LABRANDA Isla Bonita

Although not the upscale hotel it markets itself as, the Isla Bonita is a clean, laid-back all-inclusive with a central location near the beach. While it underwent partial renovations in 2015, interiors are still simple and mostly dated throughout. Common spaces, including the restaurants and one of the bars, received fresh coats of paint and a couple of other superficial updates, but everything here is more functional than stylish. The hotel’s two large, unattractive buildings -- which past guests have often compared to a prison block -- are connected by the lobby, housed in a small low structure with a pitched roof and exposed wooden beams. It has large windows letting in lots of natural light, but the faded, floral green couches make it seem stuck in the '80s. The Isla Bonita is certainly not chic, but most guests here are families and low-key couples who appreciate the affordable rates and fun entertainment program.

The hotel is located on a busy street two blocks from Playa Fanabe, one of Costa Adeje’s most famous beaches. There are lots of bars, restaurants, and stores within a couple of blocks, and guests can walk to the Centro Comercial Plaza del Duque shopping mall down the street. Those who would like to explore other beaches in the area can take a cab or drive to Playa del Duque, Las Americas, Los Cristianos, and La Caleta in under 10 minutes. Local buses stop right outside the hotel's front door and offer easy, cheap access to other tourist areas and beaches a little farther afield. Tenerife Sur Airport can be reached by car in 15 minutes, and by bus in about an hour.

The hotel has 438 spacious one-bedroom apartments spread over two six-story buildings. All have airy living areas with a sofa bed, a small dining table, and a kitchenette in a locked closet that guests have to request to use. The hotel updated some of its rooms in 2014-15, and decor varies greatly between renovated and non-renovated units. Standard apartments are no-frills and dated throughout, consisting of plain wooden furniture, old-fashioned bedspreads and chair upholstery, and tube TVs in some. The more contemporary Superior Rooms have pale wooden furniture, blue accent walls, a soft neutral palette, and generic wall art. However, bathrooms and kitchens have not yet been renovated and are showing wear and tear. Free Wi-Fi is available in all rooms, but there is an extra charge for use of in-room safes. Also note that apartments overlooking the outdoor stage may get noise in the evening. 

The hotel offers ample facilities for leisure travelers, including a total of four pools -- two for adults and two for kids. Each of the two pool complexes has plenty of loungers and a few umbrellas, plus a bar serving drinks and snacks throughout the day. One of the kiddy pools features a small playground with a slide, and there is a separate kids’ club. Additionally, there's an adult-only rooftop nudist area complete with loungers and a tiny plunge pool. There are also a small fitness center with a couple of machines, an outdoor tennis court, and an indoor multi-purpose sports complex. The entertainment program with daily poolside activities and shows every night receives good reviews, and includes a party for kids and live music for adults. Past guests have noted that the animation is largely geared toward families with kids. On-site parking is available for a fee. The hotel has a two-tier all-inclusive plan: the standard option includes average local drinks, and AI Plus offers quality international brands. All meals are offered at the buffet restaurant, which serves a decent spread but vegetarians may find it a little limited. There's also an a la carte barbecue restaurant that guests can eat at once during their stay.