Hotel Cordial Mogan Playa

The Cordial Mogan Playa has an old-fashioned, columned entrance with a wood-beam roof and lantern chandeliers that hints at the splendor inside. The lobby is a striking combination of decorative wrought-iron structures, soaring palm trees, and Dali-esque elongated pillars supporting a colorful dome skylight. Completing the beguiling scene, there are rock formations around koi ponds, colonial-style furnishings, and a pair of gold-and-glass elevators. The 12-acre complex also comprises several acres of botanical gardens brimming with over 200 types of subtropical plants from all over the world, in addition to a chapel and an archaeological zone that includes a pre-Hispanic cemetery. Rooms are distributed amongst various colorful Canarian-style buildings that surround the pools. The hotel primarily attracts couples, but it's also frequented by families. 

The hotel is nestled in the low valley of the scenic tourist resort and quiet fishing village of Puerto de Mogan -- which is located on the southwest coast of Gran Canaria. There's little in the immediate surrounds beyond a shopping mall and other hotels, including the neighboring sister property Cordial Mogan Valle. However, a five- to 10-minute stroll down a pleasant promenade leads directly to a handful of beachfront bars and eateries overlooking a sandy cove. Just past this is the marina district, a pedestrianized area filled with charming traditional houses, fishing quays, and quaint restaurants. Puerto de Mogan is one of the more remote spots on the island, and Gran Canaria Airport is around a 45- to 60-minute drive away. 

The hotel has 487 rooms, all of which have traditional interiors featuring wooden furnishings, patterned fabrics, and tile floors; colorful artwork and floor-to-ceiling windows brighten the spaces. All rooms have furnished terraces or balconies, with those on higher floors affording valley and even some sea views. Suites have separate living rooms. Amenities include air-conditioning, mini-fridges, free (though patchy) Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs with DVD players and satellite channels; there's a good selection of British programming and movies can be borrowed from reception. In-room safes are available but require a fee. Well-maintained bathrooms have marble countertops, shower/tub combos, toiletries, and wall-mounted hairdryers.

The complex has two almost identical outdoor pools, both zero-entry with poolside whirlpool tubs and plentiful comfy loungers -- some set on top of sand; one pool has daily activities led by an animation team. Leisure facilities include a scuba school, tennis and squash courts, and bikes for borrow, while children are kept entertained with a kiddy pool, kids' club, game room, and playground. A spa provides an outdoor area with therapy pools and a whirlpool tub, plus a Finnish sauna and massage treatments (though entry to the spa requires a fee).A varied breakfast buffet included in the rate is served in the Tamarona Buffet Restaurant -- which features a large terrace, but can get busy during peak times. Half- and full-board rates are available, though food receives mixed reviews. There's also Los Guayres, an a la carte restaurant offering Canarian-fusion cooking in a refined setting. Food and drink are also available at two pool bars, while a disco bar provides live shows and nightly music.