Already booked my next stay :-)

I must acknowledge that at first I felt somewhat disappointed by the Hotel Botanico. My first impression of the room was that it is not big enough and a bit outdated. Besides, I did not heed the advice given by other people in TripAdvisor and had booked a room with a view to the ocean. Indeed, these rooms are not as quiet as the ones overlooking the garden. So, for light sleepers it is, indeed, better to opt for a room overlooking the Mount Teide or the garden. But despite my first not very favourable impression, very soon I started realizing that this is really a great place. On my first morning I went to the spa where Tatiana was extremely warm, welcoming and helpful. She provided me with very useful information about the spa and all the opportunities it offers. As a result, I immediately booked three treatments, in addition to those I had booked before arrival  Later on I learned from the spa manager (also a very impressive lady) that Tatiana was deputy-manager of the spa, which is another good sign for me, as this shows that the hotel that selects and promotes the right people. Tips about the spa: if you are spoilt for choice (very easy with the wide range of treatments and packages), consult Tatiana, she will give you the right advice! I personally was very happy with the Thai massage performed by Tui (she saved my back and my holiday, because I arrived with a strong pain in my back threatening to ruin my entire holiday). I also liked the way Coro works and the Japanese ritual done by her is a great experience. On the same morning I was offered another room and received enormous help from the hotel staff with packing up and moving my stuff to the new room. (Unlike in other hotels where at best they send in someone to move your luggage!) In the restaurants the staff are also very welcoming and efficient. I was particularly impressed by Pedro, who, as far as I understood, is one of the managers in charge of the catering. He is a person with whom you can always be sure that everything will be taken care of. I also highly appreciated his warm, responsible and kind attitude and attention to detail. The cleanliness and the overall housekeeping are remarkable. I have been in many a five-star hotel where the housekeeping is the weakest link. Not in the Hotel Botanico! The cleanliness is impeccable and the toiletries are always replenished, even though you might not have used up the previous bottle of shampoo (for example). I was also very happy with the possibility to join in classes of yoga, tai chi, etc., included in the room price. I particularly liked the way Hanna conducts the tai chi classes and am planning to book some private sessions with her during my next stay. All in all, I am impressed by the overall approach to the guests. The people working in the hotel really listen to you and are always ready to help – in a most efficient and friendly way! For me, it was also a very positive sign that you can always meet with Ms Diaz who is in charge of public relations and to talk with her. (In my case, it was to sing their praises to the staff  ) Did I mention the rooms at the very beginning? ;-) Well, very soon I realized how wrong my first impression was about the rooms, too. They might not be those over-designed, super-sleek and vast rooms you might see in other places. But they are quiet, well-appointed and well thought-over, so that there is plenty of space (and drawers!) for your relaxed and comfortable stay. I deliberately do not write things you can find on the hotel site and, I suppose, in other reviews – about the garden, the thermal circuit, food, etc. Because for me the most important and impressive in the Hotel Botanico are the people who work there and who make you feel welcome and to enjoy your holiday there in full! For me, this is the real luxury! On my return, have immediately booked my next stay and can’t wait to be back to Hotel Botanico! 