We booked our holiday at the last minute to the Ten Bel Alborada in Costa Del Silencio, Tenerife, and then I read the reviews which I wish I hadn't. The hotel is the ugliest building I have ever seen, but once inside it is OK, except for there being no air conditioning. The pool is fabulous, especially when it has been cleaned once a week. I didn't find the staff very friendly or helpful, and round the pool bar they didn't like anyone at all, except the Spanish of course. The entertainment is OK if you are aged 10 and under.

I don't want to put anyone off if you are about to go because the weather was fab, and the pool is 3/4 of an acre big. You can get a bus across the road to Los Cristianos or Las Americas for under 5 Euros every 30 minutes. Plus, in the little village they sell fabulous shoes and bags.

The outside of Ten Bel Alborada looked like a multi-storey car park or a prison. Costa Del Silencio was really nice but as we went for the winter time it was quite cold even though the brochure stated it would be quite warm. As it was Christmas, the shops were closed a lot of the time so there wasn't much to do. You couldn't sunbath because of the weather so most of the time I stayed indoors and played cards. I must say if you want a really good day out, go to loro park it is really good for people of all ages.