Luxury but......

I really loved this hotel but there were a few wee things that grated on me so will get these over with first. On arrival I noticed at reception people were given a welcoming drink. We were not and advised that we were to provide a credit card. We explained we only had a debit card which we were told would do in case we left without paying our bill! Not the best start. I also found that no one smiles and they all seem to be doing you a favour! The grounds as everyone has previously said are stunning and perfectly maintained and the swans and koi carp are lovely to see but you are shouted at if you dare to feed them. The spa has everything you need if you like that sort of thing and the gym is excellent (so the men tell me - no way am I exercising any time). One thing I loved was there is a sun bed - yep - amazing cos the weather wasn't great and all you want is a tan so off I went for a session 20 minutes for €25. There are 2 pool tables, a putting green - manicured but dull, and there seemed to be a cinema/play room for kids. The beds at the pool are excellent and there are plenty of white towels. On to the rooms. I travelled with my 2 older sons and the hotel felt we would need interconnecting rooms. I am already a grandma so feel that it was not too necessary! The rooms however are lovely. They are huge and they have large balconies with white whicker chairs and cushions which makes it feel spotless. The bathrooms have (for us ladies) sewing kit (I put that in the same vein as an ironing board - I ain't going to iron and I ain't going to sew on my holiday) shower caps, bath moisturiser and bath gel, pack of cotton wool pads and cotton buds, shampoo but no conditioner. They also provide bathrobes and slippers. The hairdryer is one that the wind could blow dry your hair quicker. Stuck on the bathroom wall with 2 speeds slow and slower and a sore thumb by the time you're finished keeping the button pressed. Thought there would be a decent drier in the drawer but no - so take your own. There is also no mirror at the dressing table so you sit on the floor at the mirrored wardrobes or stay in the bathroom. It is very pricey for basically everything so I would recommend you go to the local supermarket 5 minutes walk maximum and fill the mini bar yourself. One amazing thing is it has bbc1, bbc2 and itv on the bedroom tv so haven't missed one episode of the soaps. Puerto de la cruz itself is lovely and 100 times better than the south so I would genuinely recommend it If you are looking for a quiet refined holiday and you enjoy walking about all day in your dressing gown, as most of them do here, then this is the holiday for you