Starwood Preferred Guest - Sheraton La Caleta Resort & Spa in Canary Islands [Master Thread]

Anyone stayed at the La Caleta in Tenerife yet?

Thinking about a Canary Islands trip. Read some reports on the Mencey, but have seen nothing on La Caleta just yet.

Thanks.

I have just returned from a week at the new Sheraton La Caleta, and I can highly recommend it. It is new, so there are one or two teething problems (air conditioning not 100% effective and some finishing required) but all the building is complete and the spa is now open. It is a healthy distance from los Cristianos and Playa de las Americas, but they are a relatively short drive away.

I stayed with my wife & 2 young children (3 & 2) and there was something for all of them to do - spa treatments for her and childrens club and several pools for them.

The beach is virtually non-existent (v rocky that part of the island) but there is a man-made one nearby which you can use, but is not an exclusive one for the hotel (one is apparently planned, but not complete).

The hotel is very airy, the club lounge very good, the restaurants are excellent (even the buffet restaurant for those on half board) and, currently, few package tour operators have it in their brochures (because it only opened earlier this year) meaning that there aren't many people there, and there are bargains to be had.

I would really have no complaints to make on this property - everyone from the bell boy, receptionist, waiters and waitresses were excellent, helpful and very welcoming.

Let me know if you want more information, but if you are thinking of going there I would rate it highly.

Thanks for your report - just in time for the summer season.

1.) The hotel is offered in some travel catalogues with an "All Inclusive" option. Do you know anything about this option (e.g. surcharge; drinks/food available)?

2.) How are the grounds (garden with canvas chairs + sunshades? How are the pools?)?

3.) How big is the public beach? Are there chairs and sunshades available for rent on the public beach? Do you have an idea about prices for daily rental (otherwise it is normally cheaper to buy sunshades and chairs at the destination and give it away before departure).

4.) What about parking? Is there a garage? How much is the daily fee?

Thanks for your report - just in time for the summer season.

1.) The hotel is offered in some travel catalogues with an "All Inclusive" option. Do you know anything about this option (e.g. surcharge; drinks/food available)?

2.) How are the grounds (garden with canvas chairs + sunshades? How are the pools?)?

3.) How big is the public beach? Are there chairs and sunshades available for rent on the public beach? Do you have an idea about prices for daily rental (otherwise it is normally cheaper to buy sunshades and chairs at the destination and give it away before departure).

4.) What about parking? Is there a garage? How much is the daily fee?

1) I can't tell about the all-inclusive rate - I'm pretty sure no-one was on it while we were there. We booked a half-board option through the website, and this allows the kids to eat for free (at the buffet restaurant, which has something for everyone - honestly!). It also gives the grown-ups a credit against any of the other 2 restaurants in the hotel (Spanish & Japanese) open after 6pm (the poolside one shuts around then). The prices for drinks aren't bad, but the club lounge (if you can get access) has complimentary wine, beer, cava and soft drinks all day long, and spirits available for a couple of hours in the evening. (Actually, an added bonus is complimentary cava at breakfast, too, which gives the day a very pleasant start!)

2) The grounds are pretty extensive and it is quite easy to get away from screaming kids (which were limited to ours when we were there) and find a lounger or table and chairs under a lounger without any difficulty - there are plenty of each. The sunloungers are all plastic, but the ones in the spa are wooden. The chairs are metal, but comfy. Fresh towels are freely available.

3) The public beach is really very small, and at full tide there probably wouldn't be room for more than a couple of towels! So, no, there aren't chairs for hire. The sand is black, too (or at least it was before a load of sand from the Sahara was dumped on it. Now it is a sort of muddy colour, unfortunately).

4) Parking was quite a pleasant surprise given most of my top-end hotel stays are limited to the US were parking is $30/day and up. Here, it is valet parking for free (yes, FREE!), and they are very prompt and friendly. A mysterious scratch did appear on my car (not malicious, I am almost certain) but they cheerfully polished it out, and made sure there would be no problems with Hertz when I dropped it off.

Happy to give more info if you need it.

Just as a side note, I think there are only public beaches in Spain anyway.

What about walking from the hotel along the beach? Is this possible without having to use the street or are there hills (as sleepyandgrumpy wrote that there is only a small beach)? It would be quite a downside if it is not possible to walk/jog along the beach.

Is it possible to open the window in the room? Do the rooms have balconies?

LH738 - There is a promenade between the hotel properties in La Caleta and the beaches (MoritzK's reply about the beaches being public explains why the path is there). The hotel has a key card controlled gate to the path at the back of the resort. There are plenty of people walking and jogging along it, and I would suppose (but didn't try it) that you can go all the way along to the next town - Las Americas - though God alone knows why you might want to.

WaltherVonDerVogelweide - All the rooms have balconies, and all have tables and chairs there.

