Elba Vecindario Aeropuerto Business & Convention Hotel

The 170-room Elba Vecindario Aeropuerto Business & Convention Hotel lives up to its name. It was purpose-built for business guests and accommodates large-scale events. Being one of the closest hotels to the airport on Gran Canaria, it’s also quite convenient for those on the go. Inside, the hotel is pleasant enough: there’s a large, airy, two-story lobby with plenty of sultry red lounge seating and fresh air. But the dark green marble floor feels dated, and the tall columns of fluorescent light come across as tacky. Beware the fourth floor corridors, which perplexingly smell fine during daylight hours, but at night become saturated with strong sulfur odors, which the hotel attempts to mask with an artificial air freshener. Those staying on the lower floors may have a better experience overall. 

This hotel is literally a 10-second drive from the nearest exit of of the island's main highway. There’s a gas station next door, and the Atlantico shopping complex is on the next block over. There, you'll find plenty of shops and restaurants, as well as movie theaters. The closest beach -- Playa de Pozo Izquierdo -- is a seven-minute drive from the hotel, and is one of Europe’s premier windsurfing spots. It's a pebbled beach, so those looking to lounge or swim may want to head elsewhere on the island. Playa del Ingles, in the south, is a 15-minute drive away. The island’s capital city Las Palmas is about 30 minutes away by car. Expect a quick 10-minute drive to the airport.

Decor here is basic, but rooms are pleasant overall and feature comfortable beds, wooden furniture, and a light blue color scheme with gray skirting accents. Standard features include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, lightly stocked minibars, free safe access, and free Wi-Fi. Roughly 80 percent have balconies, and some feature sea views, while others overlook the surrounding hills to the west. The soundproofing is excellent, unless you have the windows open, in which case bar or traffic noise may be an issue. All rooms have bathrooms with marble sinks and shower/tub combos.

Standard Rooms are the entry-level category and comprise the majority of units. Executive Rooms are the same size, but come with extra amenities including bathrobes and slippers, free minibars, and extra toiletries like toothbrushes and shaving kits. All 11 suites are located on the fourth floor and have massive terraces overlooking either the surrounding hills to the west, or the sea and wind farms to the east. Unfortunately, some may be plagued with a strange sulfur odor, and the fourth floor corridors also seem to have this issue at night.

Elba Vecindario Aeropuerto Business & Convention Hotel was built to be a business hotel, and accordingly, there are 13 different meeting rooms that receive plenty of natural light. There’s also a special meeting room on the fourth floor, which has direct access to the rooftop pool -- an immaculate space that’s a guest favorite. It's ringed by sun loungers and has sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, ocean, and town. Other business facilities include a separate business center in the lobby area, with free computer and printing access. 

The plentiful breakfast buffet, which can be purchased with bed-and-breakfast, half-board, or full-board meal plans, is another guest favorite and has plenty of hot and cold options. This includes fresh fruit and fresh-squeezed orange juice; pastries, donuts, and cereals; beans, bacon, and sausage; and eggs and omelets cooked to order. There’s also a cafe bar in the lobby for casual drinks and snacks, as well as a cozy a la carte restaurant that serves both international and local Canarian cuisine. 

The fitness suite includes a small gym with plenty of natural light, and a terrace with beautiful views of the mountains and local town. The hotel also has an indoor squash court and sauna. Airport transfers are provided for free -- including both pick-up and drop-off -- but must be booked in advance. There’s free Wi-Fi throughout, and limited free street parking. Paid garage parking next to the hotel is available for reasonable rates.