Costa del Silencio, Pilia don Pedro

We deliberately booked this hotel and resort in Costa del Silencio because we did not want the usual British Tenerife experience of 'just like home' food, alcohol and loud entertainment. We were a little disappointed in the standard of the accommodation as it looked a little 'tired', however, as we were there for just a week, it was not a problem. The clientele were predominantly French and Spanish as were the hotel assistants who organised the entertainment. If you were prepared to join in and spread the 'entente cordiale' there was much to be gained. We played (and lost) Scrabble against a Finnish gentleman and joined in games of Trivial Pursuit played in French and English.

The buffet style restaurant was more than adequate catering for all dietary requirements and sold wine by the carafe for a mere 3.2 euros. Las Galletas is a small fishing village about a 10-15 minute walk away and is worth visiting first thing in the morning to watch the fishermen bring in their catch and sell it on the harbourside. Buses to Los Christianos and Las Americas are frequent and inexpensive.

This is a quiet resort, ideal for anyone who wants to take it easy and not be assaulted by time-share/holiday club touts or street sellers which are the scourge of the major resorts on this island. The english guests who arrived on the Gatwick flight for an all-inclusive holiday at this resort, were clearly disappointed from the outset and they should have really checked their package before leaving England.

The only good point about this hotel is the hotel staff worked very hard - shame the management where rude and had no clue of customer service - also there where certain things you could eat like the Yoghurts and croisants - (generally only eat things that the chefs did not have to do anything with). The whole of the hotel is made from concrete which my builder husband was quite concerned had just about had its day as it had many cracks and was crumbling. The food offered I would not feed to an animal and was always cold. After paying all inclusive we ate out every day. Not a three star as published, pool is not heated as published and no air conditioning or gym. Drinks are included in the all inclusive package however if you are wanting a gin and tonic you will find tonic has to be paid for. Wine is served with dinner - however this is not drinkable. Costa Silencio actually translates to coast of silence and trust me it is the town of the dead or could be described as a dumping ground. I had the worst holiday experience here ever.

My husband and I where sold Pilia don Pedro as a 3* half board hotel what we got was 2* 70's style ex-self catering apartments. Food was luke warm and same day in day out. We stopped eating there after the 3rd night, and on all 3 nights it was turkey or fish. We were told it went on to be the same for the rest of the week. The kids weren't allowed to play ball or anything in the pool. Pool bar didn't open until 4 o'clock, so no snacks or drinks. My advice don't go.