The Best Budget Hotels in Santa Cruz de Tenerife: Where to Stay Without Overspending
Santa Cruz de Tenerife is an unlikely hero for budget travelers looking to experience the island beyond the typical tourist spots.
While many tourists head straight to the resort towns of southern Tenerife, Santa Cruz de Tenerife offers a more authentic and affordable base to explore the north of the island. And, as the capital city and transport hub of Tenerife, good public bus connections mean you don’t have to rent a car to get around. You can easily visit the historic San Cristóbal de La Laguna, relax on the famous Las Teresitas beach, and visit the stunning Anaga Rural Park forests.
Accommodation prices in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, like on the rest of the island, vary significantly throughout the year depending on demand. Prices skyrocket during the two weeks of Carnival (in February or March depending on the year), and also rise during the winter months of December – February when there is increased demand from sun-seeking northern Europeans. Outside of the high season, budget accommodation in the city will typically run anywhere from 50 – 75 Euros a night for a standard double room.
Below are our recommendations for the best budget hotels in Santa Cruz de Tenerife for independent travelers trying to keep costs under control while visiting the land of eternal sunshine.
In a Rush? Here are the Best Budget Hotels Santa Cruz de Tenerife
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Mapango Small Rooms – Click here for rates & availability
⭐️ Pensión Cejas – Click here for rates & availability
Where to Stay in Santa Cruz de Tenerife – The Quick Review for Budget Travelers
The quick answer about where to stay in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, is to stay downtown, but not directly on the main shopping street (Calle Castillo). This allows you to walk everywhere without being trampled by the daytime cruise ship visitors swinging shopping bags. All hotels mentioned below are located in the downtown area. Overall winners for the centrally located, best budget hotels in Santa Cruz de Tenerife are Mapango and Pensión Cejas.
Best Budget Hotels in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Pensión Cejas
This traditional, family-run guesthouse sits at the edge of El Toscal, a historic neighborhood formerly occupied by fishermen. Rooms are simple, albeit a bit outdated, but they serve their purpose in a prime location. The house has charming traditional touches such as beautiful floor tiles, high ceilings and small nooks for plants.
The accommodation is a quick five minute walk away from Plaza del Príncipe, the heart of the city center. The area around the plaza is filled with cafés, restaurants and plenty of outdoor terraces for people watching.
Book Here: Pensión Cejas
Mapango Small Rooms
Centrally located on a quieter side street, the six room boutique property Mapango Small Rooms is a solid option for independent budget travelers and couples seeking affordable accommodation near the largest and most lively plaza in the city, Plaza España. The restored century old building does not have a fixed reception, rather reservations and entry are handled via Whatsapp.
Book Here: Mapango Small Rooms
Hotel Príncipe Paz
If you´d like a more traditional hotel experience, you can often find a deal outside of high season at Hotel Príncipe Paz. The hotel is not exceptionally memorable, but is a reliable option for solid service and comfort in an excellent location.
Located directly in front of Plaza del Príncipe, you’ll never be more than a 10 minute walk to all the main attractions in the city.
Book Here: Hotel Príncipe Paz
PA.RI.GI. Hotel
This quaint hotel offers more personality than the standard hotel room stay in an area that feels lived-in, rather than touristed. A few blocks away from the hotel is the main shopping street, Calle Castillo, where tourism picks up, but the area directly around the hotel has a more neighborhood vibe. Mingle with locals at the cozy corner wine bar or settle into a morning coffee at the café next door. Major sights are just a 10-15 minute walk away so you can enjoy the best of both worlds: a local atmosphere and access to all major attractions in the city.
Book here: PA.RI.GI. Hotel
Hostels with Private Bedrooms
A final option for the more social budget traveler is a stay in a private bedroom at one of the three hostels in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Private bedrooms are few and far between, and not always the cheapest option in the city, although you get the benefit of meeting other travelers and access to a shared kitchen.
Wanderlust Hostel, Tenerife Art Hostel and Tenerife Experience Hostel are all centrally located, although Wanderlust Hostel and Tenerife Art Hostel are in better neighborhoods.
Book Here: Wanderlust Hostel, Tenerife Art Hostel, Tenerife Experience Hostel
Final Thoughts on the Best Budget Hotels in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Santa Cruz de Tenerife is a great option for budget conscious visitors planning to use public transport or those looking to experience life outside of a resort complex. Make sure to pick a hotel downtown so you can walk to all the main sights.
Tips for Staying in Santa Cruz De Tenerife
- Pick a hotel downtown, this is where you will spend most of your time. All the main sights are downtown or within a short walking distance Other areas of the city are densely residential or commercial and would require longer walks or figuring out the bus network.
- If sensitive to noise, ask for a quiet room. You will be in the middle of the city, and while Santa Cruz de Tenerife is not an overly noisy city, this will keep you from finding yourself in a room facing a major road.
- Learn some Spanish. You will be traveling outside the main overnight tourist circuit and a few words in Spanish can go a long way.
- If arriving by car, sort out parking first. There are a fair number of cars in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and finding parking downtown can be a challenge. Ask your hotel for recommended parking spots close by. There is a large free parking lot near the Parque Marítimo César Manrique, but it´s about a 25 minute walk from the center of downtown.
Nearby Alternative to Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Nearby San Cristobál de La Laguna offers a more historic option for those looking to base themselves closer to hiking trails in Anaga Rural Park. Keep in mind the city will be cooler than expected in the winter months as it is at a higher altitude than Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Check Out Our Other Santa Cruz de Tenerife Guides
Where to Stay in Santa Cruz de Tenerife: The Best Areas and Hotels
What to Do in Santa Cruz de Tenerife: And What to Avoid
What To Do in Tenerife: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Tenerife
