Gran Hotel Taoro in Puerto de la Cruz is celebrating its first anniversary since reopening, marking a successful return for one of Tenerife’s most historic hotel buildings.
Originally opened in 1890, the hotel was Spain’s first luxury hotel and helped put Puerto de la Cruz on the international tourism map. Its reopening has brought the landmark back into the spotlight, restoring its place in the island’s social scene while giving it a more modern feel.
And it’s not just a case of looking back at the history. The hotel and its restaurants, LAVA and OKA, have received recommendations in the 2027 Michelin Guide, adding to its growing reputation as a dining destination in northern Tenerife.
Fine dining with a local twist
LAVA, led by two-Michelin-star chef Erlantz Gorostiza, focuses on local ingredients shaped by Tenerife’s volcanic landscape. Amalur, also under Gorostiza’s guidance, offers a contemporary take on traditional flavours.
Meanwhile, OKA, led by Ricardo Sanz, brings Japanese cuisine to the hotel.
The combination has helped establish Gran Hotel Taoro as more than somewhere to stay, with its restaurants attracting attention in their own right.
Jobs, conferences and international events
The hotel’s first year has also delivered an economic boost for the area, creating 140 direct jobs, alongside a similar number of indirect employment opportunities.
Its Congress Centre has proved popular with business clients, hosting events including the Ibero-American Congress on SMEs, attended by 14 ministers and vice-ministers from Latin American and European countries. Other gatherings have included the Global MICE Forum and the Forum of the Seas.
This activity is helping Puerto de la Cruz attract a wider range of visitors, particularly those travelling for business events, while continuing to appeal to holidaymakers, local residents and the British market.
Wellness and a place for locals
The hotel has also invested in experiences beyond accommodation and dining.
The Sandára Wellness Center offers treatments, gym facilities, yoga and Pilates classes, with services available to both hotel guests and local residents.
Cultural activities and community events have helped reconnect the building with everyday life in northern Tenerife, rather than leaving it as a historic landmark that people simply admire from the outside.
Recognition in its first year
Gran Hotel Taoro has received several national and international accolades, including nominations in the 2026 Condé Nast Traveler Awards for Best New Hotel and recognition from the International Hotel Awards in several categories.
Erlantz Gorostiza was also named Best Chef at the Culinary Hotel Awards for his work at LAVA and Amalur.
Hotel director Gustavo Escobar said the reopening had been about much more than bringing a hotel back into operation. The aim, he explained, was to return a historic part of Tenerife to the community, create employment and give people new reasons to visit Puerto de la Cruz.
After its first year back in business, Gran Hotel Taoro appears to be finding its feet as a mix of historic character, contemporary hospitality and a gathering place for locals and visitors alike.