Iberostar Bouganville Playa

From the outside, the Bouganville Playa looks like every other beach hotel in Costa Adeje: boxy, light-colored, and with long rows of balconies covering the façade. However, the hotel is undergoing renovations and gradually adding some fun, more contemporary touches to its public spaces and rooms. For example, recently renovated rooms have bright paintings on doors that stand out against the white walls, and the lobby features a polished wooden front desk resembling the prow of a boat. Grounds are neat and tropical, with palm trees towering over manicured lawns separated from stone paths by ropes. With almost 500 rooms, it is a large hotel by Tenerife standards, but is often praised for its courteous yet friendly service. Guests are mostly families with young children, but its central location and large pools appeal to couples as well.

On the border between Costa Adeje and Playa Las Américas, Iberostar Bouganville Playa is located in a boisterous area full of restaurants, shops, and bars. The hotel is right on El Bobo, a pleasant stretch of sand with a couple dozen straw umbrellas, loungers, and a drinks hut. There are a couple of other beaches within walking distance, and most other beaches in the area can be reached by bus. (A bus stop can be found nearby.) The airport is a 30-minute drive away, and it's also accessible by bus in about an hour.

Iberostar corporate colors subtly made their way into the newly renovated rooms, with yellow and two shades of blue adding some color to the otherwise all-white decor. All units have flat-screen TVs, minibars, free Wi-Fi, and balconies. Bathrooms are spotless and feature walk-in showers and an array of toiletries. Family rooms include a sofa bed.

Aside from a location adjacent to the beach, one of the hotel’s best selling points is its three pools. The most attractive features panoramic ocean views and lots of loungers; there is a smaller one a little away from the bustle of the main deck, and a kiddy pool directly behind it. There are two dining options here, a renovated buffet and a restaurant specializing in barbecue; they both serve good international cuisine but some guests have mentioned dinners can get a little repetitive at the buffet. Packages include room only, breakfast only, half-board, and all-inclusive options. The fitness center is small, but equipped with up-to-date machines, including spinning bikes. The hotel also offers a hair salon, a tennis court, and a kids’ club with two playgrounds -- but lacks a spa, which is a standard amenity in hotels in this price range. For an extra fee, guests can upgrade to Privilege level, which offers access to a sun deck with a whirlpool (renovated to add new glass paneling and grassy areas with cabanas after our visit) and free minibar items.