Did you know that Spain’s first luxury hotel was built in Tenerife in 1895? And it has just reopened after a huge renovation!

Strap in, because this is a long, but fascinating story, and one I knew nothing about, despite having lived in The Canaries for 26 years!

In the later 19th century, people in European cities were suffering from respiratory diseases, and those with some money were looking for ways to get out of the smoky, damp and foggy atmosphere to help their lungs to recover.

A group of British and German investors, based in Tenerife, saw an opportunity to build a large hotel on the island and attract wealthy people from the continent. It took a few years to get a board of directors and someone with the skills to build such a grand property, but eventually, with a share capital of 500,000 pesetas, a company was formed, a huge plot of land was purchased Puerto de la Cruz, and in 1883, construction began.

The Gran Hotel Taoro was completed in 1895, and it was a vast property, with 199 rooms, panoramic views of the ocean and of Mount Teide and a majestic French Garden. The building, which was the largest by miles in The Canaries, covers an astonishing 15,000 square metres.

It was Spain’s first luxury hotel and the largest.

Agatha Christie

Over the years, the hotel attracted a string of high profile guests, including Duke Nicholas of Russia, Spain’s King Alfonso XIII, Kaiser Wilhelm II from Germany and the Duke of Kent.

But perhaps the most famous was Agatha Christie, who spent February 1929 at the Gran Taoro, and where she wrote The Mystery of the Blue Train and a short story called the Man from the Sea.

The Decline

The hotel survived the Spanish Civil War and World War Two, remaining an icon in the north of Tenerife. But in the 1970’s new resorts were being built in the south of the island, and many of the tourists switched their allegiance from the grand, but old fashioned place.

There were several changes ownership, and the property managed to struggle on until 1975. when The Cabildo gave permission for it to allow it to be used as a casino. It remained a casino until 2006, when it was finally closed down.

Rebirth

The enormous property and it’s gardens, fell into disrepair, until in 2019, when Tropical Turística Canaria took it on and financed a 30 Million Euro refurbishment, which was finally completed in 2025, almost exactly 130 years after the Gran Toro first opened.

There are now two distant gardens, an English one in the main grounds and a French one in the building’s central courtyard. There are still 195 rooms with the addition of some suites. It has six restaurants and several bars and a wellness centre and gym with incredible views.

Have we tempted you?

Would you like to follow in Agatha’s footsteps and experience this iconic luxury hotel in a resort you may never have been to?

We have some super offers as the new owners try to re-establish the hotel. Get in touch with us and we think you’ll be surprised at just how affordable the Gran Taoro is!