throughout the day. Activities such as darts, pool and table tennis competitions, archery aerobics. The winners of these competitions were awarded certificates and the end of the day in the mini disco bar.
Evening entertainment was brilliant as well. Bingo every night, karaoke, Spanish dancing, kids disco, parrot show and snake and reptile show. The day and evening entertainment was aimed at both English and Spanish guests. All staff at the hotel were friendly and spoke and understood English thoroughly.
The food at the hotel was good, plenty of choice. Breakfast I thought was the best there was a large selection of breads, croissants and sweet pastries. You could have fruit, cereal or yoghurt. There was also the choice if you wanted to go for a full English. There were sausages, bacon, eggs, tomatoes, baked beans, even chips! I did look round but only saw a few people eating chips for breakfast. There was also cold meats and cheeses. You could help yourself in the restaurant to fruit juices, water, tea/coffee/hot chocolate.
Lunch and dinner was varied day to day. Large selection again of breads, different soup every meal time, large salad selection (I am always a bit wary of eating fruit and salad abroad as I often get a Spanish tummy) I ate plenty of both and had no problems during our stay. There was cold meats and cheese on offer, pastas, pork, chicken, veal, turkey, fish, potatoes, chips... Plenty of choice for all.
Then for dessert there was a selection of cakes and pudding, ice cream, fruit and yoghurts. We rarely had any of these as we were satisfied enough after having the main courses.
If you missed the meal times there was the snack bar, based also in the restaurant which opened 3 times during the day in-between and after meal times. You would never go hungry!
The snack menu included burgers, hot dogs, pizzas, fish and chips, pasta, ice cream and puddings. Lunch/Dinner and snack time you could help yourself to wine, beer, soft drinks including coke, coke lite, sprite, lemon and orange fanta, water and tonic water.
We ate 3 times during our stay in the local area. One night we went into the next resort los gigantes. We ate at an Italian restaurant, Little Italy. The food and drink were good and value for money but I wouldn't recommend anyone to go here as the waiters were quite rude and impatient as we hadn't made up our minds what we wanted to order straight away. Another night we ate out at a steak house in Puerto De Santiago which we would recommend to anybody. Very cheap and lovely presented tasty food and lots of it! Unfortunately I can’t remember the name! We also visited Pauls Bar & Carvery for a roast dinner on the Sunday. He also does a huge full English which is well worth the 6 euros and will keep you full up till tea! Whether you are self catering, half board or all inclusive it is cheap enough to eat out in the resort.
The AI bar opened at 10AM and stayed open serving you drinks till 12 midnight. Any drinks after that time has to be bought. Drinks available were local beer, wine, spirits, soft drinks and water, hot drinks.

We ventured out three or four evenings ino Puerto De Santiago to try and find some nightlife. Us being in our early twenties Las Americas might have been more for us but didn't want to use 30euros getting there and back by taxi. You can get a bus till about 10pm but it takes 1hour 30minutes. The bars we visited by the hotel only a five minute walk away were The Courtyard which had a brilliant English bloke singing a variety of songs and making everyone laugh. We also went to Route 66 which hosts a brilliant husband/wife band called Old Dogs New Tricks. Well worth a visit! I had seen previous reviews mentioning this band and thought we'd go and see what all the fuss is about! From what we gathered they had been singing together for a few years now and had a few albums made, which you can buy on the night. They have the play lists out on the tables and the audience picks which song they want to hear next. They must have about 100 songs which vary from the Beatles, to texas, to green day. They have a great sense of humour as well and make you feel welcome in the bar!
During our week's holiday we only ventured out for one day trip which we booked through the tour operator, Direct holidays/My Travel. Don't book through your tour operator, they only rip you off!
We decided to see the breathtaking views Mount Teide has to boast. We set off at 8:45AM when the coach picked us up outside the hotel. The hotel is already set amidst the background of the mountain but it took us an hour on coach to get the cable car station. Warning, it is an hour of windy roads so let you breakfast settle before you set upon your travels. When we got to the cable car station we were told that in this trip the cable car tickets were not included. We had paid 25euros each just for the coach. Plus we had to pay another 24euros each to ride the cable car to the top. Since we had come this far we reluctantly decided to fork out another 48euros. To be fair the views from the top of the volcano are spectacular and our camera photos do not do the views justice. I still think 24euros each was a bit steep in prices since its only a 6minute trip each way up and down in the cable car and your standing as well and jammed in like sardines!
The hotel is in a relaxed resort and although it did suit us for a week chill out, staying two weeks we might have had to venture further a field for livelier nightlife and we probably would book more day trips.
The hotel itself seems very safe, perfect for a family holiday or for a chill out getaway. We only had 1 overcast day in 7, the other 6 days it was boiling hot. I would go back to this hotel and would recommend it to friends.

