Hotel Catalonia Las Vegas

Together with the H10 Tenerife Playa, this hotel couldn't be better situated just across from a small black sand beach and minutes from all the action with restaurants, bars and shops pretty much on the doorstep. The resort, Puerto de la Cruz, is situated in the north of the island of Tenerife and is favoured more by older couples or perhaps families with one just one child. The immediate vicinity of the hotel can get quite crowded and animated being close to the town centre so this is probably not the best hotel option if you are looking for peace and quiet. There is no car park at the hotel, but you will be able to find a parking space in the roads surrounding the property. The island's northern airport is located 18 miles to the east while the southern hub is 57 miles away.

While the rooms at the Las Vegas are perfectly serviceable and comfortable, there will be changes coming very soon. For example the standard rooms, which currently have no fridges, will see vending machines introduced, while the superior rooms will be ridden of their pairs of single beds and receive double beds with a new range of linen. If you are coming as a family and are hoping to be free of the kids for the majority of the day then this isn't the place for you as there is only a small playground to occupy them and no dedicated animators. The hotel does have six rooms reserved for disabled guests however they do not have walk-in showers, just regular bathtubs.

The sole factor preventing the Las Vegas looking like every other resort hotel you've seen is the jaunty-angled glass entrance which seems to have been wedged under the protruding first floor. Inside, the vast open plan lobby, which is a little impersonal, contains not only the reception desk, but also, around its edge, card playing rooms, pool tables, a conservatory for relaxation, ping pong tables, a kids play area, a hairdresser, a supplies shop and coin-operated PCs. Just outside you'll find a pétanque pitch and bowling facilities. Also outside is a mini golf course and other games such as shuffle board. Many of these activities are the basis of competitions organised by the animators throughout the day while several nights per week a professional show is put on such as live music or magic and is followed y such activities as bingo or quizzes.

Outside in the pool area, which is surrounded by lush greenery, one main swimming pool and a small kids pool wait for those wishing to take a dip. The views up and around of the pool aren't great due to the height of the buildings which also block the sun for parts of the day. There is however ample room for everyone and some of the loungers are posed on a shortly grazed lawn next to trees of varying sizes. The rest of the hotel's public spaces are a little dated in terms of their décor, but are functional and clean and orderly. The highlight though is the small garden below the pool with at its centre a fountain. As well as a terrace alongside it, there is also a balcony which runs along the hotel above it, both perfect for a quiet drink or for reading a book in the shade.

The hotel doesn't have a wellness of fitness centre, however various treatments can be arranged upon request. As well as the coin-operated PCs internet can be picked up for free in public spaces for those with a laptop.

There are only two types of room at the Las Vegas, and to be honest, the difference between them is marginal. The standard rooms are of a reasonable size and simply appointed with basic furniture including a desk, bedside tables and two chairs all in the same light coloured wood. In addition to the two armchairs and coffee table, amenities include a regular television, safe (10? deposit and 18? per week thereafter) and a Van Gogh print above the bed which is dressed in a floral cover. The bathrooms are quite cosy and are fitted with white marble with black detail. They come with bathtub with shower, bidet, hairdryer and personalised sachet toiletries and are in good condition. There is a modest sized balcony with goo quality furniture and which look out on to the volcano Teide or the sea. The superior rooms are identical to the standards, aside from the presence of an extra 10m² or so of living space which comprises a sofa bed and the displaced desk and television found in the other rooms. Their bathrooms are bigger and boast double vanities while those superiors without balconies have instead floor-to-ceiling windows.

The hotel has just one buffet restaurant where all three meals are served. It is well appointed, with retro-looking chairs and sleek furniture and is a light, bright room with good views of the coast. As for the food, although there are quite a few original ideas, the choice of main dishes especially, is not very big. There is a selection of lighter snacks too, which is not something found everywhere, while the desserts included a sugar-free option which is a nice touch and bread and cheese, which is also not so common. The lobby houses a bar to the right of the main entrance, although it looks more like a coffee shop and, being within the main hall, is not a particularly relaxing place to be, unless of course you intend to watch a sports event on the flatscreen television. The pool has a snack bar which serves beverages and light meals such as sandwiches and omelettes during the day, while at night, as well as the lobby bar, you'll find a place for drinks at the show bar, just where the evening's entertainment takes place.

The closest beach, just outside the hotel, is Playa de Martiánez. The beach enjoys fine white sand although this is mixed with a little seaweed once in the water, which is pretty clear. There is plenty of space in which to sunbathe and sufficient loungers, which are available at a fee (all beaches in Spain are public). Even in the high season one does not feel too claustrophobic. Note that it can get quite windy in this part of the coast.