Banana Garden La Palma — Hotel in Santa Cruz de la Palma

A decent hotel with a CRITICAL SECURITY PROBLEM. Upon arrival, instead of “welcome again”, we learned that €300 security deposit was required but it could be reduced to just €50 if credit card was provided to place a temporary hold. We booked on Booking.com and this was a surprise. This requirement is stated under “important information” tab, as we learnt later. Quite late at night we had no other option but to hand the manager the credit card. Well, not often, but it happens, so no alarm - yet. And then I realized that hotel does not use a standard terminal. Instead, the manager copies all the credit card info into his computer and swiftly looks at the back of the card. Apparently, CVC code was needed as well. Later on, I verified with the bank that indeed CVC code was used for the authorization. The first card did not work despite sufficient funds so we had to provide another one and repeat the process. The manager kept ensuring us that all the information was needed just to place a temporary deposit to cover for a potential mini-bar use and damage and that it would be released shortly after the check-out. The manager did not provide thorough information. The card was not used to make a temp deposit but to make a purchase. It is a subtle, yet important, difference. In case of problems, such purchase practically cannot be disputed. That was also the reason why the first card did not work – it had disabled over the Internet purchase. Why, instead of €300 cash deposit with card, only €50 by card is sufficient? Probably because in case of any damage exceeding €50 hotel can place another purchase on your behalf. They have all your card details, including secret CVC code and such purchase cannot be disputed because from your bank’s perspective it would be you who made the purchase. If your card is not denominated in EUR, your bank will likely add some currency exchange fee. In such case, you will pay it again when the “deposit” is returned. According to my bank customer service, CVC code shall be kept secret and security was violated. I was advised to block cards we used and order new ones. Hotel manager admitted that card details will be stored on his computer and that it was safe because computer was encrypted and had anti-virus. But I suspect that some external service had been used to make the purchase. From the legal perspective, this is far worse because the hotel sends all your credit card info including CVC code to a third-party not telling you if/where it is being sent and without ANY legal right to do so without your explicit consent. Based on my knowledge, it is drastic EU GDPR regulations violation. It is just like handing you card to a stranger for him to make a purchase on Amazon, where your card details would be stored. It does not matter if Amazon has all the security certificates. GDPR states that your card details must not end up in their system without your explicit consent. Once I expressed my concerns, the hotel manager handed us a document stating that hotel practices complied with GDPR regulations. Document (I made a copy) did not contain any list of certified practices and their details. Because practices may change daily and depending on the guest profile, such certificate can best serve the benefit of plausible deniability and to...

I had such a great experience staying for 5 nights at Banana Garden. The location is central, the rooms are spacious and the service and staff are amazing.|The hotel is in an excellent location in the heart of the old city of Santa Cruz, just by the beach, shops and restaurants. I was there for Los Indianos, the local Carnival, and i was right in the center of the celebrations - so great. It is only 12 minutes from the airport, yet, if you are coming with a renal, you will have to pray for a street parking on the main avenue along the main beach. A better choice would be to park at Parking El Puente, 5 minutes walk away at a flat rate of €10 a day.|The rooms are great, clean and modern, featuring a comfortable bed and a coffee set, great large walkin shower and kitchenette. There is a small balcony with a beautiful view of the ocean and the spectacular sunrise. The only thing the room is missing was more drawers and a safe (Alternatively you can use the main reception safe).|Breakfast was very tasty and fresh, made out of local produce, with great coffee from a propper espresso machine, and baked pastries. |Last but not least is the hotel's exceptional staff, especially Daniella who always ready to help, and Sabrina that knows and recommends amazing special restaurants, POI's, and places known only for locals. |I highly recommend the hotel, and If I return to La Palma, I will definitely choose this...

Perfect base for exploring the east coast of La Palma. Less than 15 minutes from the airport. Located in the charming streets of Santa Cruz (an afternoon and evening are enough to discover Santa Cruz – without visiting museums, etc.).

We had room 41 with a sea view. Wonderful! It had all the necessary amenities. Don’t forget to check out the cozy rooftop bar with a great view. Perfect breakfast. Warm and friendly welcome & communication from the host. Great value for money.

There is also an option for a late checkout – just ask about it. For our room, it cost €15.

Close to an underground parking facility (€10 24u - although it can be full). You can also park for free along the street (in white parking spaces). Keep in mind that Santa Cruz is a hilly town, so carrying a suitcase can be a bit of a workout... But you can choose to get a bit closer by driving through the small streets just before the street where the hotel is located (that street is pedestrian-only).

For your information: La Palma is an island known for its delicious fish dishes. However, you can also find great meat dishes in this town, for example at Café Bar Plaza Chica, Restaurante La Placeta, Restaurante El Casino, or just outside the city (according to the host – we didn’t go there ourselves) at Restaurante...