Where do I begin? It was not good. I called it Bally-Go-Backwards. The words silent as the grave come to mind. We wanted a quiet holiday but not one that closed up between 10.30 and 11pm most nights. Don't go here. It's rubbish!!
The accommodation! Firstly when we arrived our room was not ready and we had to go to a local snack bar for approx 1hr. Not good! Our rep told us on the coach from the airport that it was peak season.
I wouldn't like to see it when its off season coz it was so quiet.
The rep also informed us that we might see 1 or 2 cockroaches but the higher up you go the less likely of any. We were on the 4th floor just 1 from the top and sure enough on the first night we were joined by the little monsters. My partner disposed of it but we had lots of them visit us over the fortnight. Flying ones too might I add. I never knew they could fly. We blocked up all entries including the massive gap in the balcony windows but they still got in.
The appt was small and run down but the biggest problem was no air conditioning. It felt like living in a sauna every night. Everything about it was extremely basic and old. It could do with an update.
The TV only had Spanish channels or CNN unless you wanted to pay the extortionate prices for SKY TV.
The maid service was pretty regular but it depended on which maid you got whether your room was cleaned or your beds were just made up.
As for the views from the apartment. There were none unless you call looking down at the pool or across to the other apartments views.
The pool bar where we were shut at 7pm sharp each night and it was very expensive to drink there. The sun beds were stacked away at this time too so any1 trying to catch the last of the sun had to do so from their balcony. We only had sun on ours from 1-4pm and we were quite lucky.
Our rep told us it was peak season and that the hotel was fully booked. This was not true as on the weekends the locals arrived and filled it up but from Mon-Fri it was nowhere near full.
Just on that point, the Spanish (of whom I have nothing against) just arrived and took over. They booked their sun-beds in the morning and then disappeared to afternoon, which meant that there were none for any1 else unless you started an argument. There was fun and games laid on too which was surprising but it was only the Spanish we saw taking part.
We had paid a lot of money to go here and were extremely disappointed with the excellent treatment that was given to the Spanish and the lack of for us!!!!
Trips! We went on 2. We had booked 3. Our rep informed us that they book up really quickly and that we needed to do it immediately. We thought they were a bit steep. We decided to cancel the 3rd as we would have had to travel to Las Americas to go see the whales and it was 55 euros each but we went looking and found out that we could do it in Los Gigantes for bout half of that.
So we went to get our money back and let me tell you he wasn't as quick at returning it as he was at getting it of us. So just beware. Shop around!!.
We went on the trip to Mt. Teide. It was fantastic!! But, again the rep had not told us about hidden extras. The cost was 25 euros each but when you get up to the cable car it is a further 24 euros per adult and 12 per child to go on this. We hadn't accounted for this but as it was just the 2 of us we decided to go up which was well worth the trip but if you have children it could end up to be a very expensive trip!!
Our 2nd trip was to Loro Parque. Had we been told we would be on a coach for 2 and a half hours just to get there we would have reconsidered. The rep for that day I think was still recovering from something coz when I asked her how long it would take, she said about 1 and a half hours. Just slightly out. The park itself is just like Belfast Zoo or any other zoo for that matter apart from the Orca show which was excellent.
The white tiger looked sad, the parrots didn't do anything, the giant turtle never moved, the gorillas looked caged in. The penguins was such a disappointment too. I do not recommend this trip and on the coach you are not allowed to eat or drink which is a disgrace since you are on it for 5 hours in total.

