Playa Surf CBbC Hotel

Hotel Description

Look, I’ll be honest – when I first pulled up to Playa Surf CBbC Hotel in El Médano, I wasn’t expecting much from a 3-star place. But you know what? Sometimes the best surprises come in modest packages, and this little spot actually gets it right in ways that matter.

The thing about El Médano is that it’s not your typical Tenerife beach town – it’s got this laid-back, wind-blown vibe that attracts serious windsurfers and kitesurfers from all over Europe. The hotel sits right in La Gaviota area, which means you’re literally a two-minute walk from that gorgeous stretch of golden sand where the trade winds make magic happen. I mean, you can hear the ocean from your room, but it’s not that crashing-waves sound you get on the north coast – it’s more like a constant, gentle whoosh that actually helps you sleep. The staff here really knows their stuff about the local surf conditions too, which surprised me. They’ll tell you straight up if tomorrow’s going to be epic or if you should just plan on lounging instead.

What really won me over was how the place feels lived-in rather than polished to death. The lobby’s got this casual, almost residential feel – think comfortable couches where people actually sit and chat about their day on the water, not fancy furniture you’re afraid to touch. My room was clean and functional (the shower pressure was honestly better than some 5-star places I’ve stayed), and the balcony – well, let’s just say watching the sunset over Montaña Roja while sipping a beer became my daily ritual. The Wi-Fi actually works throughout the building, which is crucial if you’re one of those people who needs to check surf forecasts obsessively. Parking’s included, which is a bigger deal than you might think since El Médano gets packed during windy season, and honestly, finding a spot near the beach can be a nightmare. The breakfast isn’t going to win any awards, but it’s solid – fresh fruit, decent coffee, and enough fuel to get you through a morning session on the water. I did notice they cater pretty well to the athletic crowd that frequents this area, with hearty options that actually make sense if you’re planning to spend hours battling the wind. The 8.5 rating this place has earned feels about right – it’s not trying to be something it’s not, but what it does, it does well. If you’re coming to El Médano for the authentic surf culture and want a place that understands why you’re really here, this is your spot.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $239. Superior Double Room (Dog Friendly) with 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $259. Superior Double Room Sea View with 2 single beds for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Excellent stay! – Eric from Canada – 4 July 2025 (9/10)

  Easy access to everything: watersports, restaurants, etc.
  
  What could be improved: Noise level in the hallway.

• Fantastic!! – Laura from United Kingdom – 1 July 2025 (9/10)

  Total hidden gem! Fantastic property, can’t fault at all
  
  What could be improved: The black sand 😀 the winds blow sand around a lot & we were there for the sun, so Suncream plus sand being blown around meant a lot of sand stuck to me at the end of the day! Haha!

• Fantastic Hotel for Water Sports Lovers – Super Clean with Exceptionally Friendly Staff! – Joyce from Netherlands – 30 June 2025 (10/10)

  The stuffs were very nice and super friendly. Nice location for those like water sport, 😉 Very clean hotel and amazing food at the restaurant. Very close to the town in 5 min you are there by foot.
  
  What could be improved: I didn't like the extra charge to keep our kitesurf stuffs and also to use the safe you have to pay per day, I never see this in the hotels.

• Great value hotel with lots of outside space . Staff are a real credit to Playa Surf – Helen from United Kingdom – 29 June 2025 (9/10)

  Perfect location for windsurfing,
  Hotel was very clean with fresh linen daily.
  Pool area was well presented with good availability of sun beds
  A la carte restaurant excellent
  Hotel staff all extremely helpful and friendly
  
  What could be improved: Rooms are fairly basic – but I guess representative of the three star rating

• Superb – Richard from United Kingdom – 22 June 2025 (9/10)

  Location is fantastic.
  As are all the staff.
  
  What could be improved: Original room was on the 3rd floor, which we didn't like due to the solid balcony, which obviously limited our view.

• Fall asleep listening to the waves – Alexander from United Kingdom – 14 June 2025 (8/10)

  2nd visit here. Love being so close to the beach and sea. Nice and quiet spot. Quite a small hotel which means it’s quiet and relaxing. At night we had the patio door open and listened to the waves.
  
  What could be improved: No kettle in the room is a bit of a shame. Would have been nice to wake up and have a coffee on the balcony

• Superb – Ana from Hungary – 30 May 2025 (9/10)

  The location is perfect, the breakfast was very good. They have a nice inner yard with pool and restaurant/bar. Would also like to highlight that it was very quiet.

• Perfect spot – Boyd from United Kingdom – 17 May 2025 (10/10)

  Perfect location, right on the beach and a nice stroll to the bars and restaurants. Beautiful view from the balcony. Pool area clean and comfortable. Breakfast had a good choice.staff were friendly and helpful.
  
  What could be improved: The eggs at breakfast were always cold, we mentioned it but were told they couldn't get us fresh ones.

• Peaceful private place to stay. – Queenan from Ireland – 11 May 2025 (10/10)

  Very good selection of food
  
  What could be improved: It would have been great to have an indoor gym.

• Very nice stay. – Gillian from United Kingdom – 9 May 2025 (9/10)

  Excellent breakfast. Staff all very friendly and helpful.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities