During my recent vacation to the Canary Islands, I had the pleasure of staying at Hotel Botanico, a renowned 5-star luxury resort. If you’re looking for a restful and relaxing getaway while in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Hotel Botanico should not be overlooked!

Hotel Botanico is notable for being a part of the Leading Hotels of the World (LHW), a worldwide collection of luxury independent and boutique hotels. The only way to join is to meet the highest selective standards of service, quality, emphasis on culture, and upscale architectural achievements.

Hotel Botanico has also received numerous awards in sustainability, quality, and luxury through domestic and international partners and independent services.

This is my review from one travelers perspective to others who may decide they want to splurge and treat themselves to this fine establishment. 

Hotel Botanico is a perfect respite from the outside world. Whether you are just looking for a romantic getaway or looking for a new wellness spot, I really think for those coming to the Canary Islands this should be in your top choices.

Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Hotel Botanico Location

Address: Calle Richard J. Yeoward, 1, 38400 Puerto de la Cruz, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain

Hotel Botanico happens to be in a very popular location in Puerto de la Cruz, one of the top towns in Tenerife. 

The area surrounding the hotel is relatively quiet. Just outside the entrance onto the streets you will find a few restaurants and bars, a shopping plaza, and a grocery market a few blocks away. Take a walk around the block just to get a feel of the area and familiarize yourself with the surroundings.

It’s only downside is that it’s not a beachfront property. The nearest beaches will require a short taxi ride or you can talk a long stroll down to the boardwalk. 

You will also discover that this is a less family focused hotel. It caters more towards adults and seniors. There are, of course, family rooms available and the restaurants have children’s menus but that is really it. Any activities for children will be outside of the hotel but can be coordinated with the staff for pick ups and drop offs.

As a solo and budget traveler, this was my very first opportunity to stay in a luxury 5-star resort. I didn’t expect that much of a difference in terms of staff, room, and amenities but once I stayed I noticed the large gap between mid to luxury hotels. It was not only an eye opener but now something I have to consider more when traveling if I want to treat myself.

Room

The lowest priced option to choose is the Double Deluxe or Superior room options. You can select to have views of the oriental garden and pools, the town, or the distant ocean. The Superior Room comes with a private dressing room in addition. They are ideal for 1-2 people and if you have more you can select the family option.

When I went, I ended up in the Ambassador Jr. Suite and couldn’t believe how much room and open space I had. Included is a separate shower and bath, a dressing area and closet, and some basic furniture and desk for company. With it is also plenty of lighting, impressive balcony views, and is pet friendly if you bring a companion with you.

The Senator Suite is the next larger room and gives you the same as the Ambassador Jr. with the bathroom perks and furniture but with doors to separate the bedroom and living room for more privacy.

The decor may seem a little old fashioned in terms of color and the furniture, but think of it is as classic instead. The beds are comfortable. the rooms are well-maintained and clean, and the water is hot. All come with the basic amenities of a hotel room such as USB chargers and coffee machine. 

Hotel Botanico Facilities

Oriental Garden

Outside in the back of the hotel is the oriental gardens. This stone walking path takes you through their well maintained subtropical paradise of flora and fauna, with a small bridge and a wooden dock leading out into the garden pond of fish and birds. 

It’s a nice part of the quiet atmosphere if you want to sit down under the shade of palm trees. If you plan on having a special event here such as a wedding, this place is perfect for the night as you can watch the whole garden magically light up.

Spa

I like the number of choices you have for different thermal experiences as part of the Thermal Circuit the Hotel Botanico provides. My go to was the Japanese Sauna (which I also discovered was unisex once I walked in) with a cool down in their ice temple. But they provide others such as a naturally scented aromatherapy room and Turkish-style bath if you are looking for more variety.

The surprise I found was the number of multiple pools and than some of these were for the Oriental Spa experience. You of course have your regular heated pool for all hotel users. But next to it our two smaller pools with massage jets for muscle relaxation. You can just drift off in the moving water.

Past it is a small manmade cave that when you walk in leads to the jacuzzi. I think the whole cave atmosphere with a spiritual statue head gives it a whole different vibe compared to the outside and is an extra treat for you to delight in. But it is small so if you are looking for some quality alone time you may have to go either early in the morning or late in the evening to enjoy it alone or with your significant other.

Outside of the spa rooms was the indoor heated pool and jacuzzi with comfortable reclining chairs to drop your things off or just to relax inside. Depending on the time of day you could find the entire area to yourself or partially crowded.

Hotel Food

In the mornings and afternoons you can enjoy the hotel’s impressive buffet spread and chef stations with made to order meals. Stack your plate(s) with a variety of fruits, cheeses, vegetables, and other standard cuisine. Then head over to enjoy indoor or outdoor seating with waiting staff ready to take your drink order.

For the evenings if you aren’t enjoying dinner out in town there are a number of fine dining restaurants on the premise. They consist of Spanish (La Parrilla), Mediterranean (Il Pappagallo), American Steakhouse (Brunelli’s) and Asian (The Oriental) cuisines. 

You’ll enjoy authentic dishes with elegant indoor and outdoor seating to really tie the whole experience together for you and yours.

Hotel Botanico Service

The service was excellent as soon as my taxi reached the entrance. From the bellmen opening my door and grabbing my luggage to escort me inside. 

The hotel front desk staff were professional the entire time, answering all of my questions and giving me recommendations of their own.

Most of the reviews you will read show that staff went above and beyond to accommodate guests. Of course you will always fine a few that give negative comments for one reason or another but don’t take that to heart. Nobody is perfect.

Value for Money

If you are not overly concerned about reaching or even surpassing your trip budget the value is worth the cost. You will have access to a world-class spa, gourmet dining, exceptional service, and high quality rooms and facilities. 

But Hotel Botanico is really for those niche of luxury travelers that choose service and refinery regardless of cost. 

For a budget traveler looking to make every dollar count I would suggest looking elsewhere unless you plan to visit in the off season.

Conclusion & Recommendation

I highly recommend Hotel Botanico for your stay. The whole luxury experience is something you really need to think about enjoying at least one time in your life, and why not do it here. It really adds to the overall island paradise getaway, but it’s totally worth it to treat yourself.