VISTA AL MAR

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about Vista al Mar? The name isn’t just marketing fluff – you actually do get those ocean views, and from Icod de los Vinos of all places. I mean, most people rush through this town just to see the famous dragon tree and bounce, but honestly, they’re missing out on what might be one of the better-kept secrets on Tenerife’s north coast.

The hotel sits right on Paseo Las Americas, which sounds fancier than it is – it’s basically the main drag that runs along the water. But here’s the thing: that position is everything. You’re literally a two-minute walk from the black sand beaches (and I do mean black – this is volcanic country, after all), plus you can stroll to the old town center without breaking a sweat. The dragon tree that everyone comes to photograph? Five minutes on foot, maybe less if you don’t get distracted by the little tapas bars along the way.

What really got me was how the place manages to feel both laid-back and put-together at the same time. It’s a 3-star hotel, so don’t expect marble lobbies or infinity pools, but the staff actually seems to care about what they’re doing. Check-in was smooth – no weird deposit drama or confusing key card situations. The rooms are clean and comfortable, with that slightly old-fashioned Spanish hotel vibe that I sort of love. Air conditioning works (crucial in summer), and the beds are actually decent, which isn’t always a given at this price point.

The breakfast deserves a mention too – it’s not some sad continental spread with stale pastries. They do proper Spanish breakfast items, fresh fruit, decent coffee. You can eat outside on the terrace if you time it right, watching the waves crash against the rocks below while the morning light hits the mountains behind you. Honestly, there are worse ways to start your day.

Here’s something most reviews won’t tell you: Icod can get surprisingly windy, especially in the afternoons, but the hotel’s position actually shields you from the worst of it. The north coast of Tenerife has this microclimate thing going on – it’s cooler and greener than the south, but also more unpredictable weather-wise. Vista al Mar seems to sit in just the right spot to catch the good stuff without too much of the rough edges.

Parking is straightforward (there’s a small lot), and you’re well-positioned for day trips – the TF-5 motorway is close enough to be convenient but far enough away that you’re not dealing with traffic noise. Plus, if you’re into hiking, the Teide National Park is maybe 45 minutes inland, and there are some incredible coastal walks right from the hotel’s doorstep.

The 9.3 rating makes sense once you spend a night or two here. It’s not trying to be something it’s not – just a solid, comfortable base in a part of Tenerife that feels more authentic than the resort-heavy south. For the price and location, you’d be hard-pressed to find better value on this part of the island.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $71. Studio Apartment with Sea View with 1 double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Lovely honeymoon apartment – Milos from Serbia – 19 August 2024 (10/10)

  From start to finish we loved every single moment we have spent on the island and the appartment was cherry on top! We were welcomed with a basket full of local fruits and a bottle of wine, which was a really nice detail from our host.
  The appartment has all necessary things that makes you feel like home – even some extras like sunshade that you can carry when going on a beach, an iron, hairdryer etc.
  
  All in all i highly recommend this appartment!
  
  What could be improved: –

• The views from the flat and all San Marcos will make your experience. – Edita from United Kingdom – 3 April 2024 (9/10)

  It is very nice location what I was looking for, special for driving coz is in the middle of north doesn’t take long to drive anywhere. San Marcos town it self is very pretty and has some magic. The place it self is quite old building just next to the ocean witch is very impressive. Flat it self is very tiny and cute quite old fashioned witch maybe would need to add some new details. But has everything you need for stay. Views from the balcony very mesmerising.

• Fantastic view! Really good property – Begonia from United Kingdom – 20 June 2023 (9/10)

  Was met at the property, which was very late as my flight was delayed! That was much appreciated. Lovely place and nice bottle of wine and water, fruit and even some chocolate left for me. Toilet had essentials you would need for a holiday and even had a parasol and goggles to use on the beach, which was nice and unexpected. Can't wait to go back.
  
