Ocean Palace Review

Overall Rating

Fresh and clean environment
Large Pool and Terrace area
Palatial decor
Entertainment inside and out
Good for families but also quiet enough for solo.
Efficient Hotel Staff

Slippery pool area...

Playa de Las Americas, Ocean Palace - Situated not far from the Beach but on a hill, so you get a good sea view from all rooms as they are all sea-facing, the only obstacle will be the ascent after your day out... that is not a bad point really! This Hotel caters for all and has many on-site facilities including a small but well-stocked shop for the essentials. There is a restaurant on-site that caters for the Half Board guests, but for the Self Catering, for a small charge, you can join in for the occasional buffet-style selections which are always clean and available for seconds or tenth portions! There is a bar near to the Reception and a Terrace bar that serves food and snacks, etc all day and once again very good. In the evening there is nightly entertainment for seven nights, that do not seem to disturb you too much if you have overdone it and need an early night, this is another entertainments room on the lower ground floor (pool level) that also has a bar. Also, during my two stays in 2000 and 2001, there was an upper-terrace live duo for entertainment from around 6.30pm to 9.30.pm. I was so happy with my first stay, that when my elderly parents who had never been abroad before, decided they would get their first passports and start to come away with me, I was so pleased with this Hotel, that I was more than delighted that they had the rooms available when I wanted them as I felt very comfortable to leave them at the hotel knowing they were safe and within reach of helpful staff. I would definitely go back again. On site there is a Tennis court and a Beauty parlour for those that really need it, but I think it will keep you away from the glorious weather, so I personally feel, if you need it... get it from basking in the glorious sun that gives you an instant tan on the Terrace. Located only a few hundred metres from the beach (about 15 minutes walk or 2 minutes taxi) and passing a generous-sized supermarket and pharmacy, there is the beginning of the beach-front(Fanabe) shops and markets, that take you all the way along Las Americas and to Los Christianos, going past a small port that takes you out to the dolphin trips, etc.... if you are walking, this only adds another 10 minutes from the hotel... everything is catered for! The hotel itself, is dominantly "First Choice" and you will be comfortable if you are dodgy with the lingo, as the bookings for that hotel are directed at English speaking guests and staff... although, I try do my best at as many phrases as I can...

There were three excursions booked during this stay; one was a Coach trip around the Island. It appeared generally; that there were not that many people on the Island, as it was difficult to tie up a booking not enough people were listing for a trip to take place. We were told by the Rep to wait at the main Bus Area We waited over an hour, before I walked up to Ocean Palace to see the Coach waiting there for us, so I directed the Driver down the hill to collect my parents. As I had already been on this trip last year, it was not too much bother for me, but I felt that my parents should benefit from this insight. Normally, the tours would be separated into equal language Coaches, but this time, so stretched, everything was done in three languages this tested my parents somewhat, but I managed to understand the broken German and French better than the broken English, along with already knowing the places, I became a bit of an interpreter for my parents and close by English tourists. The trip did not follow the exact route as before and missed Candelaria, which was where I was looking forward to returning.

This date also being September 11th 2001, and the Coach stopping for a mid-way tourist view of the Flower Displays, we were alarmed by the Driver returning to the Coach and trying to describe to me that he had just watched a the "twin towers" catastrophe on the Pub TV. On returning from this trip, Ocean Palace was at a standstill and everyone was watching TV wherever you could find them.

The second trip, was to take my parents up to see Teide by stars, so they could witness what I saw last year: watching the sunset from above the clouds, then on to the demonstration of the Stars glittering clearly overhead, then to finish off, a stop off for a meal on the way back down the Mountain. All food etc was inclusive of the excursion price.

For the third trip that was booked, my Father was looking forward to see the Dolphins and Whales and I had booked up the Royal Delfin, unfortunately, I was told, as it didn't arrive for the pick up, then it was cancelled, probably due to the drop in excursions due to 11th. I found out later that day that the Coach did eventually arrive some 2 hours later too late for the Boat! As we were already half way to the Boat area, I did originally ask the Reps if we could make our own way by foot to reach the Boat, but was informed that we must arrive by the booked transport or we would not be allowed onboard, so this was quite a whitewash to the week for excursions but maybe next time!?!?!

In November 2000, I took my first visit to Tenerife and my first stay at Ocean Palace. Travelling alone, I decided that this trip would be to adventure as much as possible to find out about Las Canarias and made sure that I booked up on as many excursions during this fortnight's stay.

TEIDE BY STARS
My first excursion was to go to see Mount Teide by stars. Being taken into the mountains above the clouds by Closed-Jeep. Weaving into the hills and stopping at the National Park, this caravan of about 20 Jeeps were halted to position at the best view witnessing the Sun setting into the Clouds below. I could not believe the awesome sight of warm tones stretched across the clouds and the shining of the Sunrays filtering in all directions; eventually darkening, then lighting up again as the Sun shone upwards through the clouds. It was a truly romantic experience; unfortunately there was no one on my arm at this time!

Moving on upwards into the Mountain, was the next stop into the darkness, where a Scientist was waiting to explain the shapes and meanings of all the stars above, including the visible Satellites and Planets They were so clear to see, providing there was no light pollution to distract them. To see them all so clear and in full was outstanding. After this One Hour insight, caravanning by the 20, back down the winding and misty clouds, was the next stop where generous quantities of local delicacies that were on the tour-inclusive Menu, including drinks that completed an overwhelming excursion, returning to the Ocean Palace, light headed but very much fulfilled.

ISLAND TOUR
Taking an Island Coach Tour, a day was well placed, stopping of at Ancient Dragon Trees with trunks and roots disfigured into hauntingly imaginable twisted figures. This stop incorporates a visit into a traditional Church before moving on to the inclusive food-stop.

Having arrived into the Restaurant, with walls encased bottles of vintage Wine, we were all led up the short stairs to circular tables, laden with bottles of wines and liqueurs. Out came plate after plate of the finest Canarian foods washed down with as much wine as you could stomach. The Waiters then brought out bottles of samples of various types of the wines locally produced along with warnings of high alcohol (knock you out) liqueurs, but they were big samples, in fact they were FULL bottle sized and much was consumed YES by me!

Moving on was a short stop at a Sea town where there were many swimming pools linked side by side and a more than adequate shopping area. At this time I am unable to recall the Town's name, but it is well known in Tenerife by the multi-pool areas. The next main stop was at Candelaria. This town is very much steeped in religion and portrays all it's Patron Saints by forming a row of them about 20 feet into the air, almost commanding the protection of this town and it's ornate and very much historical Church. There are a few shops in this area and many photographic opportunities were taken advantage of. This stay was extended due to the Coach breaking down, but once ready to leave to complete the tour, I had made sure that I had incorporated as much as I could in my portable snapper.

ROYAL DELFIN
One of the main tour attractions was to board the Royal Delfin to follow the Dolphin trails and take advantage of the scenes along the South Coastal areas. This boat was a Catamaran, being so, with a glass hull. I made sure that I spent time in the hull, to take as much photographic opportunities as possible. The Sea was so clear and blue. The rocks on the Seabed were so clear that you could pick out all the dents and marks in them. Schools of fish I had never seen before, passed in front of me, it was so much different than watching TV this was the real thing. Once again, meals were included, but I did not join the long queue that circled the whole inside of the vessel, I found that a little off-putting so abstaining was a better option and taking in more Sea-world views, some took this chance to take a plunge in the sparkling Sea. Taking this lone opportunity to get prime position at the very front of the boat, I anchored my place and determined to keep it while on the way back to the excursion's end, I used my Camcorder to get all the best shots, including the elaborate dancing routines of the Dolphins as they leapt to-and-fro. What a wonderful experience!

