Gold By Marina

It’s hard not to be impressed by the decor at the Gold by Marina. This adult-only hotel is a profusion of colors and textures, with a bright-yellow bar in the lobby, lime-green and teal couches and tables popping out from shiny white marble floors, and colorful palm tree-motif wallpaper. Leading off from the lobby is the beachy Pool Style Restaurant, with rustic walls and ceilings clad in strand board and corrugated plastic, filament bulbs hanging from wires, and black banquettes topped with tropical-print throw pillows. A sun-trap courtyard reflects the bright Gran Canaria light onto the dazzling white walls and marble flooring, and turquoise chairs and rustic wooden tables sit in a recessed seating area. The pool terrace has bold Art Deco stripes and two pools, as well as plenty of sky-blue loungers and daybeds for two nestling in little alcoves. The property attracts a crowd of mostly young adults looking for a trendy place to relax.

The Gold by Marina is located in the center of Maspalomas, just off the main road that runs through town. It’s a 10-minute walk down to the wide, sandy Playa Ingles, and the promenade that runs along the beachfront, where there are lots of shops, bars, and restaurants. Five minutes on foot in the other direction leads to the Yumbo shopping mall, where there are a wide variety of chain stores and restaurants, as well as a casino. Away from the beach and the mall, however, this part of town is mostly given over to hotels. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is a 45-minute drive away, while transfers to Gran Canaria Airport take about 25 minutes by car, or an hour by public transport. 

In contrast to the common areas, the hotel’s 133 rooms are positively serene, with modern white furniture, bright-white walls, hardwood or marble floors, and various shades of blue accents. Pale-aqua corrugated plastic acts as a headboard, and other fun, stylish accents include tropical-print curtains and throw pillows, oblong tables in mustard-yellow or natural wood, and black-and-white artwork. All of the rooms have well-equipped kitchenettes tucked off in corners, with black backsplash and counters that make white dishes pop, as well as two-ring electric hobs, coffeemakers, kettles, microwaves, and mini-fridges. Lower-category rooms have a king-sized bed or two singles, a turquoise banquette that curves around a dining table, and a flat-screen TV. Junior Suites are larger, with a breakfast bar and white couch in am alcove, while Master Suites are the largest rooms of all, with spacious sitting areas and wrap-around terraces. All rooms have a furnished balcony or patio, but some have poor road or internal views and don't get much sun. Sleek bathrooms have a rainfall shower cubicle, and some add a deep soaking tub. Standard amenities include air-conditioning, hairdryers, toiletries, and free Wi-Fi. Safes are also provided, but there's a daily fee to use them.

The Gold by Marina has a solid list of amenities that help justify its upscale billing, though it's worth noting that there's no full spa. Instead, there's an outdoor area dubbed the “Wellness Cottage” for massages and other spa treatments. Also outside, there are two pools -- a large freeform one and a smaller, narrow lap pool -- set in a terrace with sky-blue loungers, and daybeds built for two in little alcoves. A roof terrace has Balinese beds, more loungers, and a hot tub. A tiny gym is also available, but it's equipped with just a handful of machines. Dining-wise, there are two restaurants. La Palmera Sur serves a la carte Canarian dishes for lunch and dinner. Alternatively, the poolside eatery offers a buffet breakfast that guests rave about, as well as drinks and a wide array of international fare throughout the day. Bikes can be rented on-site, and Wi-Fi is free throughout.