Sol Puerto Playa, Puerto de la Cruz

We have just returned from this hotel (December 2004) and found it to be a very dated and basic hotel. Certainly no where near a 4 star in my opinion. Our room overlooked the sea but between us and the ocean was a very run down public swimming pool, a sports court and a shack full of rubbish. In the room we had two very dated pink PVC armchairs, two single beds pushed together and an old TV that didn't pick up anything at all. There is an in-room safe costing 11 euros per week. The bathroom was more modern and the room was clean however. There is no heating in the rooms or any part of the hotel and reception could only offer more blankets so don't stay here during winter. The restaurant was poor. The salad bar was fine but the hot food was of poor quality. We stayed half-board but ate in the town most evenings. There are some wonderful restaurants around the main square. The bar was more promising but there was only one bar person on during the evening who couldn't cope. We felt so sorry for him we even offered to help out. There wasn't any entertainment either apart from a stereo in the corner. The pool looked pleasant athough we didn't use it as it's not heated in winter as stated on some websites. It is a good location, just a short walk from the resort centre but there are much nicer 4 star hotels around. Our friends moved to another 4 star just around the corner as they couldn't cope with the cold rooms anymore and compared to this place is was pure luxury.