Hotel Colon Rambla

The hotel's block exterior feels a little out of place amid stately homes lining Rambla's tree-lined boulevards. White faux-leather sofas next to glass-topped wooden coffee tables are a bit plain and lack the polish and cheerfulness of the rooms and other common areas. The more modern orange-and-black-themed restaurant is well-reviewed, but not overly busy, with guests making the most of the area's good dining spots. An outdoor pool gets some noise from a nearby school and busy road, but lush greenery adds vacation vibes to the otherwise metropolitan setting. Nearby bus and tram links make it an excellent base for exploring the region, although much of Santa Cruz itself is accessible on foot. 

A mix of quiet streets and busy roads surround the hotel, but its fancy Rambla neighborhood is pleasant, as is the opposite Garcia Sanabria Park. Patos Square's frog-flanked fountains are a two-minute walk away, and streets get livelier with 15-minute walks south toward the port. Near it are interactive exhibits at the Museum of Man and Nature, and the 17th-century Church of our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. Plaza de Espana is also 15 minutes on foot; It's the city's largest square, and gained international fame when crew for the fifth Bourne Identity movie settled here to film. Calle del Castillo shopping district is a nine-minute walk. Bus and tram stops are no farther than five minutes on foot, and offer quicker alternatives to the Auditorium's 25-minute walks. Santa Cruz main bus station is a 15-minute walk/bus ride. Teresitas Beach is a 20-minute drive, as is Tenerife North Airport. 

Well-appointed, air-conditioned rooms are contemporary and outfitted in cheerful earth tones. Light hardwood floors, dark wooden furniture, and linens in pistachio, forest green, or peaches make up the pleasant design. Some higher-category rooms also have inlaid walls behind the beds with cheerful, yet sophisticated, murals. All rooms have desks, at least two chairs, bedside charging points, phones, flat-screen satellite TVs, and minibars, but they lack safes, and there's a fee for kettles. Suites add living areas (not separate) with cozy sofas, and guarantee a wicker-furnished balcony with pool view. Some lower-category rooms also have balconies. Attractive modern bathrooms are above their three-pearl rating with a rainfall shower stall and separate bathtub, plus hairdryers, toiletries, and bidets. Rooms can be fitted with cribs, and double-glazed windows keep out street noise.

Unlucky positioning means sun at the unheated outdoor pool is limited, but the temperature is generally fine in warmer months. Loungers surrounding it aren't plentiful, but sufficient, and there are also some charcoal wicker chairs. The all-day cafe serves coffees and good pastries. The bar's light bites accompany the region's traditional "Lumumba" drink -- a mix of hot chocolate and brandy. Wines, spirits, and soft drinks are also available. Breakfast can be included in the rate, and its cooked and continental options offer a good spread. Santa Cruz's wealth of eateries draw guests away from the restaurant, but those dining in leave positive reviews. Three meeting rooms have a 120-person capacity, with audiovisual and multimedia equipment available. On-site parking is at a fee, and note, spaces are narrow. Free newspapers and free Wi-Fi complete the hotel's features.