The Ritz-Carlton Abama

"We come and stay in Tenerife a couple of times a year, usually at the Villas at Bahia Del Duque or Royal River Hotel. As Marriott members, we considered staying here and arrived to look at the hotel and grounds. As people who spend around 1000-1500 pounds a night, we thought it worth checking out before booking because of the many negative reviews. Once we arrived, the man at the gate asked us what we want, with no hello or friendly acknowledgement, and we began to explain and there was silence from him. Even after we stopped speaking waiting for his response. He was just blank faced and silent. We awkwardly explained further. And he said ‘I don’t speak English’. We tried again in simpler language and he rudely rolled his eyes and said parking only for guests. Fair enough. So we asked if there’s anywhere we can park outside, and he said ‘always full’. Rolled his eyes again. Glad we tried visiting before giving our money, which they will now never get. Seems the negative reviews are the ones to take heed of."

"We have just returned from a week at the Abama. After our last stay, where a puddle of vomit was deposited outside our room (not by us) and housekeeping failed to clean for the duration of our stay, this was not a simple decision, but felt that with change of management and time, things may have improved. The positive - the location and views throughout the hotel are absolutely stunning. If the view is your sole goal, you will have a perfect holiday. However, that is the sole highlight In no specific order of horror; 1. Bedrooms are kept at 26c, with no way to go lower. For those used to tropical rainforests, you will be fine, but for many others, this is not tolerable. The guys in the room opposite experienced the same - uncomfortable nights and zero sleep 2. The route down to the beach is an adventure, but not a good one. The monorail was closed for repair, and the stairs should have been. Loose and uneven steps all the way down - an accident almost every day 3. The familiar line of I would complain about the service but there wasn't any applies. At the pool, no service, towels, drinks, anything. Same poor service throughout 4. The food, other reviews flag it is poor quality and hugely expensive. Absolutely right. Fresh fruit for breakfast was fresh once, but as pre-made the prior day was tired and sad (much like myself after zero sleep). Other meals were little better - for example scrambled eggs were clearly reconstituted and GREY 5. The reason for going was to play golf, but repeatedly had to wait 30mins plus for the courtesy shuttle was standard (even when pre-arranged) My learning - first impressions should be trusted and Tenerife is such a beautiful island, and this hotel showcases that perfectly - but good looks can only take you so far"

"This is the third time we stayed in the Ritz and it will be the last. The hotel is understaffed, badly maintained and the food disappointing. We paid extra as this was a special holiday to stay at the Retreat. . Rooms are fine but very hot, I was informed by the General Manager that they only needed to cool the rooms to 26C. Service was incredibly slow, anything from collections, food delivery or maintenance requests. Access to the beach is dangerous as the stairs have completely fallen apart. Overall I was really disappointed with our experience and will not be returning to this venue."