Hotels in Tenerife - A Touch of Tradition

Emblematico San Agustin Hotel - Icod de los Vinos

Think of a typical hotel in Tenerife, and you will probably conjure up a vision of a large, modern building with lots of marble and clean lines, located in a busy resort within a short distance of the sea.  

However, we are finding that more and more people are turning to the more traditional style Tenerife hotel, normally housed in an old building with lots of wood, intricately carved balconies, cosy bedrooms and patios adorned with palms.

With this in mind, join us while we take you around 5 individual hotels - all located in different resorts, to see if we can tempt you.

Emblematico San Agustin Hotel

Emblematico San Agustin Hotel in Icod de los Vinos

First, let's visit the resort of Icod de los Vinos where you can find the Emblematico San Agustin Hotel.

Probably the most famous sight in the town is the oldest dragon tree on the island of Tenerife; claimed to be over 1,000 years old.  In the centre of the resort is a fine plaza where you can sit for a while in the cool shade of the trees, or wander around the narrow streets taking you past some old homes. Icod de los Vinos is the centre of a wine producing area, and you may notice the terraced slopes behind the town full of grapevines.

The hotel is located in the pedestrian area of the town and is a converted old Canarian house dating back to the 17th century.  Each of the 8 bedrooms is individually decorated, and come with wooden floors and ceilings.  There is a lovely interior, open patio area decked with plants where you can take breakfast in the morning, and later in the day enjoy a drink or snack. 

La Quinta Roja Hotel

La Quinta Roja Hotel in Garachico

Next on our list is La Quinta Roja Hotel in Garachico.  This is located just to the east of Icod [on the northern coast of Tenerife] and is known for its rocky shoreline caused by the volcanic eruption dating back to 1706 when large areas of Garachico were covered in lava, blocking the port.  The town is well worth looking around, and you will find many interesting places to visit such as the Castillo de San Miguel - the former fortress of the town.

The hotel is located on the church square, and is a former mansion house dating back to the 17th century.  It is full of old-world charm including an attractive interior patio with a marble fountain and a comfortable seating area.  There are 40 bedrooms built around the central courtyard all of which are creatively furnished, and include wood taken from the native Canarian pine trees.

Rural Casablanca Hotel

Rural Casablanca Hotel in Los Realejos

Thirdly is the Rural Casablanca Hotel in Los Realejos [again located in the northern part Tenerife, but slightly inlands from the sea].   This resort was originally 2 separate villages which is evident by the town now having an upper and lower centre [Los Realejos Alto and Los Realejos Bajo].  The upper part of the town is home to the oldest Christian church in Tenerife dating back to 1498.  The lower part is full of 16th and 17th century houses lining its streets. You can take a short break in the Plaza de la Iglesia.

The hotel is rustic in style and being 600m above sea level, has wonderful views over to Mount Teide and the sea.  The building was originally a 18th century house, and was converted into a small hotel with just 20 rooms [4 of which are junior suites].   There is a heated swimming pool, a hot tub and sun terrace where you can relax during the day, and then have dinner in the hotel's restaurant serving traditional Canarian cuisine.

Hotel Rural Victoria

Hotel Rural Victoria in La Orotava

Next let's go to the popular northerly resort of La Orotava and to the Hotel Rural Victoria.  The old town of La Orotava comprises steep central streets and lots of squares where you can rest for a few moments whilst exploring this historic town, looking at the fine churches, and taking advantage of the many photographic opportunities that will present themselves.   Probably the best time to visit La Orotava is late May / early June when you can be here during the Corpus Christi Festival where pictures made of flowers and sand adorn the pavements. 

Hotel Rural Victoria is 4km from the centre of the town and is located in a carefully restored 16th century stately home with a total of 14 bedrooms [1 of which is a suite].  All the rooms are individually decorated in hard woods and warm tones and have views over the old town or the natural surroundings.  Don't miss the hotel's restaurant where you can try some traditional cuisine.

Rural Finca Salamanca Hotel

Rural Finca Salamanca Hotel in Guimar

Last, but by no means least, we are taking you to Guimar, and to the Rural Finca Salamanca Hotel.  The most famous landmark in this town are the Pyramids of Guimar which make a great day out.  Originally believed to have been simply a pile of volcanic stones, excavations later showed that the structures were carefully built with large steps ascending to a ceremonial platform on top. There is a museum here where you can find out more about this place of interest. 

The Rural Finca Salamanca Hotel is inland [5km from the nearest beach] and benefits from a heated swimming pool with a large sun terrace, sunbeds and parasols set out for use of guests.  This is the newest of our selection [only dating back to 1900] and has a wonderful a la carte restaurant, and beautiful grounds around which you can wander. There are only 20 rooms all with modern conveniences.

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So, have any of our traditional hotels in Tenerife appealed to you?  If so, just give us a call on Freephone 0800 5 677688 or on 01582 421117 from a mobile.  Alternatively just send us an email setting out your requirements, and we will get back to you.

Author : Gail Hewitt, Corona Holidays