"The Highlights: Atmosphere & Dining
The Ritz-Carlton Tenerife, Abama is an incredible property in a breathtaking location. It carries a sophisticated, upscale vibe that immediately sets a high bar.
Dining: Breakfast and the various on-site restaurants were top-notch. We had to drive out for dinner on multiple occasions due to no availability at any onsite restaurants. One aspect they have to improve.
The Lobby Bar: This was the standout of our stay. The outdoor seating overlooking the pond and pool is serene. More importantly, the service and cocktails here were true 5-star quality, the team at the lobby bar is fantastic.
The Disappointment: Inconsistent Service Standards
While our arrival (check-in, valet, and room introduction) was flawless, the quality of service dropped significantly afterward. There is a glaring lack of communication between the front desk and housekeeping that resulted in several frustrating experiences:
Housekeeping Failures: We were promised a child’s bathrobe upon arrival. Despite requesting it 3–4 times throughout our stay and being told each time it was "on its way" - it never arrived. We eventually stopped asking out of embarrassment.
Maintenance Issues: After our child accidentally spilled water on the duvet, we requested a replacement before heading to dinner. We returned to find the wet duvet still on the bed. It took two calls to housekeeping and a third call to the lobby late at night to finally get it resolved.
Departure Friction: At checkout, our bill included charges from the previous occupant. The staff hadn't verified the dates, and we had to spend extra time getting the invoice corrected. Furthermore, upon leaving, no one offered to help load our heavy luggage into the car, despite seeing us with a young child.
Family Suitability:
While the Kids' Club is good, there is very little else in the way of play areas or entertainment for children. Apart from light music performances in the evenings, the resort is dead silent. It feels much more suited for adults who prefer their quiet relaxed private evenings; parents with active young kids may struggle to keep them entertained.
Final Verdict - The housekeeping and administrative service currently feel like a 3-star experience in a 5-star shell. It is clear the resort struggles to maintain standards during high occupancy. It’s a shame, as the property itself is grand and the potential for a world-class stay is there, but the execution is currently too inconsistent to justify the Ritz-Carlton name."