Once outside the appt we went for a walk and found the scenery to be breathtaking. This was a peasant surprise. The cliffs at Los Gigantes were spectacular. The beach there was also very safe and we found that we preferred this to the pool at the appt.
There was very little to do and any time we passed the local restaurants the owners were out begging you to come in. They only ever had 2 or 3 tables full on any night. The food was good and we both enjoyed it. El Pescador did the nicest fillet steaks. We went to Little Italy one night as it had such great reviews on the website but sorry what a let down for us. We felt the food was over cooked and it just wasn't nice so a 1 out of 10 for it I think.
The shopping. Sorry what shopping would about sum it up. If you are into tack and copy designer makes then you will be ok. I couldn't even bring home my 3 children who are all teenagers a decent present coz there were none to be had.
Another thing, our rep did not know the surrounding area very well as he told us that the best supermarkets were in Las Arenas. Well if you walk up the 118 steps at the front of the hotel, turn left and follow the road up, then take the next right down a side road you will come to the cheapest supermarket in the area.
Bacardi breezers worked out to be just under £1 and they stocked lots of things from home at reasonable prices so do try it out if you are going to this area. It really is a lot cheaper than the others.
All in all we will not be back to Tenerife. Las Americas may be noisier but at least there would be some kind of entertainment.
We were in Fuerteventura last year and we think we will go back there.

I stayed at the Tamaimo Tropical for one week with my husband and 7 mth old child. I would not recommend it.
When we first arrived the apartment was basic but fairly clean however were no towels in the room. After asking reception we received just 2 towels. Every day our dirty towels were hung back up in the bathroom despite being soaking and clearly dirty. We complained each day about this but it continued to happen. We were told that there were none left or that the laundry truck had not arrived and we would receive more towels later - these never arrived.
The bins were emptied each day but the room was not cleaned. The self-catering facilities were poor with only one socket in the kitchen, therefore tea and toast at the same time was difficult!
The worst thing however was the noise. We were above the kitchen and heard deliveries arrive at all hours of the day and night so a good night’s sleep was impossible.
On the positive side the pools were very good - excellent for children and babies and the resort itself is pleasant although very hilly, with lots of steps, so not suitable for those who have difficulties walking or for people with buggies.

We have just come back from a hell hole! Before we booked this holiday we read reviews on this hotel and all seemed real good, until we got there!
We went as party of 4, me my husband and my parents. My parent’s accommodation was real nice, ours was a total nightmare! First we were taken to our room (the dungeon as we liked to call it) it was on ground floor pretty much next to the kitchen.
The balcony was overlooking a fantastic white wall with trees and if you looked up about 20 feet you could see something the resembled a path and spots of sunlight!
Ok we thought we can cope with this, the settee was collapsing and was balancing on the pull out bed underneath it. So as you can imagine that was not in use. All plug sockets in apartment were cracked or didn’t work and on some occasions sparks would fly when using them. Great!
Through all this we stayed where we were as we were told fully booked and no room elsewhere for us. The week got bad to worse as it was a Spanish holiday and the complex was inundated with Spanish nothing against them but they took all sunbeds first thing in the morning and reserved them with their towels and did not use them until about 4pm.
One morning we timed them from the balcony of my parents room on how long it took for all sunbeds to be taken and it was less than 2 and a half mins. (I have never seen anything like it).
We were all inclusive (what a bad mistake) Beer was worst we have ever tasted, and bar staff are not polite in anyway (unless your Spanish) if you have been queuing to get a drink and a Spaniard comes along you got no chance of getting a drink cause they serve them over you every time!
Food is something else! Everything was in a sauce and I mean everything (apart from chips and they were served at breakfast, lunch, snacks oh yeah and dinner).
Soup was like dirty dish water! Bread was always fresh oh yeah and forever crawling in flies. The combination of food was real unusual and not at all tasty; the salad was real poor, except on the 2 days before we went. The dining room was like a hot oven!! Too hot to eat in there!
But worst of all was the fact that my husband and I for the entire week lived, breathed, and slept with cockroaches. I have never seen anything like it. We would come in from the pool there were loads, we would come in from the night out there was even more! This is no joke! We would kill them with the spray and then ask as reception for the maid to come in and clear them, oh and she did, she swept them to the communal area just outside the apartment door! (Nice hey!!!)
We put up with for a week, last but one day we had about 8 dead in apartment 6 in living area 2 in bathroom, again we asked for them to be cleaned up, maids swept the ones from the living room out into communal area and left the ones in the bathroom.
Nearly 6 hours of complaining and 4 trips to reception it took for a maid to clear the other 2. I could go on and on and on but I won’t, if are thinking about a holiday here then please please please look elsewhere, we met with a lot of people who was in same hotel as us and they all said the same. . . . They would never go back!
The area Puerto Santiago is a beautiful place, we went there with the impression that there was nothing there, but there’s plenty, Lovely restaurant San Fransico, Real nice pub called Paul's bar. . . and Paul is a diamond, he can advise you on all the nice places to go(we learnt more from him about the area than we did reps and hotel).
The outside inn is a nice bar and so is the courtyard (look out for tony Blair you will see him everywhere). 5 mins walk one side you have los Gigantes- lots more bars & restaurants to chose from and 5 mins other side is playa de arena- again more bars etc and a lovely beach! We will definitely be going back to resort as it was fantastic!
Been told Barcelo is a real nice one and entertainment from there always sounded out of this world. Our entertainment. . . . what entertainment kids disco for 30 mins, show for 30 mins and then Spanish bingo- cos it didn’t sound English! Never once did we stay to see a full night.
So to sum it up I would never go back to this hotel in a million years! We have a fair few holidays and some and have real bad but never once thought about writing a bad report on it, this one I couldn't wait to do!
Please think long and hard if you are to book this hotel, there are plenty nicer ones around the area, and to pay just that bit more has got to be work it! If you have booked to go. . . . Good luck you could very well need it!Holiday overall was great outside the complex!

