Hotel Esencia de La Palma By Princess - Adults Only (+16)

We spent Christmas and New Year at Escensia Princess and had a great holiday. The adults-only section suited us, and we could still use all the hotel areas and facilities. The staff everywhere were fantastic, friendly, and helpful. Our room was great and always clean and tidy. Internet worked perfectly, with no signal drop anywhere across the extensive grounds. The gym is amazing, the best-equipped hotel gym I’ve seen, with everything you could need and lots of classes. There was plenty of food to choose from, and the salad bar was delicious. The perimeter walk is a nice little outing, with fabulous views over the banana groves and ocean. The pools and spa were fantastic too, and the entertainment team did the usual holiday shows that helped pass the evenings. Special mention to Flávio at the piano, a wonderful pianist and entertainer who connected with everyone and gave us lots of laughs. I’d definitely return. Thanks to all the staff, from housekeeping to management. The bus ride in and out of the island was very bendy and made me travel sick, but that’s just me 😂.

The friendly, helpful staff made a real difference, especially the great housekeeping and kind receptionists. Still, we came away with mixed feelings about Esencia de La Palma. We’ve stayed in hotels in North Africa, other Canary Islands, South-East and East Asia, and continental Europe, and this one fell short of the standards we’re used to, especially for an all-inclusive booking. There was a general sense of corners being cut and details overlooked. Our room had no bathroom tissues or slippers, and there wasn’t even a bottle of drinking water in the fridge. Those little basics matter at an all-inclusive hotel. Some bar and dining staff also made us feel as if we were bothering them. The facilities looked reasonably maintained at first, but we found mold around the slushy dispensers at the pool bar. Plastic cups were often stacked while still wet, and some smelled unpleasant. Drinks are served all day, so proper cleaning and drying should be routine. With these hygiene concerns and the lack of attention to detail, it’s hard to recommend this as a true all-inclusive experience, despite the dedicated, friendly employees.

To whoever this reaches ❤️ I’ve just had a holiday at prinsesse hotel, and there are no doubts, I’ll be back. My son stayed before and said it was the best place to spend my birthday. He was right 🌴 I can’t recommend a better place, and the staff everywhere were perfect. Thanks from room 2233, Britta P

A unique hotel and resort, with outstanding service for Esencia guests. The gym is spacious and perfectly equipped. Some parts need refurbishment, like the tiles around the pool areas. Also, not every room sold as “sea view” actually has a sea view, even though it faces the sea.