"Just returned from my 5th visit to Princess Inspire and this time it was for me and my partner to surprise my family. Unlike previous times booking via a holiday provider, I booked with the hotel directly. I personally found this a better experience due to choosing a room type that is not typically available through a package and I didn't arrive with many other guests via a transfer to check in!
Reception - Welcoming on arrival, room was ready from around 2pm and was offered to use the brilliant service rooms to freshen up. Receptionist was very friendly and instantly felt right at home, inclusive of the kind chap who offered to store our bags/take them to the room. However, yet again - year after year, I don't know why Escencia is advertised as a seperate check-in with a welcome drink etc - no one is ever at the desk, maybe this service should just be removed? It would save any disappointment.
Hotel - Facilities were clean and aesthetically pleasing as always. Friendly and attentive staff and cleaning regularly maintained. I usually travel in November and notice how less crowded everywhere is but for July, it was just as pleasing! Sunbed allocation I love (not that it was needed) and the app worked well, as always. Wi-Fi was a bit hit and miss. Hotel just as peaceful and relaxing, it is a lovely place to switch off. If you are looking for a loud, party hotel - this is not for you! I personally love the rules the hotel maintain such as not allowing loud music to be played, smoking in designated areas only etc and of course the Escencia perks of different restaurants and seating to relax. On top of this, the happy hour from 5-6 is a great feature. We only had B&B and breakfast every morning was lovely in The One restaurant.
Room - We had room 9011 which was an Escencia standard room on the corner of top floor of the hotel and honestly, it was better than the suites I've had previously purely because of the view. All the rooms on the top floor have sunbeds on the balcony and because it was on the corner, the wrap around floorspace was HUGE. You could see the full view of mountains to the left and sea to the right. Facilities had everything required however, the aircon was really poor. The aircon in the reception areas was great though!
Location - Still love staying in Adeje over other areas, it's a bit more refined but lovely how the shops, supermarkets, pharmacies, the beach, restaurants are a stone's throw away. You have everything you needed, no need for car hire.
We put our boat license to good use and hired a boat from a marina around 20 minutes away for the whole family on one of the days which was lovely and I recommended getting out on the water. Loads of excursions can be booked.
Checking out - Unfortunately the experience on checking out could be better. Frederika does not practice service with a smile. I paid the final bill and wasn't asked "if I had a nice stay? if i wanted to store cases" etc. It was a very blunt transaction and a 'thanks, bye'. Yes I have been loads of times but staff wouldn't know that and it could leave a sour taste in a new customer's mouth.
The one service I really think needs to change is the 'late check out requests'. If going through a provider, you are typically asked if you want a late check out based on your flight departure time and all is booked in advance. However, if not chosen, you can ONLY ask for a late check out on the morning of the day you are leaving. I did try and sort this upon my booking but was refused and again asked to check on departure day. Of course, rooms are not going to be available by then as there is a 99% chance someone else is checking in. I think the fact you can't pre-arrange this is a bit silly because you can do it via TUI for example. Since we are paying for late checkouts, we should be able to pay for this service in advance. Instead, we had to checkout at 12 and our flight was not until 10pm!
Would we come back? Yes because I know how this hotel works inside and out and I would definitely book directly again as opposed through a package. There is a lot more flexibility for room choices. It would be good to finally see the minor room for improvements be taken on board by the next time we return."
