Hi there,

We visited the Dunas Paraiso in October 2006 on a D.I.Y. package and the taxi transfer took 20 minutes. In August 2006 we visited the nearby Bahia Principe with Direct Holidays and took the coach transfer which took just over 20 minutes as we were the first drop off. The Dunas Paraiso was the next drop off and would only take about 5 minutes from the B.P. However, on the return trip there were people already on our coach who had been to the D.P. and after picking us up the coach did the infamous tour of Las Americas!!

A word of warning, if you plan to book a taxi transfer with Direct Holidays.
We have just returned from the Bahia Principe in October with D.H. and pre-booked a taxi transfer. On the outward trip we had to wait in TFS airport for 20 minutes before our taxi arrived and on the return trip we almost missed our flight home as the taxi was so late. My parents also had problems with a taxi transfer earlier in october from the B.P. We also spoke to other guests who had problems including being made to share with other guests (Private transfer ? I think not!) Some guests alleged this was down to reps making fiddle by filling taxis and pocketing fares!..?

We're going to the DP next month, so I'll report back with the latest info. I find the reviews on this hotel to be a very mixed bag, but if you read between the lines, the negative one's are mostly from people who haven't realised it's in very quiet Playa Paraiso (not Costa Adeje as it's sometimes advertised) and frankly, only have themselves to blame for not doing some research before booking. Like the BP, if it was in Costa Adeje proper, it would be a lot more expensive.

The hotel itself looks great and Dunas are an established chain so I'm sure it'll all be fine. We've booked one of the villas which have a huge floor area, so at least we won't be short of space !!

Regarding transfers, we've DIY'd and I just planned to jump in a taxi at TFS like we normally do.

Thanks for your updates / comments.

I think we may just book a Private transfer one way i.e. when we get there. At least by getting the Tour operator bus on the way home, if it's late then there'll be more than just us four running for the plane......!

But if your experiences prove otherwise, please let me know.

As for the reviews, I agree - if your'e knowledgable about the South-West coast of 'Rife then you know you're in for a quiet holiday at the DP, but with the ability to get into Costa Adeje / Las Americas in approx. 10mins by taxi. To me, with the hotel also being AI, and our 2 kids being 14 and 11. it's the perfect set-up.

Hasta luego

Mark

Hi Crockett,

How did the visit to Dunas Paraiso go?

Hopefully not so bad that you felt you didn't want to post a review.......!!!

Mark

Hi Mark,

No need to panic, we had a great time and were sad to come home. The hotel is very clean and well appointed, staff were all nice, food was fine and our room/villa turned out to be the best one in the hotel. Had a suite on the last day to shower/change in and that was very nice too.

Our only real gripes were the all-inc wine and cocktails were poor, though the beer and local spirits were fine.

Will post a full review when I get a minute. Any specifics, just ask.

Hi Crockett,

I guess the only question I have at the moment is how much did your taxi cost, as you said in an earlier post that you'd be using one for your transfer?

I don't think we'll be able to use a taxi - there's only four of us but we have 2 suitcases and 2 large holdalls, which I don't think will fit in the boot - even though they are Mercs!!!

Thanks

Mark

One taxi will be fine plenty of them are estate cars. expect it would be about £25-£30. You can hire a car for around £90 pounds for a week then have your transfers and the use of the car if you want to get out and about.

The taxi cost was a bit of a mystery. It was 28 Euros going to the hotel, but 36 returning to the airport. Both were on the meter "tariff 3" and there didn't appear to be any dodgy button pushing at the end of the journey. I actually thought 28 was a bit light as it's a fair way beyond PDLA, so maybe he didn't add the airport surcharge ?

Anyway the four of us had three large suitcases plus a trolley case and the Merc E class saloon going swallowed it all fine, as did the Peugeot going back, so I wouldn't worry about getting all of yours in. If it's an airport run they always seem to be large cars.

Thanks for this Crockett

I think we're going to use a taxi outbound and maybe the Direct Holidays coach inbound - we'll see how happy we are with the transfer time!!

As for the accommodation then, were you happy with it? We have a Junior Suite booked. I've also noted a few comments about certain bars not being AI or closing early - can you shed any light on this?

