The word is not mine but that of a senior member of staff when I asked what he though of the Hotel. I do not agree fully, but this Hotel is looking very tired and need of a facelift. However it is also very cheap. You can book a room here from Self Catering to their version of all inclusive which is really full board with a drinks plan. I can comment on Self Catering and their version of all inclusive. Self Catering is very hit and miss, the people next to me arrive to find that the only equipment they had in the apartment was a leaky saucepan. After going to reception to request more equipment they were told they could do nothing to improve the situation. (However we on AI had loads of equipment which we passed on) This was typical of reception at this hotel, in that provided you were not complaining or wanting anything they would be friendly, otherwise, they responded by either, not my problem or there is nothing they could do, it took me three attempts to get a toilet roll. I would suggest that if you self cater here, you get a written comfirmation that the apartment would be fully equiped. Then at least you could complain that it was not as advertised. All inclusive, was not so bad, meals were edible and there was a special each week night on the servery, but a lot of people never saw this. The only potatoes on view were either chips or Canarian which are boiled in a heavy salt water. Vegetables are also in short supply. Staff are very quick to acknowledge your presence and take your drink order, but they never check to see if you want a top up. The drinks package is as it is at most All Inclusive properties, however the food is only available at meal times, with the excetion of a few curled up sandwiches that appear at 4pm. Entertainment is poor, however with only five or six people on all inclusive at the hotel, the bar area was a dead as a Dodo, with the exception of the night Barcelona played Real Madrid, then people appeared out of the woodwork. There are two small pools with sunbeds and a few umbrella's. The very best part of the hotel is its position. It is only 100 yards from the Bus Station for those who wish to tour the Island by local bus. 5 minutes to San Eugine where there are plenty of bars and resturants. It is also just above the main route in Playa De Las Americas, which is again just 5 minutes away. Siam Park the newest water park in Tenerife is only 300 yards from the hotel visually but more like 800 yards should you want to walk there. If you have already booked, you can get some enjoyment from your holiday especially if you like peace and quiet. If you havent booked yet, then I would suggest that give a thought to another hotel. Also this hotel is in my opionion not suitable for children. Cleanliness in the Hotel is average rooms are clean 3 time a week. Tempreture when we were there were reaching 20 degrees, and with summer tempretures reaching the mid thirties then the fact that there is no Air Conditioning anywhere I could see would make it a very warm place to be.

Don't stay at the ponderosa, its dirty, old, unpleasant staff, food a definite no go...Jus a total waste of money.
Jus arrived back after staying a week here, 29th Dec 2011 - 5th Jan 2012. Have to say I'm not fussy but i definitely have to complain about the state of this hotel...it should not b sold as 3* !!
The food is a pile of food poison on a plate. Had to eat out after 2 days of staying here couldn't risk eating the s**t they were dishing out.
I can't explain enough ...Jus don't waste ur money or holiday by staying here

Like others I booked this hotel then read some of the reviews and was quite concerend, there was 5 of us in our group of mixed ages, I found the hotel to be clean. The towels & bedding were changed every other day. The staff were very friendly. This was my first visit abroad in a long time and I liked what I got. It was good value for money.

Stayed at the Columbus Hotel last year which was a 3 star, compare this hotel which is alledgedly a 3 star too (may have been when it was first built, but not now) and this hotel is no where near the standard of a 3 star.It is a one star (2 at best).Stayed there for a week over the xmas period. We are not snobs in any way and are very open minded, as long as the place is clean, food is half decent then we are happy campers.But unfortunately after our stay we were left unhapy campers.

Here are the pro's and con's of the place.....

Pro's
1. Great location - Both Siam Park and Bus station located at the rear of the hotel. Also only a two minute walk to the beach.
2. Great breakfast - you can get full english breakfast (english style).
3. Didn't get food poisoning.
4. No sign of any rats as mentioned in previous reviews (there are 2 cats which are permanently on site, so this may have got rid of the problem).

Con's
1.Food very repetitive - Chips,pasta,fish,chicken,jelly,ice cream, every day same options.
2.Two rooms burgled while we were there (no security guards or camera's in place)
3.Rooms only cleaned every other day (sometimes sheets & towels not changed at all)
4.Rooms very dated - gaps under the door for cockroaches to get in, dirty skirting boards, rusted bath, cracks in the wall etc
5.No activities for the kids, no activities person there.
6.No music during the day,could hear a pin drop by the pool it was that quiet.
7.Very poor entertainment of a night time.Karaoke guy on every night who cant sing and tells the same gags every night, yawn yawn. And only 2 shows put on during the space of a week.
8.All inclusive finishes at 11pm then you get kicked out of the bar at 11:30 which is ridiculous they expect everyone to be tucked up in bed by 11:30 !!! Should be a nursing home rather than a hotel.

Conclusion : If you are thinking of staying here make sure you only pay a 1 star price because that is all it is worth.