Larisa house

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about Larisa house? It’s tucked right on Paseo Las Americas, which honestly feels like the kind of street where locals actually live rather than where tourists usually end up. I mean, San Marcos isn’t exactly the first place that comes to mind when you think Tenerife – most people head straight for the southern beaches or Puerto de la Cruz up north. But that’s actually what makes this spot pretty special.

The place has this unpretentious, family-run vibe that you don’t always find in three-star hotels. When I walked in, there was this genuine warmth from the staff that felt real, not scripted. The lobby’s nothing fancy – clean, simple, with those ceramic tiles that stay cool even when it’s blazing outside. What really won me over was how quiet it gets at night. You’re close enough to the town center that you can walk to restaurants and that little plaza where the locals hang out in the evenings, but far enough from the main tourist strips that you actually get some sleep. The rooms are pretty standard for what you’d expect – comfortable beds, decent-sized bathroom, and air conditioning that actually works (trust me, you’ll need it in summer). I particularly liked that the windows open properly, which sounds silly but so many hotels have those tiny slits that don’t let in any real air.

What sets Larisa house apart is its position for exploring the real Tenerife. San Marcos sits between the northern coast and the interior, so you’re maybe twenty minutes from some incredible hiking trails in the Anaga Mountains – the kind of laurel forests that feel like something out of a fairy tale. If you rent a car (and you should), you can be in Santa Cruz in half an hour, or drive down to those famous black sand beaches near Icod de los Vinos. The staff actually knows about these places too, which was refreshing. They gave me directions to this local seafood place that wasn’t in any guidebook but served the best chicharrones I had on the island. Parking’s easy here – there’s street parking right outside, and it’s free, which is more than you can say for most coastal towns. The only thing I’d mention is that if you’re someone who needs to be right in the thick of nightlife, this might feel a bit quiet. But honestly, after a day of exploring volcanic landscapes or hiking those mountain trails, the peace and quiet felt perfect. For the price point and the genuine local experience, it’s exactly what a three-star hotel should be – comfortable, honest, and connected to the place you’re visiting rather than trying to shield you from it.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $91. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 3

Reviews

• Vistas maravillosas – Venteo from Spain – 10 January 2025 (9/10)

  Las vistas espectaculares, el sonido del mar por la noche escucharlo flojito me encantó…
  Tienes sol y una cala pequeña y bonita abajo, y un supermercado pequeño pero que te hace el servicio…la cama muy cómoda y tenías toallas y jabón cuerpo y cabeza, y además un árbol de navidad nos pusieron, buen detalle para mí niño pequeño, gracias
  
  What could be improved: No funcionaba la televisión pero La Sra. Olga dijo de venir y se ofreció de arreglarlo,pero estábamos todo el día fuera y decidimos que no…
  El resto perfecto, buen apartamento

• Good – Oihane from Palestinian Territory – 3 January 2025 (7/10)

  Balkoitik itsasoa ikustea, argazkietan agertzen den bezala.
  
  What could be improved: Apur bet zaharra da. Sukaldeak ez deko aireztatze nahikorik. Hondartza gertu, beste guztia urrun.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities