Having read the reviews on the hotel on Trip Advisor, we decided it sounded just what we wanted for our Easter break. After the 1 hour drive from the airport, negotiating the narrow streets of Agaete, we forked off the road that runs through the Valle de Agaete onto a dirt track that zigzags its way down the hill. There is a sign to the hotel to help you pick the correct track too. The hotel is about 1/2 mile from the road and the track is a bit bumpy in places. The hotel has a spacious car park, so no parking worries. A short up hill walk brings you to the steps leading into the red painted hotel. The reception is usually manned, but, as in our case, if the receptionist isn't around, a ring of the bell on the wall outside soon attracts attention! We were given room 2 on the ground floor, which is accessed via the cobbled courtyard and veranda. Like the rest of the house, it retains it original features. These are best described as functional, rather than luxurious, but the en-suite had everything you would expect from any modern hotel.
I was rather worried about noise from the local animals and birds and made a point of bringing ear plugs just to be on the safe side, but I didn't bother with them after the first night. OK you do hear the occasional dog and the cockerels are early risers, but they weren't really intrusive.
The hotel has extensive land and is surrounded by orange groves. To the rear of the house is a cactus garden, where the inhabitants grow to truly gigantic proportions. It was a nice quiet spot to escape from the afternoon sun, with a book.
Meals at the hotel consist of a breakfast of cold meats, cheese, bread rolls, or fruit and yoghurt. It was a self service affair, with coffee in a thermos with a plunger. While you work through the fare, you will discover Emma, the hotel's cat! She really likes the cheese! Lunch and dinner are available on request. We sampled both on a few occasions and were pleased that we had. The dinner was normally set and varied from day to day. Everything was home made and delicious. A couple of days we were the only guests for dinner, so the cook asked us what we would like, and she did mean anything! It was like being Lord of the Manor, especially as the dinner was served at on of 2 huge round tables in the dining room on the first floor.
Down the valley is Puerto de las Nieves, with its small harbour, used mainly by the large Fred Olsen Speedcat ferries that link Gran Canaria with Teneriffe several times a day. Dotted around the port are many bars and restaurants, some cheaper than others. One tip though. If you can, try to park in the car park by the windmill. If you go for the one by the church and pharmacy, you will be accosted by a chap wearing a high-vis jacket. He will find somewhere for you to park, but...he will also demand 2 Euros which makes sure your car doesn't get scratched...
The roads to the south meander around the mountains and signs prohibit using them if it's raining. The cloud can blanket the road, making them like driving blind on a rollercoaster. Oh yes, although the roads are narrow and winding, you still get buses and large articulated lorries using them. If you hear a horn, stop and let whatever is coming get past, if there is space...
Finally, don't forget your Spanish dictionary as no one speaks any English, except the hotel receptionist. Gesturing and pointing is sometimes effective!
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
