Casa El Drago

Hotel Description

Look, I’ve stayed at a lot of places in the Canary Islands, but Casa El Drago really caught me off guard – in the best way possible. It’s tucked away on Calle Nuestra Señora de la Luz in Arico, which honestly, most tourists completely skip over on their way to the flashier resorts. That’s actually their loss because this little 4-star gem sits right in the heart of authentic Tenerife, where you can still hear roosters in the morning and smell bread baking from the local panadería down the street.

The first thing you notice walking up is how quiet it is – I mean, genuinely peaceful, not that fake resort quiet where you can still hear pool music thumping in the distance. The building itself has this lovely traditional Canarian architecture that doesn’t try too hard to be Instagram-perfect, you know? Real stone work, wooden balconies that actually look like they belong there. When I checked in (super smooth process, by the way), the staff immediately started giving me tips about hiking trails in the area that I’d never heard of, even though I thought I knew this island pretty well. Turns out the Drago Milenario – that famous thousand-year-old dragon tree – is just a short drive away, and they’ll tell you the best times to visit when the tour buses aren’t there.

What really sold me on this place was the attention to small details that matter when you’re actually living somewhere for a few days. The rooms are properly soundproofed (I’m a light sleeper, so this is huge), the WiFi actually works throughout the building, and – this might sound weird – but the shower pressure is fantastic. You’d be surprised how many “luxury” hotels mess this up. The beds are comfortable without being so soft you sink into oblivion, and there’s enough storage space that you don’t have to live out of your suitcase. I stayed in October, which is still pretty warm, and the air conditioning was whisper-quiet and effective. The little balcony in my room overlooked the village, and honestly, watching the locals go about their evening routines with a glass of local wine became my favorite part of each day.

The location might seem random if you’re planning a typical beach vacation, but here’s the thing – you’re about 20 minutes from some of the island’s best beaches without the crowds, and the mountain hiking is incredible. Plus, parking is actually easy here, unlike in the tourist zones where you’re circling for ages. The restaurant scene in Arico is surprisingly good too; there’s this family-run place called Casa Tomás about three blocks away that serves the best papas arrugadas I’ve had on the island. The hotel staff will point you toward spots like this – they seem genuinely proud of their neighborhood rather than just trying to keep you on property.

I’d say Casa El Drago earns its 8.3 rating honestly. It’s not trying to be the fanciest place on the island, but it nails what actually matters: comfort, authenticity, and being a great home base for exploring the real Tenerife. If you’re the type who wants to experience local life rather than just sit by a pool, this is your spot.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $122. One-Bedroom House with 1 double bed for Max persons: 2

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities