Hotel Laguna Nivaria

The island capital until 1723, and home to one of Spain's oldest universities, La Laguna is Tenerife at its most authentic, a city where tourism plays a negligible role next to commerce and academia. Whilst the town's outskirts are modern and uninspiring, the historic centre is full of architectural treasures, and was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1999.

The Hotel Laguna Nivaria itself was converted from a 16th century manor house, and enjoys a strategic position on the handsome main square, Plaza del Adelanto, alongside the town hall and the colourful covered market, where you can join the townsfolk in picking out the freshest produce or the prettiest flowers. In the surrounding streets, there are plenty of authentic restaurants and a range of shops catering for the local population, and in a city with 20,000 students those looking for a few lively bars shouldn't need to search too hard.

Catering predominantly to business travellers and visiting academics, the Laguna Nivaria is equally suited to holidaymakers who do not wish to stay in a tourist resort, yet prefer a central location where they are not dependent on a hire car in order to explore the island. La Laguna has excellent bus links, with access to both the north and south coasts facilitated by motorways, and secondary roads leading to the unspoilt Anaga peninsula and up to the Cañadas del Teide National Park.

A fast and frequent tram connects La Laguna with the island capital, Santa Cruz, which is less than 10 kms away, and from there buses run to the splendid sandy beach of Las Teresitas, which lies just beyond. For those who wish to take advantage of our special car hire rates, the hotel has an underground car park (a local charge of approximately €10 per day applies), but however you have chosen to spend your day - be it exploring by car or rambling in the nearby countryside - there is no need for transport in the evenings, when you can just stroll out of the hotel and follow the locals to whichever restaurant or bar takes your fancy.

As for the accommodation, the Laguna Nivaria comprises 79 guestrooms and junior suites. Recently refurbished in an attractive contemporary style, all benefit from ceiling fans, central heating, TV, telephones, internet access (via cable), safety deposit boxes, open-plan kitchenettes and en-suite bath or shower rooms. Standard Rooms are situated in a separate newer building, whilst the original mansion contains the Superior Rooms and Junior Suites. Additional amenities in the Superior Rooms include bathrobes and slippers, whilst the Junior Suites have a separate living room.

Also situated in the newer building is a small gym, which is free to use for hotel guests, and a spa area with a hydro-massage pool, Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna. A local charge of €12 applies for the use of the spa facilities, which are open from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 14:00 to 20:00.

In addition, there is a restaurant where breakfast is served, and a popular cafeteria for daytime snacks. From the reception, you can pick up information on local events - La Laguna has quite a lively cultural scene, and the impressive auditorium in nearby Santa Cruz often hosts excellent concerts.

Its city centre location and relative altitude mean that the Laguna Nivaria is not best suited to those whose primary holiday objective is to bask in the sun, but those who enjoy cultural pursuits and occasional outings into the surrounding countryside will enjoy the bustling yet completely untouristy atmosphere of La Laguna.