SUN-SEA

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about SUN-SEA? The name actually makes perfect sense once you’re there – it’s this four-star place tucked right into the Edificio Tosca on Calle San Juan, and honestly, you get the best of both worlds without the tourist trap feeling. I mean, Puerto de la Cruz can be pretty intense with all the package holiday crowds, but this spot feels like locals had a say in how it runs.

The location is sort of genius, actually. You’re literally at number 1 on the street, so no wandering around with your luggage trying to find the entrance (trust me, I’ve been there). What I love is that you can walk to the main drag where all the restaurants are, but when you come back in the evening, it’s quiet enough that you’re not dealing with people shouting outside your window until 2 AM. The staff – and this might sound small but it matters – they actually remember your name after the first day. Not in that forced hotel training way, but like they genuinely care about making sure you’re sorted.

The rooms have this clean, unfussy vibe that works really well. Nothing too fancy, but everything functions properly, which honestly puts it ahead of some five-star places I’ve stayed where the shower barely works. The beds are properly comfortable, and there’s enough space to actually unpack without living out of your suitcase. I particularly appreciated that they’ve got the air conditioning figured out – it’s not one of those systems that sounds like a freight train or freezes you out. The view varies depending on which room you get, but even the ones facing inland give you glimpses of the ocean if you crane your neck a bit.

What really sets SUN-SEA apart though is how it fits into Puerto de la Cruz itself. You’re close enough to the botanical gardens that you can walk there for a morning stroll before it gets crowded, and the black sand beaches are just a few minutes away. The local bus connections are actually reliable from this area too, so if you want to explore other parts of Tenerife, you’re not stuck paying for taxis constantly. There’s a little café around the corner – I can’t remember the name, but it’s run by this older Spanish couple – where you can get proper coffee and pastries for breakfast if you want to skip the hotel dining.

The 8.8 rating makes sense when you experience it. It’s not trying to be something it’s not, but what it does, it does well. The value feels right for what you get, especially considering you’re in a prime spot without paying resort prices. I’d definitely stay here again, particularly if I wanted to actually experience Puerto de la Cruz rather than just hide in a hotel complex. It’s the kind of place where you feel like you’re staying somewhere real, not just passing through.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $110. Studio Apartment with Sea View with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $110. Studio Apartment with Sea View with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $110. Studio Apartment with Sea View with 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $110. Studio Apartment with Sea View with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities