SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE Nov. 5 (EUROPA PRESS) –
My Way Hotels & Resorts, the hotel operator for Tropical Turística Canaria, announced on Tuesday at the World Travel Market 2024 that the Gran Hotel Taoro in Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife, owned by the Cabildo, will commence operations on April 1 following an investment nearing 35 million for its refurbishment.
This notable unveiling, which also included the announcement for reservations to commence for the hotel’s spring 2025 inauguration, significantly aligns with the 50th anniversary of its closure as a hotel establishment. The exclusive event took place in London, organised by the island’s tourism department.
The gathering was attended by key representatives of the hotel, including the general director, Gustavo Escobar, and the director of Marketing and Sales of My Way Hotels & Resorts, Rosa María Gotlib, alongside prominent officials from the island such as Lope Afonso, vice president and advisor of Tourism of the Tenerife Cabildo, Dimple Melwani, CEO of Tourism of Tenerife, and Leopoldo Afonso, mayor of Puerto de la Cruz.
During his address, Escobar provided an in-depth overview of this significant project, taking a comprehensive look at the historical significance of the hotel over the more than 130 years since its inception as Spain’s first luxury hotel. He emphasised its relevance not only to Tenerife but also to the history of tourism at both national and European levels.
Accompanied by an impressive video showcasing for the first time 3D and dynamic images of the interiors and exteriors, as well as a rendering of how the Gran Hotel Taoro will appear following its renovation, Gustavo Escobar remarked that the resort is “an icon of luxury and elegance that serves not only as a testament to history but has been and continues to be an integral part of the identity of Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife, a site filled with memories for local residents, and which will soon, following an extensive and careful rehabilitation process, be poised to re-emerge in all its glory after reopening in 2025.”
He expressed that “discussing the Gran Hotel Taoro equates to discussing an emotional and cultural heritage that is deeply rooted in Tenerife.”
The company further stated that this establishment remains the most cherished and iconic hotel among Tenerife residents, who fondly recount tales of its former splendour and the experiences shared within its walls.
“The Gran Hotel Taoro was not only a local landmark; it was an internationally renowned symbol, a favoured retreat for European high society, who were drawn to this destination not only for its extraordinary climate but also as a representation of the luxury and comfort that defined the era,” Escobar remembered.
EXCEPTIONAL GASTRONOMY
The director also spoke in London about the deep-rooted connection between the Gran Hotel Taoro and the United Kingdom, a vital factor in the development of tourism in Tenerife at the close of the 19th century and the dawn of the 20th century, alongside illustrious guests such as the Duke of Kent and King Alfonso, all in an emblematic hotel of remarkable character, recalling the importance of restoring this ‘flagship’ of luxury, history, and culture for Puerto de la Cruz and Tenerife.
Escobar shared further insights concerning the future of the hotel following its revival, with aspirations to once again establish it as a primary reference point for both national and international tourism.
“The decision to restore the Gran Hotel Taoro is driven by our vision of re-establishing it as a leading name in luxury tourism, just as it was in times past. This endeavour goes beyond merely restoring a historic building; it is about reigniting a symbol of elegance, hospitality, and exclusivity that once set the standard for high-end tourism across Europe,” he asserted.
He also noted that the Tenerife Cabildo, “as custodian of this historical treasure, has entrusted the management of the hotel to My Way Hotels & Resorts, a company leading other luxury initiatives in Tenerife, including Las Terrazas de Abama Suites and Los Jardines de Abama Suites, part of the current portfolio of Abama Hotels located in an exclusive area in the southern part of the island.”
HISTORICAL ELEGANCE, MODERN COMFORT
According to Escobar, the renovation of the Gran Hotel Taoro “preserves the hotel’s original architecture from its inauguration in 1890, maintaining its neoclassical design while seamlessly integrating it with elegant colonial interiors.”
Consequently, its 199 rooms and suites “provide a harmonious balance between historical elegance and contemporary comfort, featuring panoramic vistas of Teide, the Atlantic Ocean, the mountains, and the lush greenery of its gardens, capturing the essence of the island.”
He added, “the Gran Hotel Taoro is also distinguished by its superior outdoor spaces that offer breathtaking panoramic views, accessible from the moment you step into the lobby, both indoors and from its magnificent terrace.”
The hotel will furthermore boast “even more”, including its gastronomy which “will be a major focus of the hotel, aiming to become an exclusive gourmet destination of haute cuisine featuring renowned national chefs,” the general director explained, also highlighting the innovative range of exclusive activities it will offer under the X-Plora concept, and its proximity to a Conference Centre.
Beyond its rich legacy, architectural splendour, and luxurious offerings, the hotel is also characterised by its commitment to sustainability and innovation, transforming into a space where tradition and modernity converge to offer guests a truly unique experience.
With all these factors, Gustavo Escobar emphasised that this is the “most eagerly awaited” hotel opening in Tenerife. “The Gran Hotel Taoro is returning, marking the start of a new chapter in the history of tourism in Tenerife,” he concluded, encouraging travellers worldwide to secure their initial reservations now.
