Hotel Mediterranean Palace

The Palace has a privileged situation a stone's throw away from both the centre of its resort, Playa de las Americas, and from the closest beach, Playa del Camisón. Right opposite the hotel's entrance are an array of shopping opportunities, while also not far away are the resort's main restaurants and bars. The hotel does have a car park which operates on a first come first served basis although if there is no space left here when you arrive, here'll be a spot out on the main street or one nearby.

The hotel is part of the Mare Nostrum complex which includes the Cleopatra hotel and the Sir Anthony. The Palace's rooms are actually quite similar to those at the Cleopatra and share many of the same amenities. Guests at the Cleopatra have access to the fitness centre and kids club at the Mediterranean Palace as these facilities are not available at the former.

The entrance to the Palace is just off of the main drag through a set of rotating doors under a mirrored overhand and next to a colourful contemporary mural. Similarly to its sister hotel the Cleopatra, the first thing that'll hit you upon arrival is the sheer size of the property, which is in the shape of a bulging crescent. From the reception level, which is located on the first floor, you can see all the other floors arranged in gallery form with huge chandeliers stretching from the ceiling right down to the ground floor. It isn't the best decorated of lobbies, but the black and white marble floor, the escalators and capsule-style lifts going up and down and the multiple seating areas give the area a certain buzz, while the glass roof allows light to pierce through the space. Downstairs from the reception level you'll find an array of fountains and pools, seating, greenery, statues and, annoyingly, a whole series of mirrors, all of which is largely wasted on guests unless they happen to be here playing pool, fusbal or arcade games.

Outside you'll find the one and only swimming pool which is an enormous round affair with fountains around its edge and at the centre. In fact it is so imposing that there is plenty of space for all the hotel's guests by its side as well as for aqua gym classes to be held within it alongside those who simply want to splash about. It is unlikely that you'll struggle to find a free lounger, although the sun does dip behind the surrounding buildings towards the end of the day, cutting short sunbathing time in certain sports around the pool. Just nearby is the highly impressive Club Maré, the brand new kids club which opened the day we were over and which is possibly the finest of all centres on the island. 800m² is dedicated to making sure that the little ones have as much fun as the adults. Several different rooms have been constructed, including the main one with its quite amazing climbing frame and ball pool. The animation team is excellent with the kids and this, together with the fact that the club itself is so fantastic, may explain why a fee was due to be introduced for its use. Otherwise, there is a full daily animation programme for adults, including yoga, spinning and cocktail games. At night a show takes place outside on the terrace above the pool which proves a great setting for professional spectacles involving traditional dance, cover groups and of course the early minidisco. The big attraction though is the flamenco extravaganza that takes place every day in the Pyramids venue next door. It may cost 43? per ticket, but it is truly worth the money. Also found close to the pool is the smart fitness room, which has a good range of machines, and the few treatment rooms at guests' disposal for massages and other body treatments. Indoor pools are also available complete with massage showers.

Other amenities at the Palace include a hairdresser, coin-operated PCs for surfing the internet and a bike rental scheme priced at 5? per hour. Access to the rooms is fairly simple, although may take a while due solely to the sheer size of the complex. The public spaces are clean and well maintained and the atmosphere that descends upon the hotel is rather a jolly one.

There are three room types on offer at the Palace. The standard rooms are very similar to those at the Cleopatra although are slightly smaller. The furniture, which comprises bedside tables, a table and chairs, a small desk attached to the wall and a drawer column, has seen better days, while the matching bedding and curtains are a little dated. There is a mirrored wardrobe framed in gold (as is the headboard) while amenities in the room include a regular television, safe (2.85? per day), fridge (same price) and radio integrated into one of the bedside tables. The bathroom is not huge but does boast a double vanity, bathtub with shower, bidet, hairdryer and personalised toiletries. The private balcony is just large enough for two and looks out either on to the island's volcano, Teide, the swimming pool or the sea (and pool). For more room opt for a suite, which has a separate living space with a sofa, table and chairs and television, although some of the flooring is in a bad state. The balcony, which has the same view options, is longer than that of the standard. The real attraction of the suites though is the plunge pools (careful, as not all suites enjoy this luxury). Filled upon arrival, they offer panoramic views over the sea and the opportunity to sunbathe in privacy on your own loungers. For families, there is the possibility to take two interconnecting rooms so that kids and adults can each have their privacy.

The main buffet restaurant at the Palace is quite impressive and one of the most pleasing to the eye we saw. Decorated essentially in black and white but brightened up with huge coloured panels, contemporary lamps and giant paintings, it also boasts a decked terrace and a cute kids corner complete with low, brightly coloured tables, colouring in kits and balloons. The food is of a high standard (dessert was a bit of a disappointment) with a smaller selection of dishes at lunch time. The staff is friendly and efficient and they are constantly making sure there is enough food to go round. There is also a pleasant view out onto the swimming pool and hotel complex. The snack bar by the pool, Vitamina's Bar, serves fresh fruit, sandwiches, salads and other beverages throughout the day in an agreable setting with wooden floors and a large flatscreen television. The Beach Club on Playa del Camisón, a few hundred metres' walk from the hotel, has a great location overlooking the beach and serves food and drink every day, with themed parties put on from time to time. This bar is shared between guests of the Cleopatra Hotel and is also open to the public.

To get to the Playa del Camison, dark sand public beach facing the hotel, open the door using the room's magnetic key and cross the walkway. Guarded and well appointed, this medium-size beach is surrounded by palm trees. Equipment (not free) include beach umbrellas, deck chairs and showers. Water sports and games for children are available. Sea walls break waves, offering a quite calm sea to swim in. We advise you to go for the right part of the beach, toward the yatch club, where there are less rocks. Cleopatra guests have access to the Beach Club, the bar restaurant of the Anthony Hotel which is part of the Mare Nostrum Resort.