Gran Hotel Taoro

"The property was very new, very nice but the grand history of the old property was not evident, it would have been nice to see a nod to the past. The rooms were quite small and it would have been beneficial to have had a taller wardrobe to hand linger dresses and more coat hangers, although this did not detract from the enjoyment of the star. We have a good stay all in all. There were some stand who went over and above to enhance the experience. Alain and Fran from La Carola were fantastic, as were Christian and Raimonda from the lobby bar. They deserve a special mention. :)"

"In short, the Gran Hotel Taoro is a remarkable reimagining of Tenerife’s most historic hotel, successfully combining the grandeur and elegance of a bygone era with all the comforts and conveniences expected of a modern luxury property. The restoration has been undertaken with exceptional care and attention to detail, creating a hotel that feels both authentic and contemporary. When measured across the key categories*, it scores an impressive average of 4.9. The long story: We spent six nights at the Gran Hotel Taoro as part of a British Airways Holidays package and found it to be one of the most impressive hotel restorations we have experienced. The hotel’s location is one of its greatest strengths. Perched above Puerto de la Cruz within the Taoro estate, it enjoys a peaceful setting away from the bustle of the town while remaining within easy walking distance of the centre. The elevated position provides sweeping views across Puerto de la Cruz, the Atlantic Ocean and, on clear days, Mount Teide. The walk down into town takes around fifteen minutes, while a taxi back is inexpensive should the uphill return prove less appealing. First impressions are genuinely memorable. The building itself is magnificent, the grounds are immaculately maintained and every aspect of the restoration appears to have been completed with great sympathy for both the original architecture and the surrounding landscape. While many hotels describe themselves as “grand”, the Taoro is one of the few that genuinely earns the title. Particularly impressive are the pool terraces and the Atlantico Balcony Restaurant, both of which make the most of the spectacular views towards Teide. Throughout the property, the atmosphere is calm, refined and quietly luxurious without ever becoming formal or intimidating. The staff deserve special recognition. Every member of the team we encountered was professional, welcoming and genuinely engaging. Service was consistently attentive without being intrusive, and the overall impression was of an exceptionally well-managed hotel and a genuinely pleasant place to work. Our room: Located in the north-east tower on the top floor, the suite was spacious, beautifully furnished and finished to a very high standard, perfectly reflecting the quality evident throughout the hotel. The balcony offered exceptional views across the town and ocean, making it a wonderful place to relax at any time of day. Comfortable, well-appointed, and thoughtfully designed, it was a room where we genuinely enjoyed spending time. Dining: Breakfast is served in the Atlantico Balcony Restaurant overlooking the pool terraces and was consistently excellent. The combination of buffet and cooked options provided everything one could reasonably expect, with high-quality ingredients and attentive service throughout. The setting itself encourages lingering over breakfast while enjoying the views. We also enjoyed a poolside lunch during our stay, which was both excellent and surprisingly good value for a hotel of this calibre. Facilities: The leisure facilities are equally impressive. Three separate swimming pools, plentiful loungers and, importantly for Tenerife’s climate, ample umbrellas ensure that guests can always find a comfortable space to relax. The pool areas are carefully curated and tranquil, with none of the loud music or crowded atmosphere often found at resort hotels. The wellness centre, discreetly integrated beneath the pool complex, also receives high marks; my wife described her spa treatment as exceptional. The clientele during our stay consisted primarily of couples and older travellers, although there was a good international mix and a welcoming atmosphere throughout. The acid test (that is, would I return): Absolutely. In fact, if asked to recommend a hotel in Tenerife, the Gran Hotel Taoro would be among my very first suggestions. *Key Categories - Accommodation = comfort, ambience, sleep quality, facilities: 4.9 - Breakfast/Dining = quality, choice, appropriateness: 4.9 - Staff = helpfulness, efficiency, politeness: 5.0 - Meeting Expectations = how close to meeting the expectations they set: 5.0 - Value-for-Money = everything considered and measuring this against the cost: 4.8"

"The hotel looks impressive from the outside, but unfortunately that’s where the luxury ends. The service throughout the hotel – at the bars, by the pool, and in other areas – is nowhere near the standard of a 5-star hotel. The staff’s attitude towards guests is disappointing, and the management comes across as arrogant rather than genuinely caring about customer satisfaction. The price-to-quality ratio is simply unacceptable. You pay premium prices but receive a level of service that feels more like an average 3-star hotel. Do yourself a favor and look at other hotels before booking this one. I highly recommend the nearby Radisson Resort & Residences Tenerife. The difference in hospitality is remarkable – there you genuinely feel welcomed and respected, and the price may pleasantly surprise you"