Hotel Riu Palace Tenerife

What gin would I like for my G & T? The list is long and after a time I finally opt for Miller’s with lemon zest, orange slices and fennel seeds. It’s refreshing, but by far the best part is drinking it on the terrace of the Hotel Riu Palace Tenerife overlooking the sea on, a warm November evening.

I am on the Costa Adeje on the South West coast of Tenerife and the Hotel Riu Palace Tenerife has recently reopened after being closed for 100 days while undergoing a €26 million refurbishment and as a result been upgraded from 4 to 5 stars. While I admire the infinity pool, the new terrace and the beach area, I must say that it is the service that stands out more than anything: attentive and friendly without being obtrusive. The surroundings are absolutely spotless enhancing the atmosphere of relaxation.

The new lobby is large and full of windows and a bar area, and next to it are the three lifts. It was in the lift that I got chatting to a couple from Suffolk who told me they have been coming to the hotel for the last 16 years. Over the next few days I find out that they are not alone, and a large proportion of the guests are regulars.

Virginia from Hotel Riu Palace Tenerife explained the reason for this loyalty, and how the large team of staff work together so successfully.

“The company originated from a small family Majorcan hotel which opened in 1953 and although it’s now third generation, they have still managed to retain that personal atmosphere. Not only the guests but the staff too are looked after and well trained, and as you can see we all have real pride in our work”

I personally am pleased to see that there is free and good Wi-Fi available everywhere, even in the gardens, as one of my pet hotel hates is paying extra for it, especially when it often doesn’t work properly.

All 334 rooms are spacious, well decorated and the bathrooms have an easy to use waterfall shower. Breakfast is a vast buffet and the options are huge. My only slight complaint is that the bread is not great, but I do think this a general Spanish problem rather than one specific to the hotel. The juice bar on the other hand is huge and ranges from freshly squeezed orange to nearly every other fruit possible, including a very healthy multivitamin juice. A selection of wines is even available, although sadly it is a bit too early for me.

Unlike many larger hotels there is no set time for eating, which makes life much more flexible. There are pool bars serving snacks and tapas and the main large dining room with hot and cold buffet starters, vegetarian options, and varied main courses cooked served by the chiefs cooking them live. There is also a Fusion restaurant which is included in the half board price option.

The sister hotel, situated just across the road is the Riu Arecas, which has similarly just been renovated and is now exclusively for adults. It seems to be equally well run and their new, Spanish only, optional restaurant, Olé, is a good way to sample local specialities.

Meanwhile I have a few more days to work my way through the menu of unusual G & T’s. Maybe tonight, will be Bulldog gin with cardamom seeds and basil……