The Hotel Review: Barcelo Santiago Hotel, Puerto Santiago, Tenerife
Review: Val Jones
The Barcelo Santiago Hotel is situated in a central position in Santiago on the south side of Tenerife with amazing views of Los Gigantes cliffs and the island of La Gomera. Pueto de Santiago and Los Gigantis are both within walking distance or a short taxi ride away. The hotel is set back from the roadside and directly opposite local bars, restaurants and shops, which all adds up to a perfect location.
The hotel is built into the cliff side with the entrance and reception being on the ground floor at the front of the hotel and our room being on the same floor but 5 floors up at the back of the hotel, so a bit quirky and was a nice surprise. Check-in was smooth with a welcome glass of Cava being handed to us whilst we waited by polite staff with a welcome smile, taking time to give that additional level of service and offering to complete necessary paperwork for us so we could go quickly to our room after a long day travelling.
Facilities
3 Swimming Pools, Childrens Pool, Buffet Dining Restaurant, Al a Carte Restaurant, Pool Bar & Dining, Lobby Bar, Theatre Bar, U Spa, Barcy Club, Excursion Service, Hairdressing and Beauty Salon.
On entering our double room we were delighted to find we had an absolutely breath taking sea and cliff view, and could already see ourselves on the balcony drinking our welcome bottle of fizz we found chilling in our room! We were lucky to have a corner balcony and with the late evening sun reflecting off the water, all in all it was a photographers’ dream.
The room was large with a massive comfy bed, sofa, dressing table, wardrobe, TV with English channels and complementary wi-fi. The bathroom was spacious with bath, power shower and complementary toiletries, towels were changed daily if required and pool towels were supplied on request from the pool attendant.
The pool area was one floor up from our room and actually sat on the roof of the hotel, this was a lovely space with 3 pools plus a children’s pool all surrounded with matured palm trees and plenty of sun beds, as well as the Barcy Club for the children. This area has the same views of the ocean and cliffs as from our balcony with glass panelling around the edge of the roof with sun-beds well placed with great views. During the day the entertainment staff worked relentlessly with activities ranging from water aerobics, bingo, quizzes floating water pilates and many more.
The Buffet style restaurant served breakfast lunch and dinner, and had a lovely outside terrace area. The breakfast buffet was extensive with Chefs stations serving fried eggs and bacon, along with preparing you an omelette of your choice. Continental breakfasts of meats, cheeses, crusty breads wonderful tasting fresh fruits and plenty of pastries to choose from, you could help yourself to freshly squeezed orange juice a very popular choice. The serving staff always had a smile very attentive and nothing was too much trouble which is a huge credit to the hotel.
We thought the 2 tiered thatched roof of the Pool bar stood out as a nice feature, if you enjoy views of the sunset and evening drink, this spot is a must and overall a great space for that informal drink and chill. The Lobby bar opened from 5pm and with the bar itself being in a horseshoe shape, the bar stools were a great pull for that social drink and cocktails were a speciality.
At the front of the hotel the Lobby bar has outside seating which was a nice option from the Pool bar, this area also lead into the Theatre so was a hive of activity on an evening when the Theatre bar opened, shows were a mix of in house entertainment and visiting artists and they varied from Flamenco dancing to an Elton John tribute. Table service was especially good, staff were attentive throughout our stay making our time there extra special.
Rates at Barceló Santiago start from €92 per night based on two sharing on a half-board basis. To book visit barcelo.com
Manchester Airport Hotel with Parking at Manchester Airport: Clayton Hotel
A night’s stay at an airport hotel is the perfect way to start a relaxing holiday and with Holiday Extras most hotels can include a holiday parking package. To book the Clayton Hotel from £155.00 for one nights’ stay and eight days’ secured parking, visit HolidayExtras.com or call 0800 1313 777. Price searched on March 22 for a stay on May 19.