Playaflor Chill Out Resort, a 50 mtrs de la playa

“A week of wintersun over New Year”

I have stayed at many places in and around the area of Playa de las Americas/Costa Adeje over the last 25+ years, mostly we prefer to be either near the Mare Nostrum strip or the opposite end of the resort in San Eugenio or Torviscas. My days of clubbing are a thing of the past and generally I on... more

I have stayed at many places in and around the area of Playa de las Americas/Costa Adeje over the last 25+ years, mostly we prefer to be either near the Mare Nostrum strip or the opposite end of the resort in San Eugenio or Torviscas. My days of clubbing are a thing of the past and generally I only walk through the Veronicas area to get from one end of town to the other, even then I prefer to walk the beachfront as this avoids the hassle of touts and props outside bars and clubs. The location of this complex is directly on the road in the thick of late night bar/club scene of Veronicas. This makes it a plus for anyone who likes to party and stagger not far to get back to bed. It probably should not be considered if you prefer peace and quiet at night. I am aware if this, but this complex was "reserved" by my other half at a rate that seemed agreeable for the time of year (New Years Eve). This allowed some time to look for other options however he fell short and actually hit the reserve/pay now function and this was non-refundable so essentially we were locked into this hotel. Ideally I would not have booked this place, it just doesn't fit our holiday requirement so to speak, however a few years ago I had visited the complex during the day and management even allowed us to view one of the I want to say town houses, as they really arent apartments. At that time the complex was marketed as gay friendly and had a very nice terrace bar overlooking the street, a small pool. A bit if money had been spent to make the rooms more attractive and the terraces adorned with pots, plants, seating with a very Moroccan/Arab feel. Having remembered this visit I was optimistic we could enjoy a stay there despite the clubs outside provided we were not in a frontline apartment/house. We arrived on Sunday the 29th of December a little after 9pm by taxi. The gate at street level was locked, we pressed the buzzer, no one came, a number is also provided and after calling the security guard came and let us in. There is no lift to the main level so this place should be disregarded if you have mobility issues. We were checked in very quickly and passport details taken before being shown to our apartment which was on the front line of the complex overlooking the street. There is no private terrace or balcony off the lounge, you will have a table and chairs set aside on the walkway outside, the layout of the complex means some people would be seated directly in front of a neighbour, ours wasnt, but the two next door faced each other and wasn't private at all. The lounge gad a large black leather sofa (ours was ripped), a coffee table, a large tv unit with a 48" LCD tv. We only found English news channels. Under the stairs was a mop, bucket and brush. In the far corner of the room in a very awkward corner was a tired and dated kitchenette. It was almost triangular, with the sink set into the corner, which was hard to use and was recessed, the shape of the units meaning you had to stoop over quite far. There was a two ring ceramic hot plate, toaster, coffee maker and a fridge with small freezer section. This was really the only thing we used. Getting in and out of the kitchen meant having to squeeze between the sofa and a narrow breakfast bar which had stools. It felt quite stark and a bit sad, but it was clean despite showing its age. A very narrow staircase lead up to the bedroom which had a window (which didn't lock shut) directly overlooking the patio door, walkway and street below. The bedroom and indeed the whole apartment are irregular in shape. We had two single beds. The frames were metal, cumbersome and bulky. I think the nature of the staircase meant a normal bed might not have been able to reach the bedroom so they had these really weird sectional metal bedframes that seemed adjust able. Be careful as you often knocked into them negotiating the room. We used a fan in the room at night, but the only plugs were at the bedside and the lead from the fan wasn't very long, so it was near enough in my face. The wardrobe came with a few tatty hangers and a safety deposit box. There was no drawer space, just a shelf and two very small bed side cabinets. Another narrow staircase lead directly from the bedroom to a private terrace on the roof. From here we had a good view of the sea and street which was a bonus. On the roof were two plastic sun loungers and two coarse black felt mattresses, but they were literally about 1cm thick and added nothing. The table and chairs were stained and one of the legs of the table fell off if it was moved. A piece if wire was a clothes line. Back on the bedroom level is the bathroom which again was a very unusual shape and lots of negotiation with the toilet and moving the shower screen to access the taps. It was white, bland and tired though clean. The towels we were provided did the job and were changed during our stay, but some of these need replaced. Overall it didn't leave me feeling entirely happy, but it didn't smell and it was clean and dry. Trying to sleep in one of the front line rooms is a challenge. The clubs don't stop until after 4am. I slept passed them closing only once. All of my other nights of sleep was disrupted. It actually sounds worse with the window shut in some way as you get more vibration, but with it open and you can pretty much sing along to any of the four or five different tracks belting out simultaneously from the four or five clubs. This place needs some serious sound-proofing and new glazing. I have stayed in similar proximity to venues like this and not heard anything at night due to the excellent sound-proofing. Between 8pm-8am the complex is locked and you will have a key. Reception is open during the hours of 8am-8pm. Generally just one person who will help with any issues you might have. The adjoining bar which we had seen as a vibrant centre to the complex on our visit a few years back opens only to give access to the toilets below. When I asked if the bar itself was open (there were bar items, bottles glasses and crockery) , I was told no, its closed forever. We sat on a lounger by the pool for an hour, but it just felt a little flat and only a few loungers get any sun. The pool is gated, and I did attempt to get in but was absolutely freezing. Some apartments are directly on the pool and it almost feels that the small space set aside for general sunbathing is impinging on their privacy. A vending machine was set up next to a covered seating area outside reception and beside it also a fresh coffee dispenser, which I only ever saw the maids use, but it does work. The complex is fairly quiet by day, hardly anyone seems to sit by the pool or even outside their front door. There is a terrace above reception which has loungers which I saw being used now and again but otherwise it had a very ghost-town feel about it. A lot of the outdoor seating remains from the previous management, but it is looking tired, however the walkways have nice plants and folliage which looked well kept. There is a euro cash machine immediately outside the gate, but these do not give the best rate and you can get fees. Better to use a real bank ATM. Across the road is a small mini-market for drinks, ice and snacks. Lots of the typical fast food options and of course bars. Walking right takes you to Troya beach and further on to San Eugenio, left will take you to the Patch, Mare Nostrum Strip and finally Los Cristianos. Left or right you will find better options for food and drink. You can find the area outside bothersome with the usual looky-looky men who sell more than just the regular stuff, and aren't shy about asking if you want any of that as well as the touts and props. You just have to run that gauntlet unfortunately. This place is a good base if you want the action or you don't mind it and can sleep through anything. If you do decide to give it a go, perhaps ask for a room at the back to get away from it. I possibly would return, but only because the complex has the most amazingly friendly cat. They should actually put a picture of it along side the details for the security guard and give it the title Director of Customer Relations. I read an article about a law firm in South America adopting a stray and doing something similar and its great for publicity. You could really make a thing out if it and get visitors eager to meet the cat. Not everyone likes them, but this one was very loving. It would sit next to you and put its paws round your arm and cuddle in and sleep. I did ask if the cat lived there and was told yes, but it isn't their cat. All I can hope is someone there is looking after it, it does need a new collar too. If you do visit, please post pics to show, because the cat was the best bit about the place for us.

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