Incidentally, the map on the hotel's website makes it appear that the hotel is on the wrong side of the motorway TF1. Rest assured it is right on the coast. I mentioned it to the front desk staff, and they said they would pass the message on, but clearly these corrections take time.

Better late than never ... until I finished the report.

Thanks again for your replies. I stayed last year in the hotel and had a great time.


+ splendid garden
+ very nice room; good bed (Deluxe Suite with ocean view)
+ excellent Platinum recognition
+ huge safe with power outlet
+ nice wellness center (but who wants to stay indoors on Tenerife)

- service sometimes slow
- small public beach

Picture report: Sheraton La Caleta Resort & Spa (http://www.e-traveller.net/tikiV5/tiki-page.php?pageName=LH738_2005_SheratonLaCaleta_01)

Better late than never ... until I finished the report.

Thanks again for your replies. I stayed last year in the hotel and had a great time.


+ splendid garden
+ very nice room; good bed (Deluxe Suite with ocean view)
+ excellent Platinum recognition
+ huge safe with power outlet
+ nice wellness center (but who wants to stay indoors on Tenerife)

- service sometimes slow
- small public beach

Picture report: Sheraton La Caleta Resort & Spa (http://www.e-traveller.net/tikiV5/tiki-page.php?pageName=LH738_2005_SheratonLaCaleta_01)
Oh my, spectacular report. Just in time as I'm making my travel plans for 2006: I'll spend summer holiday with wife and kids on Tenerife this year again. I stayed in the luxus resort "Bahia del Duque" two years ago. The stay was excellent. I planned to go to the Bahia del Duque again but after reading your report, I'll go to the new Sheraton this time. The garden and pools look so beautiful - much nicer compared to the Bahia. (also thanks for the overview of hotel progs on your page).

Better late than never ... until I finished the report.

Thanks again for your replies. I stayed last year in the hotel and had a great time.


+ splendid garden
+ very nice room; good bed (Deluxe Suite with ocean view)
+ excellent Platinum recognition
+ huge safe with power outlet
+ nice wellness center (but who wants to stay indoors on Tenerife)

- service sometimes slow
- small public beach

Picture report: Sheraton La Caleta Resort & Spa (http://www.e-traveller.net/tikiV5/tiki-page.php?pageName=LH738_2005_SheratonLaCaleta_01)


Thanks for your perfect review!
Pictures say a thousand words....

Was the clublounge worthwhile, if one has to pay extra for the clubroom?

Was the clublounge worthwhile, if one has to pay extra for the clubroom?
It depends from your preferences:
1.) Breakfast: yes, the clublounge is worthwhile.
2.) Lunch: not available.
3.) Afternoon for tea and cakes: yes, the clublounge is worthwhile.
4.) Beverages: yes, the clublounge is worthwhile (including alcohlic beverages in the evening).
5.) Dinner: no, the clublounge is not worthwhile if you want to eat dinner ONLY in the lounge. If you stay for a longer time, you'll see that the food is always the same and the food is not really "filling" (not much).

Better late than never ... until I finished the report.

Thanks again for your replies. I stayed last year in the hotel and had a great time.


+ splendid garden
+ very nice room; good bed (Deluxe Suite with ocean view)
+ excellent Platinum recognition
+ huge safe with power outlet
+ nice wellness center (but who wants to stay indoors on Tenerife)

- service sometimes slow
- small public beach

Picture report: Sheraton La Caleta Resort & Spa (http://www.e-traveller.net/tikiV5/tiki-page.php?pageName=LH738_2005_SheratonLaCaleta_01)
Wonderful picture report which reminded me of my stay in Nov 2005. The garden is really fantastic.

Better late than never ... until I finished the report.

Thanks again for your replies. I stayed last year in the hotel and had a great time.


+ splendid garden
+ very nice room; good bed (Deluxe Suite with ocean view)
+ excellent Platinum recognition
+ huge safe with power outlet
+ nice wellness center (but who wants to stay indoors on Tenerife)

- service sometimes slow
- small public beach

Picture report: Sheraton La Caleta Resort & Spa (http://www.e-traveller.net/tikiV5/tiki-page.php?pageName=LH738_2005_SheratonLaCaleta_01)
I had used your report to make my final decission: now I'm just coming back and had a great time. Wife, kids and myself flew on Condor to Tenerife South airport (flights were surprisingly good). We had two club rooms on the 5th floor. The sea view from the 5th floor is outstanding. The service was good and so we enjoyed some relaxing days in the Winter sun.

There are plenty of sun loungers around the pools. The Spa area is wonderful. My wife is still dreaming of the Spa...

Breakfast (including Cava) was excellent with a huge choice. Food in the restaurants is a bit pricy but there are alternatives within walking distance. There are no evening activities in the hotel (except a piano singer).

