Calle Timanfaya 4, Puerto Rico, Spain | (888) 240-0568
Family-friendly apartments have kitchenettes and terraces
Stunning views of the sea and surrounding area
Two large pools; the main one has great ocean views
Two restaurants and three bars on-site, including a large outdoor bar with a terrace
Children's playground and kiddie pool are kid-friendly
Evening entertainment for adults and families
No air-conditioning or Wi-Fi in the rooms
No fitness center
Not on the beach
Some areas look a bit dated
The resort can feel crowded at peak times
Location of apartments poses a challenge to those with limited mobility
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.
Scene
Clean but dated, this sprawling complex has a friendly staff.
Built in 1988, much of the Colina Mar Apartments has the feel of that decade, from the sign above the entry gate to the wicker seating in the lobby, although it was renovated in 2012. The vibe may be few-frills, but the staff goes out of its way to create a welcoming and friendly atmosphere for the guests, who are mainly families. The five-floor complex has a sprawling, labyrinthine layout, with plenty of stairs. There's the usual hustle for sun loungers during peak season, and the all-day piped-in music in the pool area can get grating.
Location
Perched on a hillside overlooking Puerto Rico Bay in southwest Gran Canaria
The Colina Mar Apartments is situated on the side of a mountain high above Puerto Rico Bay in the southwest region of Gran Canaria. Its setting makes for stunning views over the Atlantic Ocean, though the beach and town center are about a half-hour walk up a steep hill, so a car is recommended. The Europa commercial center is next door to the complex, with shops, bars, and restaurants. Gran Canaria Airport is about 30 miles away, or 40 minutes by car or cab.
Rooms
All rooms open onto balconies, and most have stunning sea views
The complex has 184 one-bedroom apartments, all of which are decorated in a simple style with colorful fabrics and tiled flooring. Kitchenettes with stovetops, toasters, refrigerators, coffeemakers, and microwave ovens come standard, along with furnished balconies, or terraces with sea views, flat-screen TVs, sofa beds, and ding room tables and chairs. Bathrooms are adequate but look dated, and walls could be better insulated against noise. Rooms lack AC and Wi-Fi.
Features
Two swimming pools with bars and panoramic vistas
The resort has two swimming pools, and both have separate kids' pools. Both have bars and are surrounded by loungers and umbrellas, but an early rise might be necessary to guarantee one. There are also two restaurants, one buffet and one a la carte, as well as a snack bar that's open in the afternoon, and a disco bar in the evening. There is a small playground for children, as well as an entertainment program with evening cabaret. However, there's no fitness center or spa.