Melia Jardines Del Teide

Jardines del Teide is owned by Melia, a large Spanish hotel chain with about 350 properties across the world. This hotel offers the same amenities and quality as the average Melia, including lots of great kid-friendly features, and spacious and well-equipped (but somewhat) dated rooms. However, the Jardines del Teide stands out for its views. Perched on a hillside overlooking the ocean, the hotel offers striking panoramic vistas of Costa Adeje and of the Atlantic from most rooms and common areas. 

The lobby is airy and bright, with high wooden ceilings, a gurgling stone fountain in the center, and iron couches with pale green padding. Large windows bring the outdoors in, and tropical plants pour from every corner of the property. The grounds are well-kept and serene, with a small tumbling brook, wooden bridges, palm trees and a couple of small artificial waterfalls. The local flair has found its way into the property by way of black stone walls and clay tile floors throughout. With its many kid-friendly amenities, the hotel is popular among families traveling with young children. It can get busy during peak season, but the hotel also offers two adult-only sundecks for those looking for a quieter spot.

Meliá Jardines del Teide is located a 15-minute walk from Playa del Duque, one of Costa Adeje’s best beaches. Famous Fañabé, known for its dark sand, is a little farther afield, but can be reached on foot along the boardwalk from Playa del Duque. There are lots of restaurants, bars, and stores nearby, and a large shopping mall selling high-end brands can be found an easy stroll away. Guests looking to explore other beaches can take a cab or drive to Las Américas, Los Cristianos, and La Caleta in 10 minutes, and those who prefer to use public transportation can take a bus to all of the area’s main beaches. There is a bus stop a 10-minute walk away. Tenerife Sur Airport can be reached by car in 15 minutes.

The hotel offers three room types, including Standard, Junior Suites, and Family Rooms. All units are airy and bright with large windows opening onto furnished balconies or terraces, most offering panoramic ocean views. Decor is a little generic in all rooms -- with basic wooden furniture, red couches, matching bedspreads, and red and cream-colored tapestries with floral motifs -- and some units look tired (think: slightly worn fabrics and dirty grout between bathroom and floor tiles). Standard amenities include wall-mounted LED TVs, comfy Dreamax mattresses, individual air-conditioning, minibars, and sofa beds. Bathrooms have shower/tub combos, double sinks, a wide array of toiletries, and cute painted wall tiles. Family Rooms offer two bedrooms, a welcome pack for kids, milkshakes in the minibar, and cookies at bedtime. Wi-Fi and safes are available for an extra fee.

The hotel features two appealing pools, but only the main one -- complete with palm trees, manicured grass lawns, and wooden bridges -- has ocean views. The second pool is smaller and generally a little quieter. However, with a kids’ club, a playground, a kiddy pool section, and kid-friendly entertainment, the hotel is a popular pick among families with young children, and it can get busy. Those who want to spend a more peaceful morning may want to consider getting a lounger on one of the hotel’s adult-only decks. Those looking to stay active can get a nice workout in the small gym -- equipped with a few cardio and strength-training machines -- play a game of squash in the indoor courts, or sign up for the fitness classes that take place outdoors daily. (Note that the Dream Hotel Villa Tagoro lacks a fitness center.)

The buffet is large and serves solid international cuisine for all three meals, but the poolside bar is the most popular spot during the day. Those traveling for work can use the hotel’s three meeting rooms and the business center -- but note that there is a fee for Wi-Fi. Freebies include on-site parking, and shuttle service to Playa del Duque and central Costa Adeje.