"My Latest Stay at the GF Gran Costa Adeje.
I’ve decided I’m gonna stop writing, “honest review” because what I’ve come to realise is that, what I write, or what ever any member writes, it really is only ever 100% honest to them. Hopefully I showed enough for you to all see, and make your own minds up, videos don’t lie.
✈️ Airport Experience (Important Info!)
There’s been a lot of talk about the new biometric system at the airport, so I want to share my experience.
Arriving into Tenerife was very smooth for me. I was through within about 35 minutes including luggage, and in a taxi on my way to the hotel. Honestly, it was incredibly easy.
That said, I do think it’s luck of the draw depending on how many planes land at once.
Leaving Tenerife, however, was a very different experience.
We left the hotel around 4pm on a Friday (rush hour) for our 19:10 flight.
The journey to the airport took longer than usual, and then we hit the first issue, Ryanair won’t allow check-in until two hours before the flight. That queue took about 30 minutes.
By the time bags were dropped we were already 1 hour 25 minutes after leaving the hotel, which is definitely longer than normal just to drop bags.
Security, however, was excellent as always & straight through with no fuss.
Then came passport control.
We queued for 1 hour 30 minutes.
Yes… an hour and a half.
The queue was absolutely enormous with multiple flights trying to get through at the same time. At that point it was around 5:30pm, about 1 hour 40 minutes before take-off, and it definitely became stressful.
So here is my biggest tip for anyone travelling soon:
DO NOT sit down for a Burger King or a full meal.
Grab something quick — a meal deal or something to take on the plane. That’s exactly what we did and I’m glad we did.
We had done everything right,
left the hotel with plenty of time,
went straight through security,
didn’t stop to shop…
…but that passport queue was huge.
Our flight ended up taking off 30 minutes late.
I do think this situation could have a knock-on effect for the airport. If people know queues are this long they’ll avoid restaurants and shops because they’ll be worried about getting stuck in passport control.
Personally, I think allowing check-in three hours before flights could really help, but hopefully they’ll iron these issues out soon.
🏨 Back to the Important Bit… The Hotel!
Walking through the hotel doors this time felt a little different.
Last year I arrived to what felt like a million people clapping (I did slightly miss the red carpet this time 😄), but honestly it was lovely just walking in normally again, smelling that familiar hotel scent and rolling my suitcase across the lobby floor.
Check-in was quick and very friendly.
I was asked if it was my first stay, and I never quite know how to answer that question, so I usually just say “Oh no… I’ve been a few times.” 😂 Daniel leaned over and whispered, “sorry javier is new.” Made me giggle.
My room wasn’t ready yet, which was completely expected because I arrived early at 11:25am (official check-in is 2pm).
But that didn’t matter.
The all-important wristband was proudly placed on my wrist, the bags were safely stored in the luggage room… and we headed straight to the bar.
Those first drinks though… nothing beats them.
Our friends were already there and we sat chatting, laughing and drinking.
Pure bliss.
Next stop was the pool bar where the staff were all smiles and the food was absolutely delicious.
When our room was ready it was just as perfect as it had been in October. Honestly, no faults at all.
🎭 Entertainment, Trips & Activities
The entertainment all week was brilliant. Huge improvement since reopening in October 👏🏻
🌤 Weather, Pools & Food
The weather for me was a little hit and miss, but it didn’t take anything away from the holiday.
The heated pool was perfect, and because of the windier days I didn’t venture to the other pools even getting out of a bath would have felt cold in that wind!
The food all week was fantastic hot, delicious and plenty of choice. We had Indian one night, Chinese, Italian an Mexican on other nights There was also plenty of jelly sweets to grab on way out! Yum!! They now call me 3 plates and a bottle or rose Jayne! 🐷
The pools are cleaned every single morning, and the entire hotel is kept spotlessly clean.
Before the refurbishment I could see a few little faults here and there, but I loved the hotel anyway.
Now?
I can’t see any faults at all.
🔨 Renovations
There was a little bit of banging during the day as they continue work on La Laja and the Spa, but it was never intrusive.
In fact, it was quite nice seeing them working hard to keep improving the place.
I did my best to try to find out stuff, I peeked through windows, tried opening closed doors interrogated staff, no one could/would tell me a thing. All I do know is that it is going to be really special !!
🍹 The Jungle Bar
The Jungle Bar is a fantastic new addition.
The atmosphere up there is incredibly relaxing, the drinks are amazing, and I cannot wait to spend more time there later in the year when the weather is warmer and less windy. There is heaters up there and blankets! The drinks really are spectacular a lot of thought has gone into them, so please have a wander up there.
🧀 The Only Thing I’d Change…
I genuinely struggled to think of anything I’d change. But I know, there’s some people in the group that love a negative, so here’s mine just to please them…..
I’d love to see Brie cheese available at lunch or dinner instead of only at breakfast.
That’s it.
That’s my complaint. 😄
#brieisnitjustforbreakfast
❤️ A Thank You From Me
To every single member of staff at the GF Gran Costa Adeje:
You are such a huge part of why we return year after year.
You welcome us, look after us, laugh with us, and honestly many of you feel like family now.
Thank you for everything you always do for us.
I appreciate every smile, every drink poured, every room cleaned, every hello in the hallway.
I truly appreciate you all. Hasta pronto xx"
