Arona Gran Hotel

I have just returned from a wonderful stay at the lovely adult only, Arona Gran Hotel in Los Cristianos, Tenerife

 

On arrival, each guest is greeted with a glass of Cava as the receptionist checks you in. Such a welcome surprise after a 4 hour flight and approximately 7 hours on total of travelling time. It sets the tone for the rest of the stay perfectly, you immediately know that you are going to be treated very well here.

It was only a short stay of 4 nights but it was made very special by the upgrade to the UP room and UP terrace. Stephanie, the manager upstairs at UP, provides wonderful service. She is always on hand to help with requests or even to just have a friendly chat. One morning she telephoned the spa and reserved our complimentary spa time and massages for us. When you book the UP package, 2hrs in the spa and a massage are included.

I would highly recommend the spa, it has a salt water pool system which helped to soothe my slightly sore overly sun kissed skin. As I travel often I am usually very careful about sun cream and I tan very easily but it is easy to be deceived by the strength of the sun in the Canary Islands as the breeze keeps you cool.

Down in the main buffet restaurant we found a small quieter section to the left hand side just as you walk in. Here you are attended to by the fantastic waiter  Antournio who makes sure that you have everything you need. Both breakfast and Dinner in the buffet restaurant is good quality with plenty of choice. After finding this small section of seating to the side of the restaurant we returned again and again to the same seats. I can often find large buffet style restaurants quite hectic and stressful but it was nice to have the option of some quiet corners to hide away in.

Foodwise, the highlight of the stay was our 5 course dinner in the culinarium restaurant. It was a beautifully romantic setting overlooking the sunset with rose petals sprinkled on the table. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone staying in the Arona Gran. On half board it is a supplement of 10euros but if you have the UP package for a week or more with half board you get one dinner in the culinarium included. Be sure to book early to avoid disappointment as it is only a small restaurant. I could write a whole blog post just on the one evening spent there! (In fact I may do that)

The experience of the hotel was totally transformed by having the UP package. From the roof top infinity pool and jacuzzi to the indoor TV and reading areas, the complimentary bar and fresh canapés arriving every few hours.

It was totally relaxing and more align to the service of a good 5 star hotel than the 4 stars that Arona Gran is awarded.

Many of the other guests here return again and again, often multiple times a year and I can see why. The friendly staff, good facilities and quiet location make for a well rounded calm and relaxed holiday.

I for one was very sad to leave on my last day and I may have to become one of the ‘regulars’ there. It was my first visit to the Arona Gran and it definitely won’t be my last.

Lastly, I would like to thank the Arona Gran lovely hotel for my stay and my upgrade to the UP package.