Hotel Emblematico Holiday Time

With its beautiful historic buildings, cobbled backstreets and authentic local atmosphere, Santa Cruz de La Palma is arguably the most attractive island capital in the Canaries, and two recent developments have made the town an even more appealing destination. The first of these is the construction of the town beach, a wide sweep of black volcanic sand fringing the Avenida Maritima, protected at both ends by manmade breakwaters. The other is the opening of the Hotel Emblematico Holiday Time on the seafront avenue, directly opposite this beach.

This handsome old building has been expertly restored and converted into a charming little hotel with just 16 guestrooms. Whilst fairly compact, the rooms are attractively designed in contemporary style and equipped with all the modern comforts, including heating/air-conditioning, satellite TV (limited English-language channels), safety-deposit boxes and free WiFi. Each has a marble-clad en-suite shower room with a hairdryer, and on each floor there is a small communal kitchenette with a fridge, microwave and kettle. Rooms at the front of the building have windows looking out across the Avenida Maritima to the beach and the sea, whilst those at the rear face the picturesque square, Plaza de los Divinos. The three penthouse rooms on the top each have their own good-size terrace with panoramic sea views, so naturally these are in high demand and early booking is recommended.

There is a lift to all floors, and the friendly reception staff are available throughout the day to offer local information and assistance. A tasty continental breakfast buffet is laid out every morning in the hotel's cosy café-bar to set you up for the day's activities. Although the hotel does not serve evening meals, there are plenty of local restaurants in the surrounding streets, so guests have ample choice when it comes to eating out within walking distance.

Guests planning to hire a car should note that there is very limited parking in the vicinity, although the hotel does have a space just opposite for unloading your luggage, and spaces can usually be found further along the seafront. However, with all of the attractions of Santa Cruz on your doorstep, and good public bus links to explore the rest of the island, the Hotel Emblematico Holiday Time is particularly recommended for those who prefer not to have to drive on holiday.