Barcelo Santiago

Opened in 1986 and partially renovated in 2007, Barcelo Santiago is a quiet, upscale getaway that feels like a boutique hotel despite having nearly 500 guest rooms. It attracts mostly British and German guests; lots of couples stay here throughout the year and families arrive in summer and during Christmas break. The sleek lobby features turquoise and beige tiled floors, low bench seating, and a huge photo mural of the cliffs of Los Gigantes. A "history corner" provides photos and info about the hotel's construction and renovations, and a pair of elevators ferry guests to rooms (the lobby sits at the middle of the nine-story complex.) The overall vibe is sophisticated and adult, even out on the mezzanine-level deck where three pools and a lovely palapa-shaded bar are located alongside a row of lounge chairs with views overlooking the sea.

Barcelo Santiago is located on the western coast of Tenerife in Acantilados de los Gigantes, about a half-hour drive north of Playa de la Americas and Los Cristianos. The area is quiet overall, with less nightlife than in the busier southern parts of the island, but there are lots of small restaurants and a few boutiques within walking distance, including a few in a small complex just across the street from the hotel. Because of the low-key, quiet atmosphere, the area tends to attract slightly older tourists, as well as some families. Getting to Mount Teide takes about an hour by car. The popular Masca Valley, with great hiking opportunities, is about 35 minutes away by car.

Barcelo Santiago offers a variety of rooms and suites. Decor is relatively consistent across room types, with either dark-turquoise or chocolate-brown desks and chairs, plus off-white walls and floor-to-ceiling glass doors that lead out to large furnished balconies. Many feature uninterrupted sea views (with the dramatic cliffs of Los Gigantes in the distance). All rooms include two twin beds pushed together, but these can be unified with a mattress topper to form single double beds. Standard entry-level Double and Double Sea View units are located on the lower levels of the buildings. The Superior Ocean View and Superior with Hot Tub Rooms are located on higher levels (floors six through nine) and were renovated in 2006.  Added amenities in Superior Rooms include slippers, robes, kettles, and free spa entries. Junior Suites -- corner units -- have coffeemakers.

While the floor plans are the same in all four room types, bathrooms vary quite a bit across room categories. The Superior Rooms have sleeker bathrooms with frosted-glass windows separating them from the main rooms, plus stone-tile floors. Standard bathrooms have rainfall shower/tub combos, while Superior bathrooms have either walk-in showers or shower/tub combos. Junior Suites on lower levels have shower/tub combos while those higher up in the building have walk-in showers. All bathrooms come with lovely herbal toiletries, magnifying mirrors, and hairdryers.

Like many hotels and resorts in the area, the main hub of activity at Barcelo Santiago takes place in its huge outdoor pool area. There's a large central main pool with a kids' area and two smaller heated pools, plus a whirlpool hot tub and a bar with table service. There are plenty of lounge chairs to go around and Bali-style beds can be rented for a fee. Another key feature is the U by Barcelo Spa which offers facials, massages, Ayurvedic treatments, and a dark hydrotherapy circuit with lots of multicolored lights in the tubs and pools. Guests in Junior Suites and Superior Rooms get one free use of the circuit per stay. There's also a fitness center in the spa with lots of Technogym cardio equipment and free weights, plus a few machines like an abdominal cruncher, but the space is only open during spa hours. 

Meal plans include half-board with breakfast and either lunch or dinner, or an all-inclusive rate. Room service is available, but the hours are limited. Meals are served buffet-style in the main restaurant, though travelers wanting a la carte service can also book a table at the a la carte Sabor Espanol Tasca & Bar, which opens its doors twice a week and isn't included in meal packages. Although most guests gravitate toward the pool bar, there's also a quiet lobby bar. The entertainment center/bar, Large Life!, is open in the evenings for entertainment.

Other facilities include a reading room with books and sofas and a sports area with a cement football pitch that's painted green to resemble grass, plus a small archery area. The hotel's guest experience manager can also be reached through WhatsApp, making it easy for travelers to communicate with the hotel via text. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and garage parking is available for a fee.