Colon Guanahani – Adrian Hoteles

Formerly a mid-range hotel popular among couples and families, Colon Guanahani became an adult-only property in late 2013. The vibe here is laid-back and relaxing, with two large pool decks (including one on the rooftop with sea views), a big buffet restaurant with outdoor seating, and a small, pleasant spa. The hotel underwent extensive renovations in 2014, and gone are the bright brick-colored façades; the traditional, dated wooden furniture; the thin bedspreads, and the bland artwork on walls. The new color palette -- in a variety of pastel and light grey hues -- has made the colonial-style features of the buildings stand out, and room decor is now stylish and cute. Some of the old features remain, but they have been updated with a more contemporary (sometimes quirky) touch. For example, some of the headboards and bedside tables are the old ones painted bright blue, and older-looking armchairs in the lobby have been placed against a dark grey accent wall, bringing a fresh look to the space. Some rooms still have a more traditional feel reminiscent of the old days, but most have been fully updated and are upscale and fresh.

The hotel is located on a four-lane avenue a block from Playa Fañabé, one of Costa Adeje’s most famous beaches. There are lots of bars, restaurants, and stores within a couple of blocks, and guests can easily walk to a larger upscale mall located down the street. Those who would like to explore other beaches can take a cab or drive to Playa del Duque, Las Américas, and La Caleta in less than 10 minutes. Those who prefer to use public transportation can take a bus to all of the area’s main beaches. Tenerife Sur Airport can be reached by car in 15 minutes, and by bus in about an hour. There is a bus stop right outside the main entrance.

There are two types of rooms at Colon Guanahani: the fully renovated units, and the updated ones. Both types received upgrades during the extensive 2014 renovations, but the latter have a more muted style, with light brown accent walls and traditional, somewhat generic wooden furniture. Still, these units also have a few touches that make them feel up-to-date, including quirky bright blue headboards and bedside tables. Fully renovated units have stylish colonial-inspired decor, blue or light green statement headboard stretching to the ceiling, large black and white photos, and contemporary furniture. All bathrooms now feature modern fixtures, stylish brown wall tiling, and sleek walk-in showers; some have separate tubs, and Superior Suites have jetted tubs. Flat-screen TVs, minibars, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and furnished terraces or balconies are all standard amenities. Street-facing units (mostly Standard Rooms) can get some traffic noise, so light sleepers may want to request a room overlooking the pool or the grounds.

The hotel features two pools, one in the main deck and a smaller one in a rooftop area with plenty of loungers and sea views. Both pools have saltwater and are heated year-round, which makes them the most popular spot on-site. The main restaurant serves a solid buffet for breakfast and dinner, and a la carte lunch is served poolside at the snack bar. Both restaurants offer indoor and outdoor seating. The bar is located in the main building and offers live entertainment several times a week. The fitness center features an array of cardio and strength-training machines in a bright, pleasant room, and the spa has several treatment cabins, as well as a sauna, a steam bath, and a quiet outdoor whirlpool. Guest are offered free access to a tennis court with flood lights for night play located at a nearby sister property. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout.