Royal Sun Resort

The Royal Sun is built directly on the side of one of the dramatic cliffs that make the tiny Los Gigantes resort town a must-see in Tenerife. The building's setting means abundant ocean views from all of its rooms and common spaces. Most public spaces have large windows that offer unobstructed vistas of the Atlantic, La Gomera Island, and the town center. The reception area (one of the few spots without scenic vistas) is a long, narrow space with little more than a dark wooden front desk and two long benches with colorful cushions (added in 2016 after our visit) along the walls. Green damask wallpaper and large photos of beach and nature scenes are stylish touches, but the lobby is for the most part generic. In fact, interiors throughout are a little plain and old-fashioned, featuring somewhat drab red carpets. Still, the hotel’s stunning views make it easy to focus on the outdoors and forget about the dated decor. Although many guests here are families with young children, the vibe is generally quiet and relaxing, enhanced by two restaurants with serene terraces overlooking the ocean. 

The hotel is located on a cliffside in a residential area on the edge of central Los Gigantes resort town. While this location is not the most convenient for guests looking to go back and forth between the town and the hotel, many consider the stunning views well worth the 15- to 20-minute walk down the hill to restaurants and shops. Los Gigantes is small and quiet year-round, but neighboring Puerto de Santiago, located an easy 10-minute walk away from the city center, has more dining, shopping, and nightlife options. The hotel is also just a 10-minute walk from Mirador Archipenque, a small lookout point on the road that offers stunning views of the surrounding area and the cliffs. Lovely Playa de los Guios is a 25-minute walk away, but the hotel offers free one-way taxi rides to the beach and central Los Gigantes. The Teide Volcano National Park is about an hour away, and the airport can be reached in just over 40 minutes by car.

The hotel has 120 apartments, all with large furnished terraces offering panoramic ocean views. Apartments are clean, spacious, and comfortable, but decor is a little plain and dated throughout, including the old-fashioned beige terrazzo floors, overstuffed seating, and basic pine-wood furniture. Units have between one and three bedrooms, spacious living areas with sofa beds, and kitchens equipped with stovetops, dishwashers, microwaves, ovens, coffeemakers, toasters, and full-size refrigerators. Aside from all the basics to cook a meal, units include flat-screen TVs and DVD players, as well as safes that require a fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout, but it seems to work better in common areas than in rooms; upgrades are available for a fee. Despite huge round tubs being replaced with large walk-in showers in 2016, bathrooms are still in need of further updates. However, they're large and come with a range of toiletries, bidets, and hairdryers.  

The Royal Sun Resort has plenty of features for a relaxing getaway, plus some to occupy kids. The hotel has two pools, including a family-friendly one and a shallow kiddy pool on a separate deck above. Both have plenty of loungers and stunning views of the ocean and La Gomera island, and there is an adjacent bar with cocktails and fresh juices serving both decks. Animation teams are on-hand throughout the day and there's evening entertainment as well. The Regency is the hotel’s main restaurant, serving quality international food in a spacious dining room decorated with red-and-gold patterned carpet and large movie posters or on a beautiful terrace with panoramic views. One level above the Regency is Aqua Restaurant, a more casual spot serving European cuisine alongside more ocean views. The kids’ club is cute and colorful, if a bit cramped, with large mural paintings of superheroes on one wall, and tons of toys and games scattered around. There is a small fitness center complete with an indoor squash court, and massages are available in an outdoor gazebo located on the main pool deck. A small supermarket offers a few basic items, but there are a couple of other better stocked shops a 10-minute walk away. The hotel provides on-site underground parking for a fee, and free shuttles run into town throughout the day. As mentioned, Wi-Fi is free but can be unreliable.