And the dreaded question of sunbeds - supposedly you can't go to the beds until after 9am, and this is policed by the security guards........please tell me this is true!! 3 years ago we went to the Bitacora, and I found myself on the terrace at 6am putting our towels out with about 30 other people. Needless to say I wasn't happy, but it was a case of having to join them 'cos I wouldn't beat 'em!!!

Also, would you say that it's walkable between the DP and top-end of Costa Adeje?

Mark

Hola Mark
We have been to DP twice before and going again next month.
The junior suites are excellent. Big separate bedroom with on suite sofa bed and camp style bed in the living area also another toilet of the living area. Fridge and kettle also in the room. balconies are huge with sunloungers chairs and a table. It is worth the extra for a sea view as this means you will get the sun on your balcony most of the day
Walking to costa adeje I would not attempt. the road is well inland and some of it is dual carriageway. there is no coastal path and it's very rough and rocky.
You are correct about the sun beds, we've never had a problem but have only been in winter time.
Only one bar is not A/I the main bar by the pool is open til 2300hrs and is A/I you can still get A/I drinks in the bar/disco til midnight.
If you want to PM me your e-mail address I could send you a few pics.

Algo mas preguntas?

Ian

Have now posted a review.

Agree with all Spyro says, ie..
a. Junior suites looked very nice
b. Dunas to H10 Costa Adeje Palace (first hotel you come to) is about 3 miles as the crow flies but it must be double that to walk "cross country" and I really wouldn't recommend it. It was enough of a struggle just crossing one cove to get to the shops !! Eventually I'd imagine a proper promenade will link Adeje/La Caleta and Paraiso though.
c. You shouldn't have any trouble with sunbeds, especially in June (before school hols)

Just booked 10 days at Dunas Paraiso with "Alpharooms". Never used this company,has anyone had any problems with them? Going there at the end of May. Never been to Tenerife before any advice????

I've used alpharooms before. Never had any probs, they have been around many years.
I've found Beach.es and sunshine.co.uk to be cheaper.

Hi Spyro,
Thanks for the advice, have you stayed at Dunas Paraiso??

I've also used alpharooms and, as Spyro says, they're fine and have been in business for several years.

Yes been to Dunas Paraiso 3 times, just back tonight. Reviews cover most points. Main points are the entertainment is rubbish and the disco/entertainment area is a bit like a dungeon, we prefered to sit outside at the bar area. Yes there are many nationalities visit this hotel, never found it a problem. We find the food very good, excellent choices and good selections every day and night. we spoke to some who said the food was rubbish, it just shows you cant please everyone. but it always comes down to what you pay, there are some very good deals for this hotel. I reckon £800 for a family of 4 (3 of them adults) for a week A/I is very good.
Rooms are excellent everything is spotlessly clean and still new looking, staff are all very friendly.

We've decided to give the DP a go again, last time we went I think we were comparing it too much to the Bahia Principe. To be on the safe side though, its just a quick 6 nights.

Anyway what exactly or where exactly is a sea view room?

I am presuming anywhere that in the "inside" of the U, facing the pool/sea, but it may be a bit more select that that, I hope so, if you have to pay a few pounds more per person per night.

Doing DIY through a Hotel Booker and they all show (2+2) Sea View Suite, as the option.

Not all sea view rooms have pool views some of the ones in block A look out on to a bananna plantation but they stiil have a very small sea view. These should be avoided. If you specify that you want a pool and sea view then I would say that would be best. Rooms in block A with a pool and a sea view get the sun on their balconies in the morn and most of the afternoon. Block B pool/sea view has the sun most of the day until sunset. This is best. Block C pool/sea view rooms don't get the sun till well after noon but lasts until sunset.
Ask you booking agent for which ever you prefer. I also e-mailed the hotel at paradisedunas@hotelesdunas.com and asked for a particular room which we got. Mention that you have been before, it worked for us.

I can highly recommend the villas down towards the seafront. The standard villas looked nice but the superior one's were excellent. Very spacious and quiet with two bedrooms, two bathrooms (one with seperate shower and jacuzzi bath), lounge, kitchenette and huge terrace with sunbeds. All with an uninterrupted view of La Gomera.

Best hotel room that we've ever had, and it wasn't much more money than a suite.