Alma Hostel

I booked three nights because I wanted to be near El Teide, and Vilaflor itself is gorgeous. But the house smelled strongly of mold, and I woke the next morning feeling dizzy, with a headache, stomach upset and high anxiety. I believe it triggered an allergic reaction. I arrived late the first night and slept with my head under my sleeping bag. I complained to Booking. The owner marked the reservation as a no-show and asked for a Russian translator to get involved with Booking while I was trying to obtain a refund. I lost a day in Tenerife feeling ill, filing complaints, going to the emergency room and finding somewhere else to stay. I also lost the money for two nights and paid for fuel to another city and an Airbnb booking fee. If I’d known, I wouldn’t have booked this place. I would have paid more somewhere else. It felt like a trap.

We lasted 20 minutes and couldn’t stay. The problems weren’t limited to no hot water, no kitchen electricity or no heating. The kitchen was filthy, and there seemed to be no one looking after the place. I sent a very polite message about my booking and never got a reply, and if you have an issue, don’t expect an answer. I travel in high mountains for weeks at a time and sleep in tents or shelters, so I’m used to basic conditions. Here, we encountered drunk people and guests who didn’t respect others’ private space. If you’re a junky, you might find it a good spot. I won’t choose a hotel just because it costs less again. Think twice.

I cancelled and got my money back, luckily, as soon as I realized the place wasn’t habitable. It was freezing, the electricity kept failing, and cooking or showering wasn’t possible. The facilities look like they’re from the 1970s. The cleaning staff were lovely and clearly trying, but the place still felt abandoned. The owners live abroad, and it seems to show. Don’t go here.

If you just need somewhere simple to sleep for a few hours before a night hike to Teide, this works well, as long as the retro look doesn’t bother you. They also let us check out later. Thanks!