Fantastic hotel, however ............

The Botanico is a great hotel, however there are some issues which potential guests need to be aware of and others which would benefit from some action by management. Environment and general outdoor facilities: The gardens surrounding the hotel are exceptional: beautifully designed and well-mantained allowing guests to benefit from Tenerife's climate while insulated from what has become a very busy area. The swimming pools are spotlessly clean and never too crowded and there are ample sun loungers, with generally enough room to maintain one's personal space. There are always plenty of towels available. Rooms: Again, cannot fault them. Clean, comfortable , spacious, top quality bathroom fittings, USB points, reading lights - everything works. Be aware though that beds are generally two large singles made up separately and pushed together. If you want it made up as a double with a topper mattress you will have to ask for this. Also, due to the orientation of the wings, some rooms will get full sun most of the day, others little or no sun: something to be aware of if this is important. Staff: Great - all very helpful friendly and obliging without any off-putting excessive servility. We left a tip for the chambermaid but were under no pressure or onus to do so. Breakfast: A copious buffet with plenty of choice. It can get a crowded at peak times if waiting for an egg to be cooked to order. Particularly nice bread and baked goods. Restaurants: We had booked half board, not knowing the availability of alternatives in the immediate area. Unfortunately this proved to be the Botanico's area of weakness. I won't go in to too much detail but while I had to send one undercooked dish back there were several more that I could have sent back and nothing I had there was any better than 'acceptable'. All the restauramts have menus running to several pages; I'd sooner see less choice but more modern and refined dishes with an emphasis on freshness. Despite the abundance of staff service is quite slow and the meal took up most of the evening. Be aware also that drinks are expensive, so even having a glass of wine each + mineral water will add up over a week. I would suggest that the whole approach needs to be revised, with perhaps one restaurant offering a full-service 3 courses experience but others offering smaller plates, salads etc with more informal service. Spa: I only used the general spa facilities, not any specific treatments. Unfortunately due to a technical issue the steam room and two others were not working properly. The outdoor pools are more tranquil that the main pool if you want to read and doze. While most guests are very civilised the occasional 'maleducado' cannot resist having a loud mobile phone converssation in this area. While I dislike an abundance of notices it would be an idea to put one up reminding guests not to use phones. Other points to be aware of: most guest are either retired or not far off, so entertainment etc is geared to this age group. Not the place for a 'technoparty'. I did see a few kids there but again there's not a lot for them to do and little chance of finding peers to make friends with. I havn't visited Tenerife for at least 12 years and couldn't believe how greatly the volume of traffic has increased. Be aware of this is travelling in the morning or evening peak in particular. Would I return - definitely.