La casa de Nina

Hotel Description

You know what? When I first pulled up to La Casa de Nina on that somewhat confusing stretch of Carretera General de Las Arenas, I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect. The address sounds a bit formal with all that “Residencial Parque La Asomada” business, but once you actually find it (it’s tucked into this newer development area), you realize Nina’s place has this really welcoming, almost family-run feel that’s getting harder to find in Puerto de la Cruz these days.

The thing about this spot – and I mean this in the best way – is that it sits just outside the tourist chaos but you’re still close enough to walk into town when you want that buzz. I actually preferred it this way because honestly, staying right in the old town center can get pretty noisy, especially during summer when the terrace bars are going until late. Here, you get these quiet mornings where you can actually hear the birds, but then you’re maybe a 15-minute stroll down to Plaza del Charco if you want to grab dinner or hit up one of those little tapas spots the locals frequent. The walk back uphill isn’t too brutal either, though I’ll admit after a few cervezas it felt a bit more challenging.

What really got me about Nina’s place was the attention to detail – like, the kind of stuff you notice when someone actually cares about their guests rather than just processing bookings. The rooms have this lived-in comfort that feels authentic, not like those sterile chain hotels where everything’s been focus-grouped to death. I remember the bathroom had really good water pressure (which, trust me, isn’t always a given in some of these older Canarian buildings), and the bed was actually comfortable enough that I didn’t wake up feeling like I’d wrestled with it all night. Small things, but they matter when you’re trying to recover from exploring the island all day.

The whole vibe here is sort of like staying at a friend’s place if your friend happened to run a really well-organized guesthouse. Nina – or her team, I should say – seems to genuinely want you to enjoy Tenerife rather than just occupy a room. I got some solid recommendations for hiking trails up toward Teide that I definitely wouldn’t have found in any guidebook, and when I mentioned wanting to try some proper Canarian food, they pointed me toward this family place about ten minutes away that served the best papas arrugadas I had the entire trip.

The 4-star rating feels right – it’s polished and comfortable without being pretentious, and that 9-point rating makes sense when you factor in the personal touch and the fact that you’re getting genuine local insight rather than just a place to sleep. If you’re the type who wants to experience Puerto de la Cruz like someone who actually lives here rather than just passing through, this is probably your spot. Just don’t expect a resort-style pool scene or 24-hour room service – this is more about quality and authenticity than flash.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $76. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 double bed and 2 sofa beds for Max persons: 2

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities