One of the Spanish Canary Islands positioned close to the northwest African coast, Gran Canaria is a hugely popular destination thanks to its white sand beaches and all-year-round sunshine.
(Photo: Seaside Sandy Beach / Courtesy Booking.com)
Many visitors gravitate towards the bustling capital Las Palmas for its excellent shopping, nightlife and array of beachside hotels, but there are also numerous busy resorts dotted around the island, while more intrepid travellers can also venture inland to explore rural and mountainous regions. There is a wide array of accommodation options on Gran Canaria, ranging from basic guest houses and apartments through to five-star luxury hotels. For families in particular, a popular choice is an all-inclusive hotel, which tend to offer excellent amenities for kids. There are plenty to choose from and below are five of the best.
Seaside Sandy Beach
A 5-minute walk from the Gran Canaria’s sandy shore, this upscale all-inclusive hotel in the heart of lively Playa del Inglés and boasts a distinctively Arabic theme with its general décor and Hammam-style baths. Amenities include an outdoor pool, a poolside snack bar, tennis courts, outdoor gym, sauna, a buffet restaurant with a pretty garden terrace and an on-site bakery. There’s also a separate private terrace with a hot tub that can be rented on request. Guest rooms are air-conditioned and come with satellite TV, a private bathroom and a balcony with a seating area. Free WiFi is available throughout the hotel. A number of shops, bars and restaurants are within easy walking distance. From €230 per night.
H10 Playa Meloneras Palace
(Photo: H10 Playa Meloneras Palace / Courtesy Booking.com)
Also offering easy access to the nearest beach, this is one of Gran Canaria’s most luxurious all-inclusive hotels. Featuring an eye-catching design inspired by the iconic Spanish architect Gaudi, it boasts a grand total of 3 swimming pools for guests to choose from at their leisure, plus a beautiful sun terrace, a poolside bar, a spa, tennis courts and a restaurant serving a wide range of international dishes, with both buffet and à la carte options available. For families with small children, there’s a dedicated kid’s club that will keep your little ones entertained while you relax by the pool. The bustling resort town of Playa del Inglés is a short drive away. From €188 per night.
Abora Buenaventura by Lopesan Hotels
Ideal for those wanting plenty of amenities but don’t want to break the bank this 3-star hotel in Playa del Inglés combines a great location with an array of things to do on-site. There are two outdoor pools flanked by pretty palm trees, a separate kid’s pool, two buffet restaurants and poolside bars, a basketball court, a gym, three tennis courts, a Thai massage centre, a beauty salon and a diving school. If that’s not enough, there’s also a busy entertainment programme, with events and activities suitable for both children and adults. Guest rooms come with a TV, a private bathroom, and a private balcony with garden or pool views. There’s a 24-hour reception where you can arrange car hire and currency exchange. From €157 per night.
Turbo Club
(Photo: Turbo Club / Courtesy Booking.com)
One of the only budget all-inclusive options on Gran Canaria, this 2-star apartment complex has plenty of amenities, including an outdoor pool, a restaurant and bar, a playground, a games room, mini-golf and tennis courts. Guests can also hire bikes and for those arriving in their own transport there’s free on-site parking. Each apartment has a balcony, satellite TV and a small kitchen if you want to avoid eating out every night. Additionally, packed lunches can be made for guests planning to head out for the day. From €144 per night.
Hotel Riu Papayas
Outdoor pools, a fitness centre, restaurants and bars, and a kids’ club are among the amenities at this all-inclusive horse shoe-shaped hotel, situated a brisk 10-minute walk from the sandy shoreline of Playa del Ingles Beach. Guest rooms are well equipped too, each coming with a flat-screen TV, a balcony and a private bathroom. Buffet breakfasts are served daily and there’s also live evening entertainment and free private parking. Notable nearby attractions include Aqualand Maspalomas water park and Lopesan Meloneras golf course, a challenging 18-hole championship course, both of which are a short drive away. From €229 per night.