Will be out at the Sheraton La Caleta Resort & Spa in Tenerife for a week shortly.... Any info on the hotel and the locale?

As well, any suggestions on good rooms, etc.... have a pretty good record upgrading to suites across Starwood properties and would like to have a nice view of the beach!

Cheers.

I spent my summer holiday 2006 in the hotel and loved it :) ^ ^ ^

I am an SPG gold and emailed the hotel regarding a possible upgrade for our room for an upcoming stay at the Sheraton La Caleta in the Canary Islands. I am not really sure what kind of room we have as I booked it through cash and points.

I emailed the hotel about a possible room upgrade in advance (we will be there in about 3 weeks) and I got an email back stating the costs per night to upgrade to the same room on the club level and ocean view. Is that the correct procedure? In the past I have usually been upgraded to club level or an ocean view before my arrival. Should I expect this same hassle when I arrive to get an upgrade? The main reason I wanted to try and confirm an upgrade now is that we are arriving very late in the evening and am afraid an upgrade will not be available. Is the fact that we are on cash and points affecting any complimentary upgrade?

Thank you in advance for any suggestions or clarifications.

I am an SPG gold and emailed the hotel regarding a possible upgrade for our room for an upcoming stay at the Sheraton La Caleta in the Canary Islands. I am not really sure what kind of room we have as I booked it through cash and points.

I emailed the hotel about a possible room upgrade in advance (we will be there in about 3 weeks) and I got an email back stating the costs per night to upgrade to the same room on the club level and ocean view. Is that the correct procedure? In the past I have usually been upgraded to club level or an ocean view before my arrival. Should I expect this same hassle when I arrive to get an upgrade? The main reason I wanted to try and confirm an upgrade now is that we are arriving very late in the evening and am afraid an upgrade will not be available. Is the fact that we are on cash and points affecting any complimentary upgrade?

Thank you in advance for any suggestions or clarifications.


They are just trying to push you to pay for the free upgrade (if it's available) that you would get on checking in. Essentially you'd be paying a premium to guarantee an upgraded room in advance.

I was there a month or two ago and they gave me a suite on checking in. I asked for a very specific one and was able to see that is was available on their computer monitor.

They had me already booked in an upgraded club room (which looked nice from the ones I saw) as a result of my platinum status. So you shouldn't have any problems getting an upgraded room when you check-in unless they're booked solid.

So I'm sure, you should be fine with your late check-in (you may want to call on the day and speak to the manager).

Overall the staff were very nice and helpful to their 'elite' guests (two different lounges, one for breakfast and one for the snacks/drinks). Enjoy your vacation.

They are just trying to push you to pay for the free upgrade (if it's available) that you would get on checking in. Essentially you'd be paying a premium to guarantee an upgraded room in advance.

I was there a month or two ago and they gave me a suite on checking in. I asked for a very specific one and was able to see that is was available on their computer monitor.

They had me already booked in an upgraded club room (which looked nice from the ones I saw) as a result of my platinum status. So you shouldn't have any problems getting an upgraded room when you check-in unless they're booked solid.

So I'm sure, you should be fine with your late check-in (you may want to call on the day and speak to the manager).

Overall the staff were very nice and helpful to their 'elite' guests (two different lounges, one for breakfast and one for the snacks/drinks). Enjoy your vacation.

Thank you. I'll try my luck and see what happens. Right now, they say I have a 4th floor room (not club room). So, even upgrading to a club room on check-in would be nice or just having a room with a view. I am not expecting a suite or anything like that. So, we shall see what happens. Thanks for the advice.

I am an SPG gold and emailed the hotel regarding a possible upgrade for our room for an upcoming stay at the Sheraton La Caleta in the Canary Islands. I am not really sure what kind of room we have as I booked it through cash and points.

I emailed the hotel about a possible room upgrade in advance (we will be there in about 3 weeks) and I got an email back stating the costs per night to upgrade to the same room on the club level and ocean view. Is that the correct procedure? In the past I have usually been upgraded to club level or an ocean view before my arrival. Should I expect this same hassle when I arrive to get an upgrade? The main reason I wanted to try and confirm an upgrade now is that we are arriving very late in the evening and am afraid an upgrade will not be available. Is the fact that we are on cash and points affecting any complimentary upgrade?

Thank you in advance for any suggestions or clarifications.

My take on this is that they are telling you in advance that club level and/or ocean view rooms at this hotel are higher category room types than Gold members receive as a Preferred Room, subject to availability at check-in. Also, if you've already booked what this hotel considers to be a Preferred Room, they don't have to upgrade you any further, so they may be saying that in order to go up in room type you'll have to pay for it.

