Tinerfe Garden

Costa Adeje is filled with cheap and cheerful setups, and sun-lovers flock here for the beaches and buzzing nightlife. More cheap than cheerful, Tinerfe Garden offers simple, self-catering accommodation with dated decor that echoes the rest of the property's interiors. Its whitewashed bungalows and chalets are spread across sometimes uneven ground, although night security is steady at the complex's gates. The entrance's advertisement posters and front desk flyers make it clear you're in for a no-frills stay, but the property has an edge on the competition: Its outdoor pool is heated in winter months, which pools in Tenerife often aren't. Being the hotel's focal point, a sun terrace here receives more TLC than other areas. The property draws a mostly British, Irish, and European crowd, and older couples here join young groups, plus the odd family.

Surrounded by other Puerto Colon complexes, the hotel is removed enough from Fanabe's main strip to be peaceful, but close enough to still feel central. Puerto Colon Beach is an eight-minute walk. Torviscas Beach is a 14-minute walk, and forms the southern tip of the main Playa de Fanabe. Bars and restaurants dot surrounding streets, and the opposite Irish Rover is a favorite. San Eugenio Shopping Centre's 120 stores are a three-minute walk. The mall is open seven days a week, although its large supermarket closes Sundays. San Eugenio bus stop is right by it. Aqualand water park is a 14-minute walk, or quicker drive. Note, while 10-minute downhill strolls to the harbor's offerings are pleasant, return journeys can be a bit of a hike. Tenerife South Airport is a 15-minute drive, or 80 minutes by bus.

Apartment-style rooms lose the poolside cheer with their dated wood furniture and tired rose-colored linens, but they're spacious and amenities are solid. Studios at 355 square meters (33 square feet) rise to larger one- and two-bedroom apartments, and sofa beds in the latter mean the space can sleep eight. Note, all beds are separate twins. Living areas have flat-screen satellite TVs and sit next to bars with stools in Studios, while Apartments have dining tables and chairs. Kitchens come with electric hobs, kettles, ovens, and microwaves, plus fridge/freezers and toasters, but no dish soap or cleaning equipment. Tiled balconies or patios have chairs, while some add barbecue facilities and plastic dining sets. Functional bathrooms have shower/tub combos and towels are changed every other day, with linens every four days. Rooms aren't air-conditioned, and some can feel musty. Fans, safes, and Wi-Fi all require a fee, but cribs can be fitted for free. Rear Studios can overlook graffiti walls, but others offer more-decent street vistas. Also note that some rooms are reached by traversing hilly grounds.

A terra-cotta houses the main amenity here, a sufficiently sized outdoor pool. Tidy loungers here are always available, and umbrellas provide shade. A foosball table and table tennis offer fun in the sun here, but guests are most enthusiastic about the pool bar. Stools at its Canarian-tiled cabana are accompanied by a terrace with shaded tables and chairs. Cocktails, sangria, and light bites are on offer, and prices are reasonable. Note, no full meals are served. Able to dine both in-room and out for cheap, guests generally don't mind. Formerly The Garden, The Snug bar has karaoke nights, sports screens, and a pool table. With a significant older crowd, guests appreciate the hotel's enforcement of no late-night noise. Handy on-site laundry facilities are on a paid basis. Reception organizes excursions (for a fee), plus bike and car rentals. On-site parking is free. Wi-Fi is free in bar and pool areas only.