Parador El Hierro - Valverde

A charming, old-fashioned hotel in an isolated, spectacular location. Food in restaurant is authentic and excellent, even if the service is a bit slow. I stayed in 6 places in El Hierro, and no question this one is the top as regards international service standards. I had a room with a balcony and it was lovely, with the only annoyance for me being that all rooms seem to offer 2 twins beds and none with one double bed, which is pretty common among old-style Spanish hotels.

The best and worst of hotels! Very attractive hotel with friendly staff. The restaurant, sadly, is unable to cope when busy. One evening we waited well over an hour for a first course and it was down hill from there. Other guests seemed very disappointed, too. The problem is that the hotel caters for large groups and other guests are sacrificed for the needs of the group. The is understandable but not acceptable. My advice is have a full lunch away from the hotel and to purchase a supermarket supper to eat in your hotel room. I have no criticism of the staff, who try very hard. Their predicament is impossible.

This is an ideal location for a quiet holiday with beautiful sea views on a peaceful small Canary Island.