There is just something about Tenerife that calls as the ideal vacation location time and time again. With year round sunshine, beautiful views, cheap prices when you’re out there and plenty to see and do, it’s not hard to see why. And if you’re looking for a place to stay, look no further than the Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife.

While Tenerife used to have a reputation for crowds, cheap hotels and a black, rocky terrain, it has worked to shake off this rep, with much of the island instead encapsulating a very different vibe. We headed to Playa Paraiso – a town down the south of the island and one that still feels a bit more authentic and not overwash with shops selling inflatable lilos and ice creams.

It’s quieter here than some of the other areas and as we arrive at the Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife the sun is beating down and we can hear the waves beating against the shore and a few birds in the sky. It feels tranquil and calm and we are excited to see what the Hard Rock Hotel has to offer. After all, Hard Rock are notorious for bringing a signature fun to vacations. The outside gleams with a sparkling gold tiled wall featuring the Hard Rock logo and as we enter the large marble lobby we are pleasantly surprised and impressed at just how well they marry together fun, luxury, class and rock.

It’s not a combination I had expected but it works really well. Light floods in from floor to ceiling glass windows, beyond which you can see the rest of the resort and the beach just in the distance. Rock memorabilia is everywhere – famous costumes in glass cases and signatures on walls – and it makes you feel part of something special and undeniably cool. Already the Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife had us excited to be there and knowing that wrenching our suitcases back out the threshold in a couple of days time was going to be a struggle. The Hotel seizes every opportunity to impress and with three pools and swim up bars, two restaurants and large grounds to explore they do before even uttering a word. The outside of the hotel itself is in the form of two high rise buildings and you need to be sure to head out at night to take a look for there’s the most amazing light show up and down the outside of the buildings.

After check in we are given our room key – in the form of a wristband. Forget the days of getting to your room late at night to find you’ve had your card too close to your phone and its deactivated, or days of leaving your card in your room and shutting the door, for this eradicates all of that. And that’s not all, for the cards can also be used to pay for things round the resort. This means when lying by the pool you don’t have to take your wallet with you, you can leave it locked securely in your safe in your room. Simply tap your wristband and it adds to your room tab.

The pool areas are super swanky and fun, with separate pools and pool areas for kids and adults, meaning you can truly make the break what you want. If you’re heading for a romantic break with the other half you can relax in the adults only pool, with beautiful shaded loungers round the edge of the water, smooth marble loungers, a swim up bar and (of course) music playing in the background. It’s a relaxing and cool space to spend a day under the sun. For the kids, take them to the smaller kids pool or the larger area for kids and adults alike with a pool bar, place to eat, stage for entertainment and much more.

We were lucky enough to be upgraded to one of their junior suites and if you get the chance to stay in one of these rooms it is well worth it for the ultimate luxury experience. The Hard Rock Tenerife raises the bar on luxury and manages to be bold and exciting without feeling tacky.

The floor in our room at the Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife was a sleek wood, the walls a mix of white with feature walls in silver, black and grey, and the furniture in shades of black, white, grey and mustard yellow. The space was large, with a separate lounge room complete with bar area and sofas and a semi open plan bedroom and bathroom. The bedroom featured a large king sized bed just begging to be jumped on and the bathroom two large his and hers mirrors and proper toiletries.

We’re not talking the usual sewing kit and shoe shine, but also the things you are most likely to need (and the biggest pain if you forget.) This includes makeup wipes and a tooth brush and tooth paste. A real highlight to the room was the bath- a large Jacuzzi size tub complete with jets. After a day of exploring the area, there is nothing better than sinking into that bath, glass of vino in hand. In room amenities included a fully-interactive HDTV providing internet, movies and surround sound, an ipod docking station and a minibar with wine cooler. The balcony was another real highlight here, snaking round the entirety of the room, making it large and spacious, with a big round outdoor bed and cushions as well as other chairs. This made for the perfect spot for languid afternoon reading and relaxing, overlooking the views of the sea.

Dining wise, Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife has six different options, including a steak house, a Japanese and a Spanish a la carte restaurant, a buffet dining restaurant, American diner sports bar and 16th floor sky lounge.

We dined in the buffet during our stay and found there to be a great array of choices – and all very well cooked. No matter what option you are looking for there is something to suit. There are also a range of wines, beers, spirits and soft drinks available. Staff are attentive and always on hand to help or refill your drinks when needed. We also had breakfast in here – another delicious choice – and you can choose anything from a full English or chocolate fondue, to pancakes, waffles, cereals, cheese and fresh pastries. The 16th floor sky lounge is a great place to head for either pre or post dinner drinks. You can recline on one of their soft loungers or sofas and take in the sunset over the island.

The area is relatively quiet, so ideal if you just want to chill in the Hotel. If you want something more lively you can get a bus to Costa Adeje where there are more shops and bars as well as a nice sandy beach. Be sure to take a cab to Siam Park – the islands Thai themed water park – it’s well worth a day out for.