Palacio de Isora isn’t your typical hotel: you’ll need a few days and a map to explore all the corners, restaurants and activities on offer here. This is a resort that makes you rethink the whole idea of what that means – a place designed for families, adults and those looking for something more relaxed and exclusive in its Red Level area. What’s more, it’s in one of the least crowded and most beautiful parts of southern Tenerife, with views of the ocean and Mount Teide. This is the kind of hotel that guests return to year after year – which is a pretty good sign in our books.
Why stay at Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora?
Finding peace and quiet in the south of Tenerife, one of the most tourist-heavy areas of the island, isn’t always easy. But at Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora, it’s possible. Palacio de Isora is Meliá’s flagship in Tenerife, both because of the sheer size of the complex and because of the level of service here. It’s a hotel that balances spaces for families with dedicated adults-only areas. The only real drawback? You may not want to leave to see the rest of the island. The offer here is generous: more than a dozen bars and restaurants, a vast saltwater pool and another five scattered throughout the resort, plus an activities programme designed for both children and adults that includes shows every night. There’s even the option of going all-inclusive for those who want to – quite a rarity here in Tenerife.
What are the rooms like at Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora?
With around 600 rooms, the list of categories and types is a long one. That’s part of the charm of a hotel that prides itself on adapting to all kinds of travellers – there’re a lot to choose from. Now close to 20 years old, there are signs of the hotel’s age in some of the room’s small details – but in general they are very large, bright and comfortable. Every room here has a terrace, and some also feature jacuzzis and ocean views. The layout of the complex means families are concentrated around the kids’ pools, while those seeking something more exclusive can choose the Red Level area, which functions almost like a separate boutique hotel of 100 rooms within the resort.
What’s the food like at Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora?
There are a total of nine restaurants at Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora (the main buffet and eight à la carte restaurants), but the gastronomic star of the hotel is the magnificent La Terrasse. This is a restaurant with incredible views of the coastline – and the sunset – where chef Jorge Peñate presents a fine dining menu of Canarian and Atlantic cooking, focused on local seafood. The good news is that although La Terrasse is the highlight, the rest of the dining options keep up a very high standard, which is not easy in a hotel of this scale. Standouts were the rice dishes at Oasis, the meat at Duo and the varied buffet at Pangea. Those staying in Red Level also enjoy breakfast à la carte on a very lovely terrace.
What is the service like at Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora?
One of the most notable features here is the warmth and friendliness of the staff. For a hotel that hosts more than 1,000 people, staff members still manage to make every visitor feel special. That starts with the check-in process, continues with the restaurant teams, the animation staff who organise a packed daily schedule, and the bartenders across the hotel. Guests staying in Red Level have the added benefit of a personal concierge, who takes care of every detail of the stay, from booking tables at the hotel’s restaurants to recommending plans and making reservations in the area.
What about the pools and facilities at Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora?
The Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora is home to the longest saltwater pool in Europe. That fact alone is striking, and walking its length once a day feels like enough exercise to balance out the enormous breakfasts you’re likely to have. Beyond that, the resort has a pool reserved for adults, another exclusively for Red Level guests, a family pool and a play area featuring the ‘pirate pool’, which will delight children. Stepping outside the grounds to enjoy the small beaches and natural pools next to the hotel is also a great idea.
What’s the area like at Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora?
Guía de Isora is one of the most beautiful and peaceful areas in southern Tenerife, and it’s one of the hotel’s strengths. Just a short walk takes you to several small black-sand beaches and natural pools. A 10-minute coastal stroll leads to the charming town of Alcalá and its port. Being away from the busiest part of the south is part of the appeal – though if you do miss the hustle and bustle, it’s just a short drive or taxi ride away. From the hotel you have views of Mount Teide and the ocean, as well as easy access to the impressive cliffs of Los Gigantes.
Why book Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora?
At first glance, a mega hotel complex like this can appear intimidating, but this resort delivers on everything you’d expect from Gran Meliá: excellent facilities, service and attention to detail. Its ability to adapt to every kind of guest and budget is one of its greatest strengths: family holidays, luxury escapes, group trips and everything else you can imagine – there’s room for everyone. The location, directly on the beach and in one of the least crowded, most tranquil parts of the south, is an even bigger one.
DETAILS
Address: Av. de Los Océanos, 38686 Alcalá, Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Price: From €200 per night. Red Level from €320
Closest transport: Tenerife South Airport, 30 minutes by car