"This review is heavily focused on the mobility disabled traveller experience. I use a walking stick, but I look to consider those who might use wheelchairs.
First, a thank you to all the Alua staff who helped us so much during our stay. Hector on the room allocation, Pablo in the restaurant (and all his staff - Elina on the front desk in particular) and Francisco on our check-in.
Overall hotel design
Alua Tenerife is a great choice for those with mobility issues. The hotel is reasonably compact (although see later comments regarding location of My Favourite Club rooms), and has made a conscious effort in its design for its mobility impaired guests.
There are multiple lifts in the resort. Any locations with a small number of stairs also has a corresponding ramp nearby. There is even a ramp built into the design of the pool. Tables close to the buffet area have disabled signs placed on them and staff were happy to assist in moving chairs as required. The hotel itself is fairly compact (see the resort map picture, which I have annotated). I was VERY impressed with the consideration that was given to the hotel design.
I am unable to comment on the specific dimensions of doors etc for chairs.
Points for disabled travellers to note - these are not criticisms of the hotel, they are just useful information point.
1 - the My Favourite Club rooms are located in a separate block of the hotel and are up a reasonably steep slope. I have attached a picture. For those using sticks or manual chairs, you may find this too challenging, especially when the slope is wet. There are no bannisters or rails on either side. It also adds to your daily step count as all the main parts of the hotel are not in this block, and the door to access the block is at the far end. It is also worth noting that these rooms do not have sea views, if that is important to you, although they did look perfect for a family with two 5-10 year old children. The rooms we were originally given also had baths not walk in shower.
We had booked into MFC, but I was unable to manage the slope and the hotel very kindly moved us into the main block the day after our arrival.
2 - the hotel as a whole is floored in a beautiful marble. If you are unsteady on your feet, bring good grippy shoes.
3 - the drinks in the all inclusive package are self service from a drinks station when in the restaurant. These are designed to be served one glass at a time (ie understandably they would prefer you did not just fill your water bottle with rose if you are able bodied!) If you have a mobility adjustment such as a lidded cup/bottle to allow you to carry your own drink, just make sure you clear this with the restaurant manager (we spoke to Pablo but there are several - look for a blue badge). We had a slight misunderstanding with staff due to language issues early on, but the hotel worked hard to resolve it and also to enable some adjustments. We saw some small carafes around, which could be a solution.
Other non disabled specific hotel points
- the hotel was spotless. Very good work by the staff. While we were there, they were already repairing some minor storm damage.
- buckets of sun beds and lots of parasols. Never had a problem.
- even if you are doing the all inclusive, it is worth popping up to Vertigo (the rooftop bar - Wed to Sunday only). The cocktails are around 8 EUR each (there is a 10% discount for hotel guests) and it is a lovely view
- look, if you have ever done an all inclusive in the Canaries/Balerics, you should know this, but the AI cocktails are made with local spirits and the wines are fairly basic. Don't make a fuss, if you are picky then pay as you go.
- daily buffet was very expansive, I'm not sure we had the same dish twice. Hats off to the menu designer and the chefs.
Lastly, a comment on the MFC benefits at this hotel (we had previously stayed at Alua Fuerteventura):
They are more basic here. Alua F had a separate pool and restaurant for MFC, and served a simplified breakfast in that area, which we had enjoyed. This hotel only has a below ground lounge area which offers some sandwiches, a Nespresso machine and fridges with beer or soft drinks. There are also some tables reserved in the main buffet restaurant. Not a criticism per se, but it is noticeably less of a benefit than some other Alua hotels and is worth noting.
Many thanks again to all the staff, each of whom made our visit so enjoyable - we really had a good time with you."
