Silken Saaj Maar- Adults Only

From my first-floor terrace, I watched little groups of people walk by, look up and point at the moving metal scale-like pieces on the building. It's the most interesting building in town, and the balcony and room were perfect. You can see the surf break against the rocks below and listen to it all day. The location is spectacular. Everyone I dealt with, at check-in, breakfast and the rooftop, was the most courteous, kind and professional staff I've encountered in decades of travel. I'd definitely stay here again. Next time, I'd bring my wife. The location and staff make it the nicest hotel I've ever visited.

I particularly liked the small beach right in front of Silken Saaj Maar, and shops, cafes, restaurants, supermarkets and pharmacies were all within 200 metres. I also found free parking for my rental car about a 10-minute walk away, with plenty of spaces. For my birthday, the breakfast team made a lovely effort with cake, a birthday song and a glass of champagne. Everything from check-in to check-out went smoothly during my week there as a solo traveller in Puerto de la Cruz. English communication was easy. Some staff spoke a little German and were happy to practise, which felt nice and important in this line of work. The interactions felt genuine and close to guests. Breakfast and dinner seemed freshly made, with a good amount of choice and something for everyone. When I reported that my balcony door wouldn't close, someone came to fix it within half an hour. The room was spotless on arrival and thoroughly cleaned every day. I didn't get along with the duvet, but that's personal preference and shouldn't affect the rating. Thanks to the staff for making this much-needed break so relaxing and memorable.

Be careful booking here. The rooms don't have proper windows, just a pseudo-window facing inward, so you get no daylight in the room. Parking is about 1 km away.

The only real downside was getting to the hotel by car. There's no car access, so you have to carry your luggage quite a way, wherever you park. We used the free public parking one of the staff recommended, and it was fine. We had a Silken Club corner room on the fourth floor, which was huge and really well designed. It came with robes, slippers and lots of other necessities, and honestly felt up to the standard of a five-star hotel. The balcony had a wonderful view across the bay, with beautiful sunsets and somehow sunrises too. Breakfast was repetitive, as it tends to be on a long stay, but there was such a wide selection that we could eat something different each day. The spa facilities were fun and relaxing, and the 20-minute welcome massage is worth taking advantage of.