Servatur Montebello

Cheerful, 114-room Servatur Montebello is one of many budget aparthotels nestled in the valley of Puerto Rico. Due to the region's dry, desert climate, the area gets plenty of warm sunshine year round, and the hotel’s southeasterly orientation means it gets full sun for much of the day. Unfortunately, though, despite a gleaming white facade that makes a nice first impression, the hotel is dated on the whole. Thankfully, decor comes in a cheery yellow color scheme that makes things less dismal, and everything is well-kept and clean. Unlike some of its competitors, which host non-stop games and activities throughout the day, this hotel’s hands-off approach to entertainment sets a quieter tone. The pool area is refreshingly peaceful, and during our visit there was a light-hearted social atmosphere at the poolside bar. On weekends, however, the hotel is frequented by local Canarian families with kids, changing the atmosphere to a more lively one. Otherwise, guests come from across Europe, particularly the U.K. and Scandinavia.

As with many of the hotels in this part of the island, Servatur Montebello is situated high up on a local road carved into the hillside. It’s a five-minute walk down to the main shopping center, where there are restaurants, bars, and clubs open until early morning hours. That distance means it's a bit more peaceful around the hotel, though the trip involves lots of steps. Puerto Rico's beach and marina are a 15-minute walk from the hotel, or less than five minutes by car. Europa Fashion Mall, located outside the valley, is a 10-minute drive from the hotel. The airport is a 35-minute drive away, and the vibrant city of Las Palmas is roughly one hour by car.

Servatur Montebello’s 114 apartments are clean and well-maintained, with a yellow and blue color scheme that at least keeps them bright. Light yellow walls add a cheerful vibe, though nearly everything else about the units is dated. This includes scalloped blue cushions on sofabeds and frumpy bedspreads. Apartments are divided into those that sleep up to four and have separate bedrooms, and smaller studio apartments, which can sleep two people. One-bedroom apartments have living rooms with flat-screen TVs and sofabeds. Their kitchenettes are small, but relatively well-equipped, with two stovetops, microwaves, kettles and coffeemakers, and toasters, but no ovens. These units feature spacious south-facing balconies, which are furnished with two sun beds and sun umbrellas. Most have beautiful views over Puerto Rico and the sea, and are great for sunbathing and relaxing. Studio apartments include kitchenettes and small seating areas, but lack separate bedrooms. Balconies are smaller than those of one-bedroom apartments, and are furnished with one sun bed and a sun umbrella. All are south-facing, and most have partial sea views. Bathrooms in all units are dated, but clean, with white tiling, stall showers, hand soap, and towels. Wi-Fi is free and apartments come with basic satellite channels, though additional international channels cost extra. There is no air-conditioning, but fans can be rented from reception with a refundable deposit. 

Features here are limited, but just enough given the hotel's budget status. Unlike the crowded, noisy pools of some of the other aparthotels in the area, Servatur Montebello’s large, heated pool is a refreshingly peaceful space due to the absence of poolside activities. The space can still get busy on weekends, when local Canarian families visit en masse, but during the week it has a quieter atmosphere. Additionally, the option of private sunbathing on the apartments' balconies means that there’s less of a rush to reserve sun beds by the pool. The poolside bar is a sociable space, with plenty of terraced seating. It serves drinks, a decent breakfast, and food all day in the summer. It also has a daily afternoon happy hour, hosts a weekly barbecue with live music in the summer, and live entertainment in winter months. The other restaurant, open only in the winter, serves a large variety of local Canarian and international dishes. There’s also a game room with air hockey and billiards tables, but they aren't free. The on-site market is well-stocked with basics, including fresh bread and fresh fruit -- a rarity in other hotel mini-markets. Beware of the opening times, however, as it closes by early afternoon. Servatur Montebello has free private parking and free Wi-Fi throughout, setting it apart from its competitors, where even basic amenities can cost extra.