Best Value Hotels in Gran Canaria

The 195-room Dorado Beach Aparthotel is an upper-middle-range, all-inclusive chain hotel on a small beach, located in the small fishing town of Arguineguin. Rooms are either studios or apartments, both with small pullman kitchens and pretty balconies with (in most cases) exceptional sea views. However, room decor is bland and isn't in line with the rest of the hotel, which feels modern and fresh. The buffet restaurant serves excellent food and a wide variety of international dishes, with the menu changing nightly. The pool is great, but the rooftop solarium with whirlpool is paradise, and the spa is top-notch and offers free access to its facilities, as well as some free treatments (massages cost extra).

The Hotel Dunas Suites and Villas Resort is an upper-middle-range chain hotel located close to Maspalomas Beach. The 302 suites and villas have a confusing mix of modern and faux-antique furnishings, and some have private terraces with garden views. The hotel's five pools include three children’s pools, and there family-friendly features like a game room. A free breakfast is served daily in the buffet restaurant (which has theme nights), and two bars serve cocktails. For a cut above in style and direct beach access, guests might want to consider the Ifa Faro Hotel, although its rates are slightly higher.

The 400-room, mid-range Hotel Eugenia Victoria is 10 minutes from the center of the town of Playa del Ingles, in an area filled with hotels. About a half-mile from the beach, the hotel runs free shuttles all day. Some rooms are not as up-to-date as others; the more modern rooms are simple but breezy, with a buttery yellow color scheme and balconies. Showers, however, are tiny. Nonetheless, this property offers a solid all-inclusive value with an extensive buffet restaurant, a massive pool, and a lovely spa.

The 251-room Riu Don Miguel is a mid-range chain hotel in the middle of Playa del Ingles. This modern, adult-only hotel uses colors festively, with a bright pink seating area in the lobby and pink and purple furnishings and decor throughout its three restaurants and bars. The guest rooms are moderately large and also punched up by pops of color. Each room offers a sizable balcony, a mini-fridge, and a flat-screen TV. While the half-board option includes buffet breakfast and dinner in the cost of the room, Wi-Fi incurs an extra charge, except for 90 minutes per day of free access in the lobby.

The Colina Mar Apartments is a budget-friendly, 184-unit complex built in the late 1980s -- and it shows its age. The resort, though, is generally well-maintained, the staff is friendly, and the hilltop setting provides some stunning views. The apartments are basic, but come with kitchenettes and terraces. While the facilities are extensive, the pools do get crowded during the summer, and there's no fitness center or AC in the rooms. Bed-and-breakfast or half-board options are available, making this a particularly solid value option.

The 437-room Dunas Mirador Maspalomas is an all-inclusive resort with simple style draws that families and value-minded vacationers. The hotel is within walking distance of the El Tablero Centro commercial shopping mall and a 10-minute drive to the beach (the hotel offers a free shuttle). Tile-floored rooms are simple and dated (though they do have private balconies or terraces). Wi-Fi incurs a fee, and there's no guest parking available on-site. Travelers might want to compare rates with Morasol Suites, where rooms have a bit more personality, though it's outside of Maspalomas.

The 90-unit Altamadores Apartamentos clings to the side of a steep valley looking toward the sea, which gives every patio, terrace, and guest-room balcony an unobstructed panoramic view of the island and the water beyond. The apartments and grounds are unpretentious and extremely well-maintained, with plenty of space for quiet relaxation and a wide variety of planned activities for more energetic vacationers. However, decor is stark and the hotel lacks amenities such as a fitness center. The Altamadores has a large number of repeat customers -- always a good sign.

The Sol Barbacan Hotel is a mid-range property comprised of 93 apartment-style suites and 57 duplex bungalows located in the heart of Playa del Ingles. With a range of activities and amenities that cater to both adults and children, the hotel draws a mix of couples and families. Spacious units are somewhat sparingly furnished, particularly in the bedrooms, but all have kitchenettes so guests can prepare their own meals (there is an on-site supermarket). 

The Servatur Aparthotel Terrazamar Sunsuite is a collection of 306 hillside apartment suites in Puerto Rico. The units offer a lot of space and the convenience of kitchenettes, but have fairly basic furnishings. Overall, the property has a no-frills feel to it, with scant decor throughout. A standout amenity is the outdoor pool, which is well-maintained and a decent size (there is also a kiddy pool adjacent). The property also features an on-site convenience store for groceries, as well as two bars and a restaurant. 

The Altamar Aparthotel is a 257-unit, mid-range apartment complex clinging to a mountainside with spectacular views of the sea and valley below. The whitewashed buildings, sunny terraces, stair-step architecture (and unlimited sangria) give the all-inclusive Altamar a laid-back, island holiday vibe, especially suited to families and large groups. Rooms, each with a big terrace, are large enough to accommodate longer stays. The bay beach is a 20-minute walk downhill, and Europa Center is a two-minute uphill climb. However, this budget property's common spaces and rooms may be clean, but could use an update; decor is minimal and stark.

The Cordial Green Gold is a budget property that attracts families wanting to prepare their own meals in the bungalows (which include fully equipped kitchens) and use the pool and nearby golf course. Book a bungalow overlooking the golf course or pool if views are important. The on-site restaurant gets good reviews for its buffet breakfast, but guests seem less impressed with lunch and dinner. Half- and full-dining packages are available.

Guests would be hard-pressed to find cheaper accommodations than those at Nido el Aguila Lara Apartments, where amenities are thin and apartments are basic (though all include kitchenettes and terraces). An on-site mini-market is convenient and families appreciate the option to book all-inclusive meals at the hotel's restaurant and bar. The hotel is within walking distance to Europa Centre and there's a nearby bus stop bringing passengers to the beach is about five minutes. Views from the pool are pretty but are far from the best in the area.