H10 Playa Meloneras Palace

The H10 Playa Meloneras Palace is an outstanding piece of architecture, inspired by famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi, who's responsible for much of Spain's iconic Modernismo buildings. In some ways, the building resembles a modern house of worship, with a distinctive, multi-peaked mosaic roof in shades of brown and white creating sail-shaped windows. Entering the lobby is a humbling experience, as peeks of light cut through the eye-catching ceiling, and those massive windows offer views out across the Atlantic Ocean. There is plenty of room here for guests to relax and enjoy that view, with contemporary seating in purple and gray shades clustered throughout the multi-level space. There are several poolside bars, a tropical chill-out area, and the retro, dimly lit Tirajana Disco Bar for late-night drinks and dancing. The hotel’s infinity pool also features ocean views, and there’s a kids' pool and shaded children’s play area. The hotel attracts mainly couples, but it's kid-friendly and plenty of families stay here too, along with guests attending weddings and business events in the hotel's many function rooms. There are elevators, but guests should also be prepared to navigate plenty of stairs throughout the hotel. 

Though there isn't much within walking distance, for sea views and tranquility, the hotel sits on some prime real estate. The beach is a 10-minute walk from the hotel, and the surrounding area consists of condos and other hotels. Gran Canaria Island is known for first-class golfing, and Lopesan Meloneras golf course offers discounts to hotel guests. It's just a 10-minute drive from the H10. Moonlight Cinema, a potentially romantic outdoor theater, is a five-minute drive from the hotel. There are solid family-friendly options in the area as well, including the Aqualand water park (an 11-minute drive) and Palmitos Park, which is home to dolphin shows and butterfly houses (just over 20 minutes away by car). For foodies, the Pastagramma Italian Restaurant, a seven-minute drive from the hotel, has beachside views and comes recommended. The Trasmediterranea ferry terminal is a 45-minute drive for those arriving and departing by boat, while the Gran Canaria Airport is a 25-minute drive from the hotel. 

The 373 rooms at the H10 Playa Meloneras Palace have a relaxed Mediterranean beach theme that’s reflected in terra-cotta tiling, island-inspired artwork, and pops of storm-cloud gray, sea blue, and white in the soft furnishings. Guests can select from Standard Double Rooms, Double Rooms with Sea Views, Superior Privilege Rooms, and Suites, with adjoining rooms available for family or group stays on request. Most rooms offer views of the sea or garden from private balconies or tiled terraces. The style is simple, and some of the mid-tone wood furniture has seen better days, which is a slight let down given the high-style of the property's architecture and common areas. The Mediterranean motif continues in bathrooms, which have large marble vanities, and blue-and-white diamond-shaped tiling -- Double Rooms have shower/ tub combos, while Suites come with showers and hydro-massage baths; Presidential Suites feature whirlpools. All rooms are air-conditioned, and have flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, minibars or mini-fridges, and in-room safes. Suites have Nespresso machines and additional TVs. Accessible rooms can be arranged. 

The H10 Playa Meloneras Palace has four swimming pools, including an infinity pool with ocean views, two adults-only pools, and a kids' pool. The main pool area is quite spectacular, with multiple levels, a waterfall feature, and a lazy river. There are a number of wellness and beauty options at the hotel as well, including a tennis court, sauna, solarium, outdoor hot tub, and barber shop. Despacio Spa Center has hydro-massage beds, bi-thermal showers, and an extensive fitness center, with massage and body treatments available for a fee. Tamadaba Restaurant serves a free buffet breakfast daily, and an a la carte breakfast is available in the Gaudi Restaurant. Drinking destinations range from the poolside bar, which is a fine place to take in ocean views with a cocktail, to the on-site disco, Tirajana, which has live entertainment. The hotel hosts several functions, including corporate events and weddings. There are plenty of kid-friendly features as well, including the Daisy Club children's entertainment program, and babysitting and childcare services can be arranged. Concierge services include dry cleaning, shuttle services, and currency exchange for fee. Bikes are available to rent and the hotel allows small dogs for a fee. On-site parking is free, and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.