Parador de la Palma

Everything apart from reception was perfect. The restaurant staff, cleaning staff and pool attendant were all very friendly, and we had a great time. My one suggestion is to train the receptionists: at a hotel like this, they should greet arriving guests, but they came across like bureaucrats bothered by visitors. One receptionist also told us at arrival that we needed to book meals ahead because the hotel was fully booked. That wasn’t true; there were very few people. I’m not sure what that person was trying to achieve.

A nightmare of a stay. Our room was noisy, right beside the kitchen ventilation system. There was hair from previous guests in the bathroom, and no shower gel. Worst of all, the reception manager was extremely rude and impolite. Avoid this place and choose a better, more normal hotel with a better attitude from staff and better cleanliness.

By day six, we’d found some lovely places to eat outside the hotel, though getting there meant a taxi. Santa Cruz is 10 minutes away by taxi and well worth it. Everywhere else made us feel welcome. At the hotel, it felt anti-British, as if staff went out of their way to make us feel that way. The only nice people were the cleaning staff. Often there was nobody at reception to hand over our keys, and restaurant staff ignored us while we stood at the bar waiting to be served. There was no one working the bar. The hotel itself is really nice, and the restaurant looks good with a relaxed atmosphere, but it’s clearly understaffed. On our first night, we sat down at 8 pm and waited half an hour to order. The man who showed us to our table and eventually took the order was rude. Half of what we ordered never arrived. At 9:15, after another five minutes, we gave up. We’d expected to spend over €900 there on meals during our seven-day holiday, but after that experience we decided to eat elsewhere. The weather was really bad too, though that’s out of anyone’s control. Without a car, you’re rather stuck, since the hotel is some distance from amenities. With all these problems, we’d never return to this hotel. It’s clearly understaffed and seems to cater only to Spanish guests. The island itself is beautiful, and we’d return, but would stay closer to amenities, somewhere like the H10.

The setting makes it easy to slow down: wonderful views, nature all around, and a deep connection with the landscape. Everything felt relaxed, comfortable and effortless, with a quiet kind of luxury. The food was amazing, and the view over coffee was simply the best way to take it all in. The people were amazing too. The staff were always kind and attentive, and from the moment we arrived, we felt at home. Parador La Palma, thank you for a wonderful holiday in Paradise. Spending New Year here was really special. Honestly, one of the best places to relax and enjoy yourself!