Miraflor Suites

As far as amenities and decor go, Bungalows Miraflor Suites falls squarely into the mid-range market in town, with a large pool deck, daily entertainment, kid-friendly amenities, buffet meals, and optional two-tiered all-inclusive rates. Interiors are simple and generic throughout, with run-of-the-mill wooden furniture in restaurants, and somewhat dated finishes in the lobby (think: a front desk clad in gray veined tiles, and pillars painted baby blue). Guests check in at sister property Aparthotel Rondo, located right across the street from Miraflor Suites, and get access to common areas there, including the pool and the restaurant.  While interiors are nothing special, the outdoors are pleasant and appealing. The property is made up of dozens of lovely bungalows with terra-cotta tile roofs, wooden beams, exposed stone accents, and wine-colored facades. These small cottages are set in expansive gardens with hundreds of palm trees and flowers, and wood accents and thatched umbrellas around the pool lend the property some tropical charm. The atmosphere here is also generally slightly quieter than at other nearby properties, especially in this nightlife-oriented part of town. Miraflor Suites appeals to those wanting a low-key, relaxing vacation, and most guests here are couples and families. 

The hotel is located on a small street lined with other hotels in the center of bustling Playa del Ingles. There are plenty of shops, bars, and restaurants within a couple of blocks, and Yumbo Centrum, a mall with several popular nightclubs, is roughly a 10-minute walk away. While the beach is a little too far to walk -- about 20 minutes at a normal speed -- the hotel offers shuttle service several times a day. Those looking for a mellower scene can take a 10-minute cab ride to the Meloneras and Maspalomas promenades, which offer a few quieter restaurants and cafes. The famous Maspalomas dunes can be found near that town as well. The Gran Canaria airport is a 20-minute drive from the hotel. 

The hotel has a total of 135 units, including small studios for two adults, and spacious one-bedroom apartments for up to three adults and a child. Rooms were fully renovated in 2010, but decor is simple throughout, with beige walls, off-white tile floors, and neutral bed runners and sofas. The combination of brown and dark furniture adds some style, and there's a bit of granite here and there to give the look a bit of polish, but the feel is generic overall. All units feature small kitchenettes with enough utensils to make a basic meal, including cooktops, mini-fridges, microwaves, coffeemakers, toasters, electric kettles, and sinks. One-bedroom apartments have separate living areas with a sofa bed and a flat-screen TV, and all units feature large sliding doors that open onto a patio with a table, two chairs, and loungers. Guests have complained about the many extra charges for in-room amenities, including fees for Wi-Fi and safes, and refundable deposits for air-conditioning and TV remotes. Bathrooms are clean but basic, with small walk-in showers with plastic curtains, wall-mounted hairdryers, shower gel in large containers, and older granite counters around the sink. We spotted a bit of grime in the white quartz-chunk shower floors in some of the rooms we visited.

The hotel has a spacious main deck complete with two pools, umbrellas, and dozens of padded wooden loungers. The space has a relaxing tropical feel, with tons of palm trees and colorful flowers, as well as cute details such as wooden screens around the showers. Another terrace a little above the main deck offers a handful of double day beds, which are free (along with other extras) for guests who purchase the Romantic Package. A snack bar serving cocktails and light meals has a few picnic tables under thatched umbrellas adjacent to the pool. Breakfast and dinner are served at the on-site buffet and grill restaurant, respectively, both of which get good reviews, even if options can be a bit repetitive. All-inclusive guests can also dine and use the pool at neighboring Aparthotel Rondo, though food is better at the Miraflor Suites.A small wooden hut set amid palm trees and flowers offers massages, and fitness activities are available every morning free of charge. Indoor and outdoor activities for children four to 14 years old are offered in the summer months at the kids' club, including gymkhanas, movie nights, and games. Entertainment is offered year-round. The hotel also features coin-operated laundry facilities, and a free beach shuttle. Unfortunately, Wi-Fi is only available for a fee.