My extended family has stayed at The Costa Adeje Gran on numerous occasions — so that tells its own story.
It’s a five star hotel, without five star prices. Some reviews question the star rating given here and suggest that three or four star would be more accurate. During our stay, we also heard people complain that the food wasn’t up to a UK five star standard.
Impressions of what five star service means are bound to vary from person to person. At one memorable breakfast, a well to-do guest berated a waiter for not bringing him exactly what he asked for. The waiter very politely explained that breakfast was self-service but this didn’t placate the diner who threw down their napkin in a fit of pique before exiting in a huff.
Yes the breakfast was self-service but there was a huge array of options including fresh fruits, cereals, yogurts, cold meats, cheese, smoked fish, eggs, bacon, sausages, pastries, breads and cakes. There was also a chef to make you a poached egg or omelette too. My daughters loved the pancakes. We found the food to be of excellent quality but it was kept warm under lights as opposed to being served fresh. This wouldn’t happen in a five star hotel in the UK, I’m sure and as I can’t remember ever staying in one, I can’t say any more about that.
The evening meal was of course of the same high standard as breakfast. Lobster or king prawns were included most nights, with a selection of meat and fish dishes cooked by the chefs and plenty more to choose from already on display. Dessert could be considered a highlight with so much to choose from – incorporating dainty cakes, more healthy choices and lots of fresh fruit.
For anyone who really doesn’t feel they can face a buffet-style meal, there’s also an A la Carte restuarant. Anyone who stays in a suite will be asked if they would like to eat here.
Five star explanations
A quick internet search shows that a Spanish five-star hotel doesn’t have to match the same requirements as the UK:
The Spanish Confederation of Hotels and and Accommodation Providers explain:
There isn’t a national classification system for hotels, each regional government has its own legislation but in practice the differences between regions are minimal. It’s compulsory to request the classification of the establishment which is granted while the requirements are fulfilled.
There is general technical requirements on fire safety and sound-proofing of all the facilities. The maximum service prices must be displayed at the reception in a visible place and it’s mandatory a price list at the rooms for extra services (e.g. telephone, laundry, garage). The hotel must show in the principal entry a normalized plate with the category.
This is what they say about what constitutes a five-star hotel:
Double room 17 m2 minimum, single room 10 m2 minimum, bathroom (bath and shower) 5 m2 minimum, telephone in room, central heating, air conditioning in room, lift, bar, safety deposit box in room.
In the UK, a five-star rating means much more luxury and according to the AA, “nothing is too much trouble” for the hotel.
You can find out all about what different star ratings mean here:
Guide to AA Ratings and Awards
A grand entrance and great pools
We loved the entrance to the hotel, finding it very impressive with lovely comfy sofas and floor to ceiling windows. You can see from the video above what it looks like – large, airy, grand – a fanastic welcome for excited children. Some reviews on Trip Advisor report that some of the surroundings have started to fade — it’s worth noting that the video above is from four years ago.
The pool area was our favourite part of the hotel. There were two adult pools – one of which was unheated and a children’s pool. For those who sought peace and quiet away from children, there was also a rooftop pool with more secluded areas and views of the coast.
The hotel website told us some areas were reserved for naturists so we didn’t dare venture up there, though my mum said she would go and look, returning disappointed that she hadn’t clocked anyone with their kit off.
We ate at the poolside bar/grill and found the food here to be adequate as opposed to exceptional.
There was a small book exchange by a towel pick up point. We visited at a quieter, off season time of year for some winter sun which meant there were always plenty of sun loungers available. Reviews on Trip Advisor report that a ‘no reservations’ policy is adhered to on the sunbeds, with one holidaymaker observing that any towels claiming sunbeds were removed at 9am sharp so that’s something to have a look out for.
This was such an excellent pool area, with non-slip floors and a setting amid tropical gardens.
Bedrooms and other facilities
As expected, the rooms were very comfortable, with plenty of space, ours had double beds but twins are also available. We liked having two rooms next to each other with a connecting door. Ensuite bathrooms were also roomy with a shower, bath and bidet and everything was immaculate.
Neil enjoyed the gym each day, though it wasn’t massively equipped. During the time of our stay a few guests took advantage of the tennis courts. We didn’t use the spa. We booked tickets for Loro Parque and Aqualand.
Entertainment
We found this sometimes, like lots of things in life, to be so bad it was good. There was a to be expected parrot show with birds riding bikes and a more scary snake show, which makes me shudder just thinking about it. We also watched a 1970s inspired musical by the hotel staff – to be honest we couldn’t understand what it was supposed to be about, but we left smiling afterwards.
There was a lively and cheerful team keeping younger children entertained with a succession of party dances. A laid back bar was animated enough, allowing ample people watching opportunities. A small internet area allows Twitter and Facebook addicts to log in at a nominal charge, while a very comfortable lounge area is also stocked with more books and magazines to exchange and makes a great place to sit and relax.
We left the hotel most nights for a stroll around the neighbourhood – hardly rock and roll but hey it works for us.
Location
A swanky shopping area called Plaza del Duque could be found a five minute walk away down a quite steep hill and a great beach is just five more minutes on foot. We found this to be quite an upmarket setting and a pleasant coastal walk, which brought you to various eateries and bars. This was definitely posher than other areas of Tenerife I’ve visited – Puerto de la Cruz and Player de las Americas.
Cost
At the time of writing, best prices I could find included from £76.43 per person per night, accommodation only through Expedia (late August 2011) to £314 per person per week for April 2012 at Easy Jet.
What we loved
We very much enjoyed a taste of five star service, despite grumbles from other customers we were even aware of while there and we have seen reported by several reviewers. The hotel is an imposing fixture in Costa Adeje.
What we weren’t so keen on
Not much, if pushed I’d say that while spotlessly clean and definitely a little upmarket, the area of Costa Adeje lacked personality.
Did we pay our way?
Yes
Would we go again?
Yes – for sure, what a treat.
More information
Hotel website: Costa Adeje Gran
Costa Adeje Gran on Trip Advisor