There is nothing discrete about The Hard Rock Hotel, and the clue is surely in its name. The two high-rise buildings – ‘Oasis’ and ‘Nirvana’ – lord it over its beach club and take up a corner of the town of Adeje in the Canary Islands of Tenerife. And not just physically. Sensually too.
Its huge logos and oscillating lights after sundown claim the night sky while rock music blares day and night in the expansive reception area and communal areas. If you are still unsure about what the Hard Rock Hotel is all about, there are fascinating rock memorabilia on every floor, in fact, everywhere.
The hotel is bright, spacious, and straightforward. Service is pristine – never a glitch, never a problem and never a wait for a drink.
Who for
The Hard Rock is ideal for young families. Its easy ambience, kids’ pool and club, and the optional all-inclusive (almost) nature are very appealing. So naturally, there are plenty of kids and, thankfully, plenty of space. The Beach Club, the adult-only pool and Rock spa mean you can eke out quiet times.
Accommodation
There are 624 rooms comprising several grades and price points. All rooms have a balcony or terrace and the views may be full or partial.
Our room number 21321, was the Studio Gold Suite with an ample 50m2, containing a humongous bed, a sofa and desk, some wardrobe space, a balcony with partial views over the Atlantic to one side and Mount Tiede on the other.
The open-plan room has a stylish black surrounding the sinks area, hydro-massage tub, separate shower/wet room and a toilet.
A TV is available and a music deck where you can create your playlist. The coffee facility was disappointing, just a kettle and sachets of Nescafe.
A more luxurious stay can be experienced if you book Rock Royalty. Check-in is on the 13th floor and this package comes with huge luxurious rooms with full-on sea views and a private lounge where a hearty breakfast awaits.
Food & Drink
There is an All-Inclusive offering that comprises breakfast, lunch and dinner taken in the Sessions Restaurant and served as a buffet. The food is plentiful and basic – pizza, pasta, chips, burgers etc. At times it’s busy with everyone bustling around to serve themselves. If it’s sunny, ask to sit outside for a lovely al-fresco pool-side experience.
You are better off ditching the all-inclusive and paying as you go giving you are free to uncover your own
There are several drinks included in the all-Inclusive package, red and white wines, cava, some cocktails and beers, and this is available at all the bars, including the swim-up bar. The only exception is the Sky roof bar on the 16th floor of the Nirvana tower (you will get amazing views and live music there) and the a la carte restaurants.
Head to one of the three à la carte restaurants for great food. If you are on an all-inclusive package, you get a €30 credit per person towards the meal. However, these restaurants are expensive, and the credit gets swallowed up quickly. After the credit was applied, Our bill was as follows: Narumi – Japanese €50 per head, Capolavoro – Italian €22 per head and Montauk – steak, €42 per head.
Facilities
There are three swimming pools – a splash park for the kids, the Eden adult-only pool with bars you can swim up to, and partially submerged lounges. The Beach Club has a tiny beach with a huge pool and a section of sand that faces a small lagoon where you can hire kayaks.
There’s no shortage of sunbeds and plenty of cushioned options for those willing to splash out an eye-watering €100 for a Balinese bed and between €30-€50 for less sprauncy beds.
The teen club is called Teen Spirit, has games consoles, music, and team sports. There’s a club for younger ones, too – it’s called the Lullaby Club, and sessions are payable at the hotel.
Their gym is a tad small for such a big hotel, but on the plus side, the towels and the bottled water are free.
The Rock Spa offers treatments and facials (c. €150), massages (c. €120) and a charming spa area with a peaceful hydrotherapy pool. Access is costly at €50 for an hour-and-a-half but if you crave quiet, this could be a good investment.
There is live music on the central stage in the reception area every night, which comprises a singer playing his guitar to a recorded backing track. That was disappointing and didn’t talk to its Hard Rock name.
Perhaps a better option would be to hire a local rock band to create the rock atmosphere. Nevertheless, songs were familiar and had there been a dancefloor, no doubt all of those dancing in their seats would have strutted their stuff instead.
How much
Prices vary but start at £189 per night for a Deluxe Silver Room to £452 per night for Rock Royalty, including breakfast.
Half board, All-inclusive, and Rock Royalty packages are available.
What’s nearby?
The hotel is located Playa Paraíso, at the western extreme of Costa Adeje. There are a handful of shops, bars and cafés in the resort, a pleasant Indian restaurant opposite (if you fancy a change of eating scene) and a supermarket.
For nightlife, it’s a 15-minute coastal walk to Callao Salvaje, or you can hop into a taxi for a 20-minute drive to the nightlife of Playa de Las Américas.
Verdict: To get the best from The Hard Rock hotel, you need to have deep pockets. Nevertheless, fabulous accommodation, excellent service and great amenities mean this can be an effortless holiday experience ideal for young families and couples with a musical bent. I defy you not to sing along to those rock classics.
