AC Hotel Iberia Las Palmas

From the outside, the AC Hotel Iberia Las Palmas -- a giant slab of a structure painted in a bland shade of cream -- has a slightly run-down look to it. Interiors are more up-to-date, albeit slightly dim. The lobby’s front desk and modern sculptures are illuminated mainly by small ceiling spotlights and a dark brown color palette for the pillars, carpet, and armchairs in the reception area. The lobby bar has enough seating at and around its black-and-white paneled counter, but it, too, could use some livening up as far as lighting and decor is concerned. Other common areas, such as around the front desk and in hallways between rooms, are only slightly brighter. However, the overall vibe is sophisticated, clean, and contemporary, and perfectly suitable for the hotel’s primary clientele of business travelers rather than tourists. Note that couples on vacation do stay here for the low rates. 

While the hotel enjoys a harbor-front location, it’s more of an urban property than a beachfront one, and the large road outside can be a source of traffic noise. Although sand and surf aren’t within walking distance, shopping and restaurants of Triana are within a 10-minute walk away, and it's a 15- to 20-minute walk to the historic sites of Old Town Las Palmas, including the Casa de Colon museum and the neighborhood of Vegueta. Bus stops located within five- to 10-minute walks from the hotel will reach the famous Playa de Las Canteras Beach in about 20 minutes. The Jardin Canario gardens are about 30 minutes away using public transport. Gran Canaria Airport is just under 25 minutes away by car. The hotel provides free shuttle service to and from the terminals. 

Rooms are spacious and modern in decor. Simple, neutral-toned work desks and bed frames, leather chairs, and silk drapes look sleek, and unadorned walls maintain the clean, no-frills aesthetic. Ocean View Rooms offer particularly lovely scenes of the harbor. Walls are thin and rooms near the elevator are susceptible to noise.Standard Rooms come with either one king or two twin beds. Extra beds and cribs are only allowed in Junior Suites and Family Rooms, which also include separate living areas and sofa beds. All rooms provide safes, flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi connection, though guests must pay extra fees for high-speed internet. While standard rooms don’t have coffee-and-tea-making facilities (Junior Suites have Nespresso machines), free minibars are a notable perk. Closet space is plentiful, but no ironing equipment is provided.Bathrooms are outfitted in light coral tiles with large mirrors above the sinks. Many guests have noted a musty smell that might come from the combination of the wood laminate and the regular moisture. While all standard bathrooms come with shower/tub combos with handheld showerheads, several other rooms may only have walk-in showers. Hairdryers and basic toiletries are provided. Bathrooms can also include roll-in showers for guests with mobility issues.

Instead of a restaurant, the hotel provides the 24-hour AC Lounge in the lobby -- a multipurpose area for lounging, working, and eating -- and offers tasty fare for lunch and dinner. Reservations are required and extra fees apply for morning meals in the breakfast room, a tasteful space featuring hardwood floors and contemporary art. The buffet fare of pastries, breads, juices, scrambled eggs, and yogurts is nice, and a Nespresso machine is a plus. Breakfast costs extra.The on-site gym is small, with only a few modern machines, and free weights must be requested. Fitness classes, like Zumba, and free towels and water bottles are provided. The large outdoor rooftop pool with a solarium is a standout feature. The water can be cold and the area can get windy, but it provides free towels and lovely views of the ocean. Food and drinks can be brought up from the bar. While there’s no business center on-site, six meeting rooms of varying sizes can include projectors, flip charts, and computer equipment for professional conferences. Catering and planning facilities are available for personal events. Wi-Fi throughout the property and parking are both free.