Palm Oasis Maspalomas

Decor in the shared areas of the Palm Oasis have seen better days, as it's on the dated side with gray quartz floors, shabby mismatched couches, and old-fashioned linens. That said, the main draws here are found outdoors, where an excellent, large pool sits in a rambling garden with brightly colored flowers, manicured lawns, and secret terraces shaded by mature palms. There's little in the immediate area, and transportation is necessary to reach the beach and bars, but the mix of couples and families here appreciate the self-catering apartments and abundant activity-minded facilities on-site. Despite the pool and games available, the hotel has a quiet and relax-minded atmosphere.

The Palm Oasis has a quiet setting in Maspalomas, with little of interest in the immediate surrounds. There are a supermarket and a number of restaurants within a five-minute walk, plus a large shopping mall within 10 minutes, though. Guests looking to hit the beach, however, will have to either drive for six minutes, take the hotel's free shuttle, or walk 40 minutest. The more buzzing area of Playa del Ingles can be reached in 10 minutes by car, as can the Maspalomas sand dunes. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is a 45-minute drive away, while transfers to Gran Canaria Airport take about 25 minutes by car, or an hour by public transport.

The 234 apartment-style rooms here have old-fashioned decor that's in need of an update, but they're all sizable, and have well-equipped kitchens and furnished terraces. Terrace views and size are the main difference between room categories. Expect tile floors, wicker furniture typical of beach towns, and old-fashioned linens in serene greens or louder magentas. Studios have double beds, vanities, built-in dining tables, and kitchens with four-burner stoves, coffeemakers, microwaves, kettles, and toasters, as well as full-size fridges and the usual cookware. Apartments have either one or two bedrooms, similar kitchens, and open-plan kitchen and living areas with rattan couches and armchairs. Attractive marble bathrooms have shower/tub combos or separate showers and tubs with massage jets in upgraded units, plus bidets, toiletries, and hairdryers. Flat-screen TVs, safes and free Wi-Fi are also provided.

The Palm Oasis has a lengthy list of amenities aimed at satisfying tourists of all ages. The standout here is the large freeform pool with a smaller kids’ area, a waterslide, and rock features, set in a lush garden with palm trees and hidden terraces. As well as this, there are a tennis court, mini-golf course, playground, and game room. Children can go to a kids’ club which is on daily throughout high season. Although the hotel is largely self-catering, guests occasionally dine at the all-day buffet restaurant, which has live cooking and receives positive reviews. There is also a small shop on-site, selling groceries and essentials. A small but decently equipped gym has a treadmill, cycle, and cross-trainer, as well as a number of weight-training machines. Secure underground parking is available for a nominal fee, while Wi-Fi is free throughout.