H10 Gran Tinerfe

After a busy year, a much-needed break was definitely called for, so we booked ourselves a fly-and-flop holiday at the Gran Tinerfe, a hotel we have visited many times before and it remains our favourite place to stay in Tenerife. Our journey out was trouble-free, and we arrived at the hotel at around 11.30am. Unfortunately, we had to wait until 2.45pm for our room to be ready, which was less than ideal. We appreciate that the official check-in time is 3pm, and this was repeatedly pointed out to us by reception. However, we noticed that several guests who arrived after us were allocated their rooms much sooner. While we understand that rooms cannot always be ready immediately, it would be appreciated if the hotel could do more to accommodate guests based on their arrival times where possible. Flight arrival times are generally known in advance, and a little consideration for those who have arrived earlier would make the start of their holiday much more enjoyable.

Thankfully, once we were finally able to access our poolside deluxe room, we were delighted. The room was lovely and, for most of our stay, kept spotlessly clean by Jennifer. Nine times out of ten, she had our room beautifully made up by the time we finished breakfast, which was fantastic and much appreciated. However, when Jennifer had two days off, the standard of room cleaning slipped, which was disappointing. It really highlighted the difference in attention to detail and consistency, and it would be good to see the same standard of cleanliness maintained regardless of who is cleaning the room.
The bathroom was well stocked with toiletries, and there are plenty provided. The room also came with an included minibar containing a bottle of wine, water, soft drinks, beer and snacks. However, these were not replenished during our stay, but this was made clear in the room information.

Tea and coffee-making facilities were also provided, but we were disappointed to discover that if we wanted these replenished, there was an additional charge of €3. Which felt cheeky when staying on an all-inclusive package. Given the considerable cost of a holiday at the Gran Tinerfe, we feel that tea, coffee and milk should be included and replenished as part of the package. These may seem like small things, but it is the little extras that help make a holiday feel special. That said, I always take my own tea bags with me for breakfast, so it wasn't a major issue for us. Mike’s Coffee Shop on site is a lovely addition to the hotel and offers tea, coffee and sweet snacks through the day as part of the all-inclusive package.

One of the benefits of our room was having our own allocated sunbeds. However, there really is no need for sunbed wars at the hotel, as there were plenty of sunbeds available around all three pools throughout our stay. That said, we did notice plenty of people getting up at the crack of dawn, even before sunrise, to put towels on sunbeds. The hotel promotes a no-reserving sunbed policy, but unfortunately, we never saw this being actively enforced.

When it comes to the food, it’s pretty much what you would expect from a large all-inclusive hotel catering for the masses. There is something for everyone, and you certainly won’t go hungry! We ate at the Italian à la carte restaurant one evening, which was a nice change and an enjoyable meal. As part of AI lunch at the Mirador, the hotel’s on-site à la carte restaurant is included. It’s nice to have this option rather than eating at the main buffet. Alternatively, if you fancy something more casual, the pool bar offers sandwiches, salads and baguettes throughout the day. One suggestion for the hotel would be to consider offering an evening snack bar after dinner. Due to a medical condition, I find it more beneficial to eat little and often, and having somewhere on site to grab a small snack later in the evening would be really helpful.

While most of the hotel is exceptionally clean, one area that would benefit from more attention is the white furniture on the Sunset Terrace. Unfortunately, this was very dirty and in need of a thorough clean. When you make the effort to dress nicely for the evening, the last thing you want is to sit on dirty furniture and risk marking your clothes.

As this was very much a fly-and-flop holiday for us, we didn’t venture too far and mainly enjoyed relaxing and making the most of the hotel facilities. There were activities available throughout the day for those who wanted to get involved, and the pool party was particularly good fun and definitely worth joining in with! The evening entertainment is worth a watch, however the bar can get very busy in the evenings, and at times it can be difficult to get served, particularly as the service is table-only. More staff during peak periods would def help. Oddly, just when the area gets busier and you would expect additional staff to be available, the number of staff seem to diminish. This can be frustrating when all you want to do is relax with a drink and enjoy the evening entertainment.

The location of the hotel is another big plus. The beach is just outside the hotel, and there is a lively strip within easy walking distance, offering plenty of shops, restaurants and bars for anyone wanting to venture out.

All in all, we had a lovely, relaxing time at the Gran Tinerfe. There were a few things that could be improved but these didn’t spoil our holiday, but they are worth mentioning because, when you return to a hotel you love and have visited many times, you want to see those standards maintained consistently.

We look forward to returning to our favourite Tenerife hotel again soon.

We arrived at 10.45 pm was told dining room closed but as we had opted for 1/2 board we were given a lunch voucher to use any day of our choice during stay. As half board needed to load interactive wrist band with €100 for drinks n snacks.

We had a junior sea view suite on 8th floor which was massive, cleaned daily and towels replaced if required around 6pm when chocolate lady arrived.

Mini bar could be stocked to order at cost, we didn’t bother.

Massive bed but have to say the most uncomfortable one ever slept in, mattress was extremely hard and pillows were like concrete blocks.

Long wait for lifts at certain times.

Lots of sun-beds around pools these were taken very quickly but plentiful. There was a notice saying items will be removed if placed before 10am. My husband was down most mornings for 9.15/30 always got a bed at side of pool. One morning he was down at 9 reading I joined him at 9.45 and then walked around other pool to have a look and our towels n items were removed!!

Pool towels there was a deposit of €15 and if wanted to change there was a €1 per towel charge.

Only went to main Buffett restaurant staff lovely and helpful, indoor and outdoor seating although could be a wait for outside especially at sunset, but to be expected.

Food choices plenty, lots of fresh salads, meats and fish. Themed nights lots of choice. The one lunch we had was English theme chicken nuggets, roast beef which made me laugh, nuggets were lovely though. Only negative side for the restaurant all plates were warm as were the glasses, so if having salad or juice not very good.

Location right on beach with access directly from lower floor, however that door is locked at 10.30 which we discovered after walking along beach and returning 11.30pm and not being able to get in without having to walk all way round!!

We didn’t stay around hotel at night, so can’t comment on entertainment. The team around the pool were friendly and fun but they seemed drawn to the younger guests.

Reception staff very friendly and welcoming and were very helpful. Check out is 12pm and we weren’t leaving till 4.45, wrist bands cut off, told if wanted food or drink would need to pay on card and internet access disconnected. Given courtesy room for shower, strict time limit though.

Would I stay again yes providing beds softer as didn’t sleep well for 10 nights!!