Canary Garden Club

The Canary Garden Club occupies one half of a large property managed by two different companies. The other half operates under the name Bungalows Club Maspalomas, but both share all on-site amenities and common spaces, including the pools, the restaurant, and the lobby. There's not much to set the properties apart -- the style is downmarket and simple -- though the Canary Garden Club has slightly more features in the form of meal plans and free air-conditioning. The property is a straightforward village-like collection of dozens of white bungalows spread over well-kept gardens with stone paths, palm trees, and colorful flowers. The lobby is a basic space that's more office than place to gather -- it's clear that everyone is just on their way to their rooms from here. Large windows let in lots of light and offer serene views of the gardens. The shared restaurant is equally no-frills, with canteen-style wooden furniture, orange accents, and brown tile floors, but an outdoor area complete with straw umbrellas offers plenty of space to relax and socialize. Couples are the most frequent visitors here, but the apartment layouts and kid-friendly features mean plenty of families pass through as well.

Those looking for the lively party vibe of this part of the Canary Islands will want to look elsewhere, as there's almost nothing to see and do within an easy walk of the property. A rental car will likely be necessary for those who want to explore -- except for golfers. The 18-hole Maspalomas Golf Course is just across the road. A large supermarket a 10-minute walk away. There are two long beaches within a five- to 10-minute drive away, including Meloneras and Playa del Ingles, each offering a wide array of bars and restaurants along the promenade. The hotel offers free shuttle service to both beaches several times a day. Expect a 25-minute drive to Aqualand Maspalomas, especially ideal for those traveling with kids. The airport is a 25-minute drive away. There is free street parking right outside the property, but the area is busy during the peak season and it can be hard to find a spot.

The hotel has 116 one-bedroom air-conditioned apartments are pleasant enough, but feel decidedly budget. Decor is a plain, with colorful bed comforters in red and orange hues, green window and door frames, and terra-cotta floors. The abundance of linoleum and granite don't do much to update the look, though details like flower tiling in certain parts of the apartments help give them a cheerful-enough atmosphere. Each unit has its own private entrance and large windows overlooking a private patio furnished with a table, chairs and two loungers. Units are small but clean, and all have separate living areas with sofa beds, and kitchenettes including mini-fridges, cooktops, toasters, microwaves, coffeemakers, and pots and pans. Each room is also equipped with a flat-screen TV and air-conditioning (which is free here, unlike at this hotel's neighbor). Unfortunately Wi-Fi isn't free in the rooms. Bathrooms are mostly clean and feature walk-in showers, hairdryers, and older marble counters. We spotted a bit of grout that could use a deep cleaning in some of the rooms that we visited.

All features here are shared with this Bungalows Club Maspalomas, and make this a reasonably pleasant place to kick back for a week in the sun. The pool deck is located in the center of the property, and features two spacious hexagonal adult pools and a kiddy pool. Palm trees ring the area, and there are plenty of loungers and a few umbrellas. Fitness activities are offered daily during peak season around the pool, and there is a small tent for private or couples massages, as well as a bar with outdoor seating under straw umbrellas. The mini-market in the lobby sells all the basics for stocking the kitchenettes, including drinks, meats, cheese, olive oil, chips, milk and bread, but no fresh produce. The shared restaurant is on the grounds of this hotel, and serves a varied buffet for breakfast and dinner; food generally gets mixed reviews. Unlike its neighbor, this hotel does offer meal plans, including all-inclusive options. Two tennis courts and a multi-sports field are available for guests to use free of charge for an hour a day.