Rocking in Tenerife

In February, we decided that enough was enough and with winter blues lasting forever, we booked a last-minute trip to Tenerife in the Canaries? We flew from our local airport which is Birmingham International Airport. They have recently said it is investing 100 million on improvements to its facilities and infrastructure, including hold-baggage screening, self-service check-in, surface access, additional car parking and air traffic control. Additional parking was underway when we arrived, but pre-booking our parking space meant that we didn't have to worry about not finding anywhere to park.

I had pre-booked a private car transfer to take us on arrival from Tenerife Airport to the resort of Playa Paraiso - which took approximately 30 minutes. We arrived at the Hard Rock Hotel and were treated to a VIP check-in with a welcome cocktail, while they completed all the necessary check in requirements. Here we were told of all the amenities that were on offer at the hotel and which restaurants were open.

During the winter months, the hotel operates a 'Dine Around Menu'. This means that rather than opening the main buffet restaurant for evening meals, the restaurants offer a set menu for half board clients, or a credit amount in other restaurants. Top tip: Ensure you pre-book the speciality restaurants in advance as you may not get a table! The buffet restaurant is open for breakfast every morning and wow, it is amazing! So much choice, so fresh and they advise anyone with specific dietary requirements to advise staff prior to or upon arrival.

You truly feel like a Rock 'n' Roll star, by not carrying money with you around the hotel - all guests are given an electronic bracelet which enables you to charge everything to your room. Top tip: setting up a secure 4-digit PIN number, means you don't have to keep signing for everything. The extremely helpful staff will help you to set this up! Why not hire a guitar in your room to jam out? Yes you can actually do this! There is quite a high supplement to do this, but it's there to be taken advantage of should you wish. I mean who wouldn't!?

Playa Paraiso is an up and coming area, so there is not much around this in terms of cafes or restaurants. The nearest town is Costa Adeje or Playa de las Americas. A taxi ride will cost you approximately €25.00 each way, which the hotel can arrange for you, and will take approximately 20 - 25 minutes.

All in all this was a great destination and hotel for a short winter getaway. Great for all the family with two pools and a third pool for adults only. Children's facilities range from a splash pad to children's clubs, and even an entertainment centre, where you can play the drums, guitars, video games and board games. You name it, it's there for all children to use!