Sincerely,


William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Does anyone have an idea on the weather in Tenerife in Mid October? I need to go get warm for the weekend and Tenerife is on my list of places to go. Is it pool / beach weather? Or just pleasant? Thanks

Does anyone have an idea on the weather in Tenerife in Mid October? I need to go get warm for the weekend and Tenerife is on my list of places to go. Is it pool / beach weather? Or just pleasant? Thanks
I'm from SC. I think pleasant. You're from Boston. You think...?
http://www.wunderground.com/global/stations/60015.html

Hi, planning on visiting somewhere in the Canaries with Mrs. DorianGray in the next few months. Probably the Sheraton La Caleta Resort & Spa in Costa Adeje, Tenerife. It looks quite nice, Cat 3. Only $45 per night with Cash and Points (though I guess it will be upped a level soon?)

We are interested in relaxing, laying at the beach...not really in golf. Also we could stay at the Sheraton Mencey Hotel, but that is in the city, not a beach place at all.

What do you all think about the place? Would probably be upgraded to a really nice room since have Plat status.

Thanks for any help!

GoCanes how did you get on in the end?
My take on this is that they are telling you in advance that club level and/or ocean view rooms at this hotel are higher category room types than Gold members receive as a Preferred Room, subject to availability at check-in
This is my experience. I think it's a great property with excellent staff, but Golds are unlikely to get anything other than a preferred room.

Elite guests at this property should also be aware that 4pm checkout is not available, or so I was told, because it is a resort hotel.

Incidentally, every single guest at this property gets an automatic complimentary buffet breakfast - except those on points stays. I have a points stay ahead and the hotel has taken the trouble of emailing me directly to tell me I won't get the buffet breakfast. This seems a trifle churlish.

GoCanes how did you get on in the end?

This is my experience. I think it's a great property with excellent staff, but Golds are unlikely to get anything other than a preferred room.

Elite guests at this property should also be aware that 4pm checkout is not available, or so I was told, because it is a resort hotel.

Incidentally, every single guest at this property gets an automatic complimentary buffet breakfast - except those on points stays. I have a points stay ahead and the hotel has taken the trouble of emailing me directly to tell me I won't get the buffet breakfast. This seems a trifle churlish.

When we arrived we were upgraded to an ocean view club level room on the top floor. We were on cash and points. The staff was very nice and friendly. We were treated very well at every moment. I don't think we got an upgrade before arriving but were given one upon check-in I think. I just don't remember.

There was a separate area for the club room buffet near the pool area and it was strictly enforced. There were no free buffets for regular guests while we were there. So, the information you received is right, but it is not just for non-rev guests, no one gets the free buffet but for club level guests as of 06.

Anyone stay here recently? How is the hotel holding up?

Anyone familary with weather in the Canary Islands in March? It looks chilly from the averages... is it truely not beach/pool weather at that time of year?


T.

I do like this property but the lack of Platinum benefits (no late checkout, no complimentary breafkast when on points and 0 out of 3 upgrades for me) has forced me to overlook Tenerife for my last couple of winter sun breaks. The hotel also seems to favour those staying for fixed periods with tour operators rather than SPG customers. March is fine in Tenerife, we've always had good sunlounger weather in that month at that hotel although it isn't obviously guaranteed.

Incidentally this moring (5 January) I received what appears to be a Christmas card from this property. I think I got one last year but don't recall. The cover features silhouettes dancing on a beach and the photocopied message stapled to the inside reads: "Isn't it a wonderful thing that we're all different? Each of us has strengths and skills to share. And when we link our individual strengths together we're invincible. Happy holidays from your Sheraton La Caleta Team." I can't work out what I dislike most about this: the incompetent timing (it was posted on Christmas Eve), the waste of money that could be better spent giving guests the benefits to which they are entitled, its sheer hopelessness as a marketing tool or its meaningless waffle about diversity.

Typical, IMHO, of the ethereal and slightly evasive way in which it deals with SPG customers. A nice hotel though.

I'm just back from a wonderful 4-days stay at Sheraton La Caleta. I've been impressed by this hotel. All the staff is smiling and making you feel comfortable, everybody helped us having a great time. Fran, at the reception desk, is one of the best (if not the best) example I've ever found of how the perfect person at the reception desk should be.
We were staying 2 night for free (free nights from recent promotions) and two nights on cash and points. We received a very nice upgrade to a beautiful deluxe suite in the 2nd floor with a large terrace and a great view of the ocean. 4 complimentary bottles of water each day, and complimentary buffet breakfast at the magnificent spot they have for club breakfast (by the pool). The club lounge (connected to a very nice terrace) is a very good option in the afternoon/evening for a drink and a snack. The two restaurants we tried were quite good (specially the japanese one). The spa was small but very comfortable, and the treatments and terapists were top class.
Sincerely, one of my very best stays in a resort in years.

Deluxe suite? Club breakfast by the pool? On a free night? Four bottles of water? Every day?

Please share your secret with us! I haven't had the remotest sniff of any of these things during stays at this property :(