Hotel Zentral Center

From the outside, the Zentral is similar to any other mid-range business hotel. Housed in a modern yet nondescript boxy white building with black blinds and a matching spiral emergency staircase, there is not much about it that makes it stand out. Past the main entrance, the lobby is large and sunny, with floor-to-ceiling windows, big orange columns, and white ceiling moldings. There are a few purple couches, a couple of computers, a grand piano, and a wooden front desk, but little else. Although attractive enough, the lobby is generally quiet, with few guests choosing to hang out there. There is a small bar off the lobby, but it is empty for the most part. This lack of atmosphere extends to the rest of the common spaces, including the small rooftop pool and the restaurant, which are quite basic for a hotel that advertises itself as a luxury property. Rooms are equally bland, with simple furniture, thin bedspreads, and unexceptional bathrooms. Rates, however, are low year-round, and location is convenient both for beach-goers and for those looking to explore the area on foot. It's fine for a short stay -- just don’t expect any pampering or atmosphere.

The hotel is located on a pretty boulevard lined with palm trees, grass and tropical plants. Although it is not right in the heart of the action in Playa de las Américas, guests can find lots of restaurants, bars and shops an easy walk away, and there are two sandy beaches within a 10-minute walk from the hotel. There are several other beaches a little farther afield; it is a 20-minute walk to the nearest one to the north, but there is also a bus which stops a few blocks from it, or guests can drive there in about five minutes. The airport can be reached in under 15 minutes by car.

Rooms at the Zentral are spacious, bright, and clean -- but with simple wooden furniture, thin bedspreads, and a bland color palette of yellows, oranges, and creams, they feel basic and dated. All units have flat-screen TVs, minibars, and air-conditioning, and Wi-Fi and safes are available for an extra fee. Bathrooms are clean, with shower/tub combos, aquamarine countertops, and light brown tiling. Many guests have complained of thin towels. Those on a budget or planning a short stay will probably find it to be a decent pick, but there’s not much in these rooms that makes them particularly appealing or comfortable.

The hotel is geared mostly toward business travelers, and features a couple of computers in the lobby and three meeting rooms with audiovisual equipment and catering services. There is a small wellness room with a sauna and a whirlpool, and a restaurant serving an average international menu. Breakfast is served daily here, but few guests rave about it. The lobby bar is small and basic, and lacks atmosphere. The best perks in this property are the rooftop pool -- with panoramic city and mountain views -- and the wellness room, complete with a sauna and a whirlpool.