  The place up in the North of Tenerife is brilliant if like me you don't want almost 24/7 sun. It was hot, but not excessive. Some of my stay was cloudy, but exactly what I wanted.

• Lovely place to be – Pim from Netherlands – 14 April 2023 (8/10)

  Location is perfect, close to Paya San Marcos and not too far from center of Icod de los Vinos. Apartment was very comfy and well taken care of.
  
  What could be improved: …

• we truly enjoyed this place, recommend it to anyone – Magda from Poland – 7 March 2023 (10/10)

  It was lovely, clean flat. Everything what we needed it was there. Fully equipped kitchen, even some salt/pepper and other herbs were there. Owner welcomed us with wine and fruits on the table, Additionally there was a bottle of water in the fridge and one beer. Amazing! Quiet, good place. There is parking outside. We truly enjoyed the place, contact with owner was very easy. Truly recommend.
  
  What could be improved: We enjoyed a lot this place however only two things were very unpleasant. First, neighbor next to us had two cats and dog and sometimes did not smell very well, but maybe we were just not lucky 🙂 and it was not always.
  Second thing, we searched for a place with swimming pool, it is marked that there is one, however it was closed during our stay. I wished to see this information earlier, but maybe it was closed since we were there between feb/March so it is still winter time, hence weather was great to swim.

• wanderfull – Stefano from Italy – 29 August 2024 (9/10)

  Skyline
  
  What could be improved: accessories

• Exceptional – Zbigniew from Poland – 9 June 2025 (10/10)

  Idealny apartament dla dwojga. Część sypialni mozliwa do zasłonięcia, łazienka wygodna
  Bogate wyposażenie z deską do prasowania i piekarnikiem wyłącznie ( dosłownie jest wszysko).
  Miejsca parkingowe jeśli nie przed budynkiem, to wokół są inne dostępne.
  Internet dziala dobrze.
  Na dzień dobry wino i owoce, bardzo miły gest.
  Kojący widok z balkonu, a przy dobrych warunkach z wejścia widać Teide.
  Jesteśmy bardzo zadowoleni.
  
  What could be improved: Jedyne co na początku było niepokojące, to dźwięki wydawne przez lodówkę😀 Ale nie zepsuło nam to pobytu.

• Maravellós – Rosa from Spain – 26 April 2025 (10/10)

  Les vistes i la comoditat ,també els propietaris molt amables
  
  What could be improved: Res

• Z dala od zgiełku:) – Agnieszka from Poland – 19 April 2025 (9/10)

  Cudowny widok na ocean z balkonu, piękne zachody słońca… Mieszkanko malutkie, ale jest wszystko czego można byłoby potrzebować, nawet domino i karty:) Wszystko czyste, pachnące i w dużej ilości (wyposażenie kuchni i łazienki: ręczniki, ręczniki plażowe, ściereczki, środki czystości, przyprawy 🙂 Prześcieradła niestety sztuczne, ale to już chyba taki trend ogólnoświatowy. Ogólnie cudowny pobyt.
  
  What could be improved: Nie podobało nam się jedynie zrobienie zdjęć naszych dowodów osobistych przez Gregorio, który przyjechał przekazać nam klucze. Zdarzyło nam się to po raz pierwszy (na Cyprze na lotnisku jedynie). Rozumiemy wymogi hiszpańskiej policji, ale w innym miejscu na Teneryfie poproszono nas jedynie o przesłanie danych osobistych, nie robiono zdjęć. Tym bardziej, że ukraińska para po przyjeździe wyjęła klucze ze skrytki zgodnie z instrukcją i nie musieli się legitymować.

• Un paraíso de tranquilidad. – Sandra from Spain – 7 March 2025 (9/10)

  La tranquilidad, la ubicación, las vistas. El apartamento está muy completo, no falta de nada. Detalles de recibimiento, fruta, vino, cerveza y agua.
  
  What could be improved: El sofá es incómodo, falta una lámpara de mesita.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities