Spring Hotel Vulcano Review

Overall Rating

The hotel Vulcano at Playa de las Americas on Tenerife was one of the few I've stayed in that has actually deserved its 4* rating. The food was excellent and changed nightly (don't know about breakfast - never managed to be up in time!), the staff were friendly and obliging, and the rooms and design of the hotel were excellent. I was most impressed with the indoor 'jungle'. It is situated near enough to Veronicas so that taxis aren't needed, yet far enough away so as not to be overwhelmed by the smell and noise. It is also relatively near to San Telmo beach - one of the best in PDLA/Los Cristianos.

The resort itself is brilliant if you know your way around it and how to avoid the pitfalls. Wherever you go in the world, people will try to rip you off. The looky-looky men (so-called because they are forever trying to get people to look at their fake watches, sunglasses, and seriously cheap and tacky chains) should be politely but firmly refused, as should the Chinese flower women. The Spanish flower women should be avoided at all costs as they will pick your pocket if you let them. Basically, don't leave your common sense at home.

As it's a hot climate, there are inevitably cockroaches, but they often only venture into hotel rooms if food is left out in the open for days. Veronicas is dangerous, but generally only if people go out looking for trouble, and in the summer it's a hell hole, precisely because groups of teenage lads do exactly that.

There are, however, plenty of other decent bars to visit. Although expensive, Leonardos is easily the best as every evening (except Tuesdays) the Wild Boyz are performing. They are hugely entertaining Geordie (and Leicester) lads who can really belt out a tune (and I love 'em!). Also, there's the Dubliner underneath the hotel Las Palmeras that's very hot but definitely worth a visit, much of the Patch. The Gold Night is good if you like cheesy 80's music.

Good restaurants include Momma's Italian in Torviscas Alto, Merlin's Chinese on the first floor of the Parque Santiago shopping centre (all you can eat for a ridiculously small amount of money), and the California bar underneath the California apartments (near the Noelia Sur).

Trips worth taking are to Mount Teide and Loro Parque, and a day trip to La Gomera is a must if you appreciate dramatic scenery. Trips to avoid are the bar crawls (no matter what company you're with), as you get herded around by reps and still have to pay for most of your drinks. The other one not worth going on is the whales and dolphins sight-seeing tour - the only thing you'll see is ocean and, if you're lucky, the occasional fin. It is, however, guaranteed that you will have is sea-sickness.

All in all, the hotel is stunning and, so long as you're aware, you can't fail to enjoy yourself.

Members' Comments ondebvoyce.'s Review

• tracker. on 8th Apr 2003

  Agree with most of your views,only disagree with
  staying in Playa Americas,Troviscas much nicer
  and a lot quieter.Loro Parque is a must see!
  The see the Whales and Dolphins trip is a don't
  bother!

• Winker on 6th Oct 2004

  I'm taking the extended family to Tenerife in 2005 and this review is a good one. I feel we are well informed before we spend our dosh.
  Distance from drunken crowd invaluable, and thanks for the whales warning, grandma was looking to do that!!
  Could have given more info on trip £s and if worth hiring a car.
  What do hotel rooms look onto, sea, swimming pool or just loads of other hotels?
  What is evening shows like?
  Is there a big show on the island that's worth seeing?

• Wooley on 27th Jul 2005

  Just one comment and that is I have been to Tenerife twice before during May and January, and both times seen LOTS of Whales and Dolphins on trips we have been on. I particularly recommend the Pirates trip if you want some entertainment on board as well. (Many trips depart from Los Cristianos).