LA GOMERA
The most elaborate of tours, once again all inclusive of excursion prices was the trip to La Gomera. This Island just adjacent to the South of Tenerife, was a FULL day itinerary and needed quite an early start. After some confusion with the Luxury Jeeps and some guests not at their pick-up point, it transpired that I would be the only English-speaking tourist in this six-caravan Jeep tour. I was given the option by the driver to cancel my trip, but as I was in my adventure holiday, I would not let language get in my way I had done very well so far Keep on going is the message. Anyway, it was all in my advantage as it meant that I would be the only passenger in the Jeep and getting a special one-on-one personalised guided tour. Then, to add to the bizarre conditions, we were joined by the company cameraman who took residence on the back seat so he had plenty of room to take the tour videos A very entertaining and mischievous man who kept precariously hanging out of the windows, gripping his feet with the door handles, then laying in the road to catch strangely orientated pictures of the following trail of Jeeps, narrowly being missed by other traffic!

The tour actually commencing, we boarded the licensed Ferry to arrive at La Gomera and continue into the hills. Winding through scenic valleys and mountains, we arrived at La Laguna; a caf that was complemented by a display of the local language into local history, taught in their schools as a way of life. It is proudly recorded in many years gone by; that the only way of communication across the hilltops was to whistle. They learned a complete language all of its own just by tones being whistled. This whistling was brought to the current day, by a local man displaying hide-and-seek messages to send a waitress to find objects hidden on us It was most impressive.

Next to see was a trip into the rocky side roads that ended up onto lunar landscape red sands Red dust, red rocks and red sky It is indescribable to give it justice; I cannot write the words to describe this You really need to go and see it!

Following the same road out, we turned along to head for the Restaurant far into the winding valleys. Pulling up at this almost abandoned looking building, it was completely different inside. All sat around three tables; this gave me the opportunity to start communicating with people around me and was pleased that we could find a mutually semi-Spanish/European language that eased the digestion with these Dutch explorers. Once again the clean environment complemented the food, which was absolutely to the Canarian cuisine and I enjoyed as with all these meal-included excursions, with the fullest enthusiasm.

This trip could not be completed without pulling into the National Park that was dense with wiry tangled looking twigs; that were sadly at the hands of a vicious forest fire many years ago. Taking Camcorder into hand and looking through the viewfinder, all in black & white, curiously made the forest come to life as it appeared that the trees were all covered in snow it was such a beautiful sight, but a shame that the reality was the result of careless humans! Stopping at a couple of sightseeing ravines we continued on.

We had to wait a while back in the port town to catch the Ferry back, so I enjoyed a slow walk around the shops and a sit down in the open seating area to take in the glorious November weather! On that note I took a walk up one side street to look at all the traditional Canarian constructions and their way of life, to see on the side of a building, one of those digital temperature machines and could not believe my eyes, so I got my Camcorder out, as no one else would believe me for a November I know it was quite a hot day, but 37 c! One place around the corner is the tiny Church that is clad inside ornamentals in pure gold Another picture catch Eventually boarding the Ferry, I arrived back at Ocean Palace just in time for Happy Hour, exhausted from an enduring day, I took best advantage of the Bar, then had a good night's sleep.

MOUNT TEIDE JEEP SAFARI
All the skies opened up for 24hours for at that time was the worst recorded storm in history, but it did not stop the attempt to venture on the booked Canvas / Open-backed Jeep Safari back up to Mount Teide! The Jeep arrived to collect me even though there had been many beaches washed away, it took 2 hours waiting back at the Jeep Station, getting soaking wet, then I was told that they had received the final report from the Police forbidding any tours as it was too dangerous. It was a shame as it also took 2 hours to get back to the Hotel 1 miles away, due to torrential and flooding conditions, hindered by multiple accidents passing on the way. As usual I took Camcorder opportunities to capture the road waves. With all the morning now gone, I took refuge to the Bar area and tried to make my insides as wet as my outer. Later, it was reported that many Hotels had lost power that would last a few days, but Ocean Palace was lucky as it only suffered a few short cuts but restored without too much discomfort. The storm having passed and the new day arrived, welcomed the most glorious skies and sun to date. I took a walk out to the streets and many had dried up, it was only the evidence of diggers on the beach repairing the sands and the odd one or two heavy-hit bridge underpasses that showed that anything had happened cosmetically, however it was a different devastation to the inside of some Hotels. I took the new Sun as an excuse to ensure I make the most of it, so returned to my apartment and used the privacy of my vast balcony to spread out and soak the goodness.

ISLAND TOUR BY JEEP
This Tour was a little different to the other Island tours and aimed at only half-day excursion. Headed up to the Capital City to venture the shops, there were only 2 Jeeps this time, not much of a caravan. I would imagine that it doesn't matter where you come from or what you want, you will find it here. I recall pedestrian areas packed with everything you could imagine. Myself, spending so much on all these excursions, I needed to be a little careful on my personal spending; however, I did enjoy the sights of this City.

Waiting for the return Jeep, I spent quite a while in the main square enjoying the world go by, accompanied by a side-stall Pizza, I got carried away with taking pictures and unfortunately was the last to board the Jeep. I say unfortunate, this is because I am a tall and large framed person and enjoyed the legroom of the front seat all the way up, but it had been taken, so I had to cramp up in the back. This had increasing problems as the journey continued. Travelling back to base, we stopped off at the Tenerife National Park for the views, but during the 1000's of feet descent at rapid Jeep speed and the speaker to my right ear squeaking loud between each communication of Jeeps, my ears suffered badly. The Descent and noise resulted in deafness to my right side and sharp pains popping across to the Pharmacy, just down from the Hotel and try to bring my ears back was the next step forward.


BLACK JACK
The following day, very much worse for wear, I still committed myself to the previous booking on the Black Jack and experience this sailing vessel across the South Coastline, following Whales. This was very much a sunbather's task as all there was were deck all exposed. Had it not been for my ongoing ear problems, I may have enjoyed it more, however, this luxury trip with Canap s and Champagne, I did very well. At this anchored spot, I decided to take my ears by the horn and sample the Sea's comforts as I thought maybe the Sea pressure might return my hearing. I was prepared in case, so peeled off down to trunks and headed down the ladder to plunge into the warm waters It was so relaxing and as the water was calm, this reassured me for a while as I do not like being out of my depth, but with the way I felt anyway, I thought 10 minutes was ample. Then was the gravity struggle as I tried to re-climb the ladder with soaking trunks pulling me back down! There was plenty of time to dry out properly on deck before arriving back to Port. On return to Port, the collection vehicle was not there, so after half hour wait we decided to make our own ways back to respective Hotels. (There were only us 3 on this trip) Ocean Palace was only 20 minutes walk, so I enjoyed that stroll.

FANAB MEALS
During my 2-week stay, there was one Restaurant that stood out for service and excellence, and that is the one located at the top left hand side of the hill that runs to the beach at Fanab . Many meals I enjoyed here and was always looked after which was always generously gratitude. The portions for what I liked were mostly served as meals for two, so I soon gained a reputation for my appetite and in fact on the last meal, I received accolade from the entire Restaurant for cleaning my plate dry! I must have been on a mission to do or die, unfortunately, on hindsight, I may have risked the latter But here I am, 4 years older, but my ears are still hit-and-miss. Bearing in mind of the accomplishment of the whole holiday ventured alone, I think I did very well.

Members' Comments onescape's Review

• escape on 29th Sep 2004

  Note: You should be advised by Reps, that Bar Prices may seem high on site... This is to avoid being swamped by NON GUESTS, that would otherwise clog up your facilities and destroy the Palacial and Pleasant environment

• escape on 9th Oct 2004

  As both my Parents had Angina and Mother also with Diabetes, it was reassuring to know that Tenerife is rightly proud to have a top quality Hospital close to Playa de Las Americas centre that is reputed to have specialists in heart disease and on the occasion that I had to take my Mother there for additional medication, we all agree to commend the Staff for their understanding and efficiency to attend the Diabetes issue.

• Zhadnost on 7th Jul 2008

  I have stayed there many times, and completely agree with the review, although things have slipped slightly in the past few years.