Does a leopard change its spots? Well, when it comes to the recently crowned Anthelia Iberostar Selection hotel, absolutely!
Following an extensive multi-million pound refurbishment, the hotel formerly known as Iberostar Hotel Anthelia was re-badged as part of Spanish-based Iberostar's brand simplification programme.
Iberostar hotels now come in just three flavours: Iberostar, which is the chain's four star brand, Iberostar Selection, which is their five star brand and Iberostar Grand, which is the Group's most opulent 'five star plus' brand (with associated price tag). Oddly, on the site of this hotel there are two Iberostar hotels. The one I'm staying in, and the Iberostar Grand Salome - a sort of hotel within a hotel.
The Hotel
The extensive pool areas
My usual haunts in Tenerife would be one of the Melia hotels, but, for the purposes of balance, I had to branch out!
The Anthelia is situated in the upmarket area of Playas Del Duque, one the most sought after areas on the island and where the big bucks have been spent in the last few years. Make no mistake, you can practically smell the money in this resort and its luxury feel are reflective of that.
Check in is undertaken in a huge reception area and the formalities, whilst taking a while (as is usual here in the Canaries), was pleasant. I was offered a complimentary orange juice whilst the hotel went through the lengthy check in.
Once checked in, I headed down to my standard entry level room. On the way I passed through a semi open area which had a pleasant view over the sea and noted the maintenance people keeping the hotel looking tip top!
I also took a swing by the very large swimming pools and bar areas. So far, so good!
The Rooms
My entry level room cost €175 for the night. Not the cheapest hotel in the area, even by five star standards, nevertheless the first thing that hit me was this very modern room. All of the fixtures and fittings worked fine, well presented and I also noted the rather nice coffee machine with fresh milk provided in the mini-bar.
Deluxe room with balcony
The hotel sits on the shoreline with great views
Food and Drink
The hotel offers up to four restaurants that open at different times of the week.
I tried out the Poseidon Gourmet restaurant and can highly recommend the braised sea bass.
The Zeus buffet restaurant (pictured) is where you'll also take breakfast. It does, like all hotels, get very busy at 0830 but the hotel still copes well with a great number of staff ensuring you're happy.
My eclectic breakfast with my favourite churros!
Conclusion:
To me, the hotel has taken massive strides to improve itself over recent years and the refurbishment as part of its rebranding has massively improved room quality. The rooms are ultra modern, which isn't to everyone's tastes but is to mine, and is set against other parts of the hotel which retain the frequently seen Canarian traditional decor.
The restaurant is bustling in the mornings for breakfast so do bear that in mind but the hotel still manages to keep up with demand in terms of food offerings and clearing tables.
My room rate, at €175 a night was on the high side, compared to other five star hotels in the area. That said, I had a good night's sleep and would return.
Directions:
From the Tenerife South (TFS) airport, the hotel is about 45 minutes drive up the main TF-1.
The hotel sits opposite the prestigious Plaza Del Duque shopping centre, on Calle De Londres. You can park in the hotels own car park out front for free, but if it's full, there's always the underground car park of the shopping centre (however it is locked overnight).
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