I can’t understand anyone that faults this hotel, yes its cheap but is extremely good value for money.
We arrived on the Friday and were told we were in the attic which we were not impressed about until we got up there. Our balcony was the size of a small tennis court. The rooms are basic but clean.
The swimming pools all three of them are really nice, yes we did get chips with every meal but if you don’t want to eat them don’t put them on your plate.
The food was pretty good there was a variety for every meal, we were only there for one week so I suppose after two it could get a bit boring, we ate out a couple of times the steak house was fab.
The nightlife in the hotel was not our cup of tea, a bit drab for our liking but would be fine if you had kids.
We preferred to go out ,the courtyard round the corner was a good pub, overall it is a simple friendly hotel that’s value for money.

Went as a couple and we loved it! Wish we were there now.
Hotel is excellent, very clean, no cockroaches, daily maids, air conditioning, balcony, cooker, microwave, toaster, fridge, no oven, lots of storage.
Couldn’t have wished for a better holiday.
This part of Tenerife is more relaxing.
Playa de Las Americas is however lively with clubs.
We preferred a peaceful holiday.
To get around in Tenerife, use the bus service as taxis tend to rip you off. Bus service is very cheap. To playa de Las Americas it costedus 5 euros each!
Around the hotel there are many stalls etc and we met a really nice Irish woman who sells nice bags in Vigilia Park up the stairs.
The stairs are good exercise! And lead to a supermarket. Be aware of lizards though.
Our advice is go for a walk on the first day and keep walking and you’ll be familiar about the locations.
We did three excursions:
Aqua land - very good water park (wear socks/slippers its very hot on the ground!)
Whale + Dolphin watching - we felt very sick because of the loud engine.
Loro Parque - Excellent
One other thing, you must leave from your hotel by 12 noon. Our flight was at midnight!
Overall 10 out of 10. (Receptionists speak English!!)

Well me and my boyfriend are young, I am 22 and he is 34 and we loved it here.
The hotel was lovely with great facilities, not sure about the restaurant as we were self catering.
The maid service was great apart from 1 day not sure which day it was, but we got clean towels every day, clean bed sheets every other day.
The apartments are very nice (even got a proper double bed); we only ever had 1 cockroach in the bathroom - Yuk!
There is not much nightlife in Santiago, the best places 2 go for a drink are Route 66 and a nightclub called Havana club that’s not too bad, a lot of Spanish in there though!!
The best places to eat are Ninos a pizzeria and the British bar, they are very friendly in there!

We did not enjoy our stay as it was very in the middle of nowhere and very boring if you have small children!
You have to walk a long way to get somewhere which is a hassle for people with walking difficulties!
The hotel wasn’t very clean because when we arrived and started to unpack our things I noticed at the top of my wardrobe there was cigarette butts! And the bed sheets were dirty as I saw a brown stain on my blanket! We must have seen about 4 cockroaches in our apartment which wasn’t very pleasant!
In the morning you were woken up my loud music that was being played from the pool area! And at 6 in the morning you were disturbed by the sound of people dragging sunbeds around the pool! At night the entertainment is rubbish and the entertainer had to speak in 3 different languages to every1 cud understand which wasted time!
The rep was never there and there is no excursions to visit, the food was horrible, we had bacon sandwich and I don’t even know if it was bacon or just a piece of fat!
The toilet stunk! We was meant to have a 6 bed apartment but there was only room for 5 people, I also was unable to open my drawer as the bed were in the way and were very heavy to move! It advertises a mini golf course but it looked like a few holes in the floor covered in tree which you had to pay an expensive price for!
It was very uncomfortable to sleep at night as it was hot and there was no air conditioning! And you couldn’t leave the window open because you would get attacked by a cockroach! And the sewer stink!! Oh and when we was leaving in the morning to go home we past sick on the steps and it was disgusting we told the reception and they just said ''ok'' and looked confused!!
Just a tip before you book with hotel- don’t book!

We travelled at school holidays for two weeks. 2 boys age 10 and 8 and a baby 6mths.
We had a one bedroom apartment with pool view which was lovely. It was clean and big enough for all the time we spent in it. Maid service was excellent although they do start around 6.30am.
Pools were lovely one was heated, lifeguard on duty. Our boys really enjoyed themselves as the complex was not too big to get lost. They played football and tennis on free pitches charge for tennis. Kids club they also enjoyed although is repeated weekly.
Restaurant was nice could get busy. The selection was fine and we all got plenty every meal! In my case one stone. The baby had fresh fruit every day and boys always found something they liked service was excellent. The only fault would be snacks had to be eaten in restaurant, you paid for carryout.
Area was very steep but quite dramatic a few shops and restaurants which was what we wanted. No, can I haves from the kids for two weeks it was super.
If you want peace and quiet and relaxation and plenty of good food. At the price you pay this is a great holiday.
There were loads of people complaining as usual!
We are experienced travellers and we will certainly go back. Booked for next Easter already. Enjoy, staff very helpful and friendly.

We have been going here for about 10 years, on and off, and is our "off-peak, supplemental holiday" destination.
It is our perfect place to chill out - no loud music, no lager louts, and very low-key night life. Quiet!
Four of us went - 2 "fogies" and our 20-year old daughter and her 25-year old boyfriend. The youngsters loved it too, but it has to be said that they caught a bus to Las Americas to go clubbing on the Friday night, and had a taxi back!
This was the first time we had booked independently - definitely recommended as the scheduled airline flight from Gatwick was better that previous chartered ones. Also a better deal on the apartments as no under-occupancy supplements as imposed by tour operators!
We booked a 2-bed apartment for 4 and had loads of space with no bodies in the living area! Good maid-service - every day except Sunday; bed-linen changed every other day and towels changed daily.
The apartments have gone downhill a bit over the years. Little things like knobs coming off drawers, wardrobe doors sticking and the toilet pan rocking - so if you want upmarket, go elsewhere and pay more for it! Tamaimo is clean (not a cockroach in sight) and comfortable unless you have to sleep on the sofa beds!
The resort itself is handily placed for Los Gigantes and Playa de la Arena - the first is about a 15 minutes’ walk away and the 2nd about 20 minutes. We went into Gigantes several nights to eat - recommend Mirandas and Le Mistinguett.
Little Italy definitely to be avoided - food low-average, service poor and cruelty to birds (one Toucan, one Parrot - nothing to keep them amused or healthy) very obvious. Oh, and the small place on the road to Gigantes beach, which does crepes and ices, is well worth a try!? Their pancakes are sublime!
In Puerto Santiago, El Pescadore and Ninos are about the best places to eat. The hotel restaurant did not inspire us, but on the way through to La Arena (cut down the slope next to the new shopping area opposite Ninos and turn left along the coast path), at the top of the hill is Casa Pedro, which does fabulous Canarian food with views across the sea.
All in all, Tamaimo's downhill slide notwithstanding, we shall go back again. Puerto Santiago is well placed for a relaxing holiday, and, having been there at varying times of the year, the weather is always reliable.