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A Male Review of La Palma Princess Hotel |
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(travelling as a couple) The hotel was very spacious and well planned with many secluded areas to have a drink, chat or play games all with different settings, views and facilities. The strange element of the hotel is that technically it is two hotels but operates as one. Check-in is in the La Palma Princess and the reception in the Tenequia is used for general enquiries. Holiday representatives operate from this area too and buses leave from here. The general feel is that it is one hotel with two receptions. In the accommodation areas there are quiet courtyards where a seat can always be found for a quite read or to just enjoy the gardens. There are quite a few species of birds that often come and go. Football matches were broadcast in the outside bar areas and when more than one important match was being played, an additional area was used. The hotel is so large that this does not interfere with any non-football lovers as so many other quieter places are always available. Newspapers are sold in the hotel shop and generally arrive on the day of printing at around 11 am. They vary from €2-3 for weekday papers and most dailies are available. The shop also sells most essential items including sun cream, some clothing, hats, crisps, nuts etc. plus a limited selection of local wines and both English and local beer. Prices on average were 1/3 more expensive than could be found in local supermarkets (nearest one 20 minutes by road, bus from front of hotel). Fitness There were various fitness activities available at the hotel. The gym was well equipped and always seemed to be available for use. There were running routes around the hotel, out of the main entrance and left or right provided access to quiet roads along the oceanfront which were suitable for running. Scenery is different in each direction but with much banana growing both ways. If road running is not considered safe then there is a circular route around the hotel which can be lapped and has paving along much of the way. Rooms These were spacious and well presented. The balcony doors were meshed which is a huge benefit if air conditioning is not wanted at night, the doors can be left open and a good breeze generally blew into the room. Table and chairs were on most balconies. Guests from the various countries and tour groups were usually grouped together. The maid service was excellent, with rooms generally cleaned whilst at breakfast. T.V channels consisted of Sky News, CNN and a couple of other satellite English channels that varied. Other channels could be purchased for a fee. There was an adequate fridge in the room which was empty and could be stocked from the hotel shop or supermarket. Also a free room safe was available. Meals There were some great little eating areas in the restaurant away from the main dining area which were very good for couples. Some were on balconies but could not be guaranteed, a good look around is recommended before choosing a table. Eating later usually guaranteed a better table. No set table was given with diners choosing their own on most occasions unless the restaurant was very busy. Food was of a good standard and buffet style, hot freshly cooked meat and fish often cut or served by a chef at the main serving area but there was an option to use this or not as wished. The variety was also good but no real surprises were evident. Tables were generally clean with linen table cloths. Waiters and waitresses were friendly but often not too cheerful but responded when called. Language played some part in this, with many guests speaking no Spanish and staff only recently learning English in some cases. When entering the restaurant a bill is offered, this records drinks taken during the meal which is handed in when leaving. The tab can be added to a guest’s bill if wished. There are also themed restaurants, La Vita and La Tasca. These were adjacent to the main dining area and looked very good from the outside. The curtain blowing revealing the main restaurant area did not support the dining out experience however. The food was quite similar too. Generally it seemed not as good as some of the main restaurant areas but you were served at the table. A bit of a let down really but some people did seem to enjoy it. The wine list is basic in all restaurants, with local La Palma wine at around €13-14 or Spanish at around €20, these were adequate. Wine cold be taken to other areas of the hotel from the restaurant if not finished. Some people might find this unusual, some a pragmatic approach. Beer was generally Estrella Damm and was €3.2 for a half litre draught. A bottle of beer was generally €2.2 in most bars in the hotel. Cocktails were €5.5 and were freshly made. Breakfast was served in the main restaurant area and was of a good standard with the only downside being orange juice that was more like squash. There was also a very pleasant outdoor breakfast area open until 11.00am called “La Choza”. This served a reduced selection of food to the main restaurant area but was a very good spot to eat, overlooking the sea and with flowering shrubs adjacent to the tables. This was popular but worth a visit at least once. Pool area This is very good indeed. There are eleven pools with various layouts around each with one being heated. This was always the most crowded. In the surrounding areas there are many undercover areas with bars of a good standard, all very nice but not luxurious. There were always plenty of sunbeds and table and chair areas readily available. There is a pizza restaurant which is good for snacks that also does takeaway pizza in a box. These can be taken to other areas of the hotel for a snack. Well maintained and attractive gardens also surround these areas with the odd wildlife visitor. Overall A good well maintained hotel which is possibly a little isolated. This can be a benefit but also a hindrance. If travelling out and about regularly then the daily drive up the hill to reach other road networks can become a chore. This is the general route from the hotel to other parts of the island but longer coastal routes can be chosen to avoid monotony. Benefits are completely empty beaches and quietness if sought. A right turn out of the hotel with a 30 minute walk will provide a rugged volcanic beach which is worth a look but another ten minutes or so and there is a very large flat finely ground volcanic beach which offers an ideal place for beach games or a picnic. Continue along this road and a lighthouse can be found with a small visitors centre, with toilets, worth a look. From here there is a trail up into the hills that is a marvelous run or walk that leads to Teneguia, the volcano. Many athletes were running up here. A very good spot with many plants along the way. A walk in either direction from the hotel for a couple of hours is recommended if staying for a week or more as scenery is different in both directions. Entertainment There was something happening every night. Some good visiting acts were performing in the main stage area and were generally of a high standard. These included Chinese acrobats, La Palma dancers and musicians, Bee Gee tribute, etc, with the resident band trying hard to please every night in the bar area. They played international hits and were professional and had a comprehensive repertoire. They played away from the main stage in a courtyard bar room. This provided an alternative if the main show was not suitable or the hotel troop not liked. The resident entertainment troop were fine for general daytime games and a dance after the main act but their routines were a bit weak when they were the main show of the night as they appeared on stage on the nights when other artists did not perform. Outside acts provided entertainment two to three times per week. Plus Points:
Negative Points
Shop Prices: (Feb 2008) Beer in the hotel shop €1.75 for 330 ml or local beer Supermarket Prices: (Feb 2008) Spanish beer €0.6 for 500 ml See also: |
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