Angry Palm Mar residents say illegal use of aparthotel has turned area into ‘Veronicas’
Residents in Palm Mar are raising serious concerns over ongoing noise, parties, and antisocial behaviour caused by what they say is the illegal use of a residential building as a tourist aparthotel.
Neighbours of the Marinell Collection Palm-Mar Apartments claim that the building, located in a strictly residential area, has become a hub for all-night parties, street drinking (botellones), and frequent disturbances, especially since the start of the summer season.
Locals living in the nearby Residencial Las Olas say they are being “forced to endure” nightly noise from gatherings in the outdoor gym area, fights, overflowing rubbish bins, and loud music into the early hours, all activities they say are incompatible with the peaceful, residential nature of the area.
Palm Mar, unlike tourist resorts such as Playa de las Americas, is not zoned for hotel use or nightlife under its current urban plan. Only holiday lets in individual residential units are permitted, and even those are subject to strict regulation.
The Canary Islands Tourism Department has already launched a sanctions process against the operators of the Marinell Collection apartments, accusing them of running an illegal tourist business in a residential zone. However, residents say they are unaware of whether any fines have been issued or if the authorities are considering shutting the operation down due to repeated violations.
While the regional Tourism Department has confirmed the activity is unauthorised, the local Arona Town Hall has been criticised for taking little action. Officials at the council claim that responsibility lies with the Tenerife Cabildo or the Canary Islands Government, not the local council.
In February, the Town Hall responded to a complaint saying: “With the information provided, we found no record of a licence or prior communication at this address. In any case, if it’s a hotel or similar activity, that’s regulated by the Cabildo.”
Despite numerous complaints to the Local Police and through legal channels, residents are still waiting for stronger measures to be taken. The opening of the official sanctions cases earlier this year remains the only concrete step so far.
Locals are now calling for urgent intervention to restore peace and maintain the residential character of Palm Mar, a place many chose specifically for its quiet, non-touristic appeal.
Share:
