Overall: A beautifully restored Canarian manor house and converted farmhouse set in the heart of San Miguel in the hills above the south coast. Packed with original features, this is a friendly and welcoming hotel providing a real taste of history and tradition.
Where is it?
Hotel Rural San Miguel is sequestered behind high walls in the very heart of the old town of San Miguel de Abona, 600 metres above sea level in the south of Tenerife. One of the oldest towns in the south, San Miguel has a picturesque old quarter, more than its fair share of good restaurants and good walking paths straight from its door.
What’s the hotel like?
An immaculately restored 17th century manor house and adjoining farmhouse, the Rural Hotel San Miguel has been the family home of the Feo family since the 18th century. Preserving most of the original features, the house oozes character, and each room has its own personality. The various buildings are located around a central, stone flagged courtyard and pretty garden and there are numerous nooks and crannies, terraces and patios decorated in blossoming pots of busy Lizzie, geraniums and cacti. As the whole hotel is behind high walls, very little outside noise gets through making it a really peaceful place to stay.
A unique feature of the hotel is its thermal bath set in a cave beneath the garden in which the water is maintained at 33ºC. There’s also a rooftop sauna, jacuzzi and solarium for soaking up the sun’s rays and the views that stretch down to the south coast. Sunsets from here are quite stunning, making it a great place to enjoy a pre-dinner glass of wine. The main reception building has a lounge and bar area where you can help yourself to tea, coffee and a small selection of drinks with an honesty ledger for you to fill in.
Reception is usually only manned in the afternoons and evenings so if you’re checking out before midday you will be asked to settle up the night before you leave.
Hotel Rural San Miguel’s best asset is its quirky style and comfort combined with quiet and privacy.
What are the rooms like?
Rooms are scattered around the two buildings and, like the rest of the hotel, have been restored beautifully while retaining their original features. We had one of the box rooms on the top level of the original manor house, next door to the sauna, and found it to be spacious and comfortable. Floors are polished wood; we had two rocking chairs on which to relax after a day’s hiking, a private terrace with sun loungers and a small living room area. All the furniture is in keeping with the period of the house and the en suite has plenty of elbow room, original tiles and a powerful, hot shower. It took us a while to suss the heating as it’s the same as the air conditioning and takes a while to heat up but when it did, we were very cosy, despite unseasonably cold weather.
All the rooms have their own outdoor space, and rooms in the old farmhouse have retained features from their former lives so you could find yourself sleeping in the stable with your bed in the former stall, or in the hen house or goat shed, neither of which still house their original occupants you’ll be glad to know.
How is the food?
If the weather’s nice, breakfast can be enjoyed on the pretty garden terrace, otherwise, the inside dining room is bright and cosy. A buffet style selection of cold dishes including cooked meats, cheeses, cereals, breads and home made cakes is supplemented by eggs prepared freshly and brought to table. When we were there we had scrambled eggs one morning and omelette the next.
There is no option to have dinner at the hotel but with three good restaurants right on the doorstep and more less than a 10 minute stroll away, it’s no hardship. Wifi is available throughout but the signal is best near reception.
What’s the best thing about the hotel?
Its traditional style and good looks; its proliferation of original features; its lovely patio garden and thermal bath; and its central location.
How much is it?
Double rooms start at €97.50 (£71) a night for a double room with breakfast and includes use of the sauna, thermal bath and jacuzzi.
Who would it suit?
If you’re looking for tradition and authenticity in a rural location close to the airport but away from the busy, purpose built resorts, this could be the place for you. It won’t suit anyone looking for a lively night life or to be close to beaches.
Hotel Rural San Miguel, Calle de las Morales 2, 38620 San Miguel de Abona; (+34) 922 16 79 22
Andrea (Andy) Montgomery is a freelance travel writer and co-owner of Buzz Trips and The Real Tenerife series of travel websites. Published in The Telegraph, The Independent, Wexas Traveller, Thomas Cook Travel Magazine, EasyJet Traveller Magazine, you can read her latest content on Google+
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