More Holiday Heaven

For our holiday this year we though we might try something a little different... So we booked into a 5 Star Hotel in Santa Cruz called Hotel Mencey. It was very modern and very smart and we all liked it. Unfortunately it is situated on the outskirts of the city of Santa Cruz and there isn't a great deal going on outside the hotel for my family (2 boys 12 and 15) and my wife and I to do. So we asked our holiday operator to organise a transfer for us. We were delighted when they told us The Botanico Hotel could accommodate us for the next 9 nights of our break. We all absolutely loved our trip there last year so we really couldn't wait to to get back there. I had a little trepidation as I wondered could it really be as good again? I shouldn't have worried. On arrival we were warmly greeted by some of the staff we got to know last year and were whisked off to the most fabulous of rooms i have ever seen. Everything in the hotel is just wonderful. Little things like providing fresh bottled water each day is really nice. The rooms are immaculate, the bar is lovely and relaxed, the pool areas are always beautiful and clean with an endless supply of clean towels. The reception area is always well staffed and brilliantly organised. We had breakfast in the hotel each morning and even with my two fussy boys there was always something that they enjoyed. The attention to detail here is incredible. Even though the breakfast is a buffet service don't let that fool you into thinking it just like other buffets... its way way better. On arrival to breakfast we were always offered a newspaper, which the hotel prepares, showing highlights of news and sports from home. Then we were shown to our table by the ever helpful staff and offered tea, coffee or any hot drinks which were all served at the table. We were then able to help ourselves to a dazzling array of just about everything you could ever want for breakfast. I think I even saw some people enjoying Prosecco and chocolate!! The Restaurants in the hotel are all wonderful too. They food they serve is right up there with some of the best I've had in any top restaurants, anywhere in the world. They are all very special in their own way, The Oriental was lovely as I'm a real fan of Asian food and my wife and I went there whilst our boys enjoyed room service. The Parrilla restaurant served Spanish food and we all had wonderful food there and a lovely family experience. On our final evening we enjoyed the Papagallo restaurant where we had a table out on the terrace and watched the sun set as we were served some fantastic Italian style food. I must say a big thank you to Susanna who really looked after us there and made the who evening extra special for us. However, the most amazing thing about the place is the staff. I can honestly say that they have never failed to help in any situation. They are an absolute credit to the hotel, the management and to themselves. They have a wonderful knack of hitting the right note to make the place friendly, informal but incredible efficient. I must say a huge thank you to the management team at the hotel for squeezing us in at such short notice. Thank you for providing us with the most wonderful of rooms I've ever stayed in, Thank you for the extra special touches like the flowers, the fruit, the wine and the water, they were all very gratefully received. Thank you for making sure we had just the best time ever. I simply cannot wait to return...