LABRANDA Bronze Playa

In rowdy Playa del Ingles, the Hotel Bronze Playa is a sharp, relaxed, and contemporary alternative to the many outdated mid-range and upper-middle-range hotels in the area. Interiors are fresh, with minimalist furniture in white and natural wood colors, large color photos of beach scenes, and gleaming off-white floors. Floor-to-ceiling windows let in lots of sunlight, and potted plants and cacti decorate a spacious seating area with dark couches and stylish wood accents on walls. The minimalist style carries over to the restaurant, which features an outdoor area with stylish white chairs, and a small indoor dining room with a darker palette and large mural photos of pasta. The hotel lacks green areas, but dozens of palm trees offer some shade of the pool deck, and the perimeter of the property is lined with plants that make it feel a little less sterile. There is daily entertainment and evening shows, but the vibe is mostly quiet, as there are few amenities for kids. Expect to see mostly adult friends vacationing together and couples.

The hotel is located on a wide cobblestone street lined with other hotels, a few shops selling beach gear, and a couple of casual bars. While not in the heart of the nightlife scene, the Bronze Playa offers easy walking access to many clubs, bars, and restaurants, many of which are within a three-block radius of the hotel. Yumbo Centrum, a large mall with a few popular nightlife options, is a 20-minute walk or five-minute drive away. Playa del Ingles beach is just down the street, and the gorgeous dunes and beach of Maspalomas are a 15-minute walk from the property. Gran Canaria Airport can be reached by car in about 20 minutes.

The hotel has 170 rooms, all decorated in a fresh, minimalist style that draws heavily on white and aquamarine hues. Large beach scenes and blue accents decorate the walls, while natural wood touches such as paneling above the bed and on furniture lend rooms a contemporary feel. It's a refreshing departure from what's normally on offer in this category and in this part of Gran Canaria. There is a lot of space to be had here, and all rooms have at least 36-square-meter floor plans (388 square feet). Each has a separate seating area that includes a desk and a gray couch, along with a balcony furnished with a small low table and two chairs. Amenities include flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi, but rooms lack mini-fridges and electric kettles; safes are only available for a fee. Clean bathrooms have large walk-in showers with glass screens, wall-mounted hairdryers, and an array of Ekos toiletries. Unfortunately there's not too much counter space, though all fixtures and fittings are contemporary. Some street-facing rooms have ocean views, but units overlooking the pool are quieter. 

The features here aren't numerous, but on par with most all-inclusive-optional mid-range hotels in the area, which means the style at this hotel puts it above much of the competition. Located in the central part of the U-shaped building, the main deck is spacious and sunny. It features a large freeform pool ringed with padded loungers and a few umbrellas, a small whirlpool, and a shallow pool for kids. The poolside snack bar serves drinks and small bites in an outdoor area with a handful of tables and umbrellas, but food is only available between main meals. The buffet restaurant gets good marks for variety and quality, and the All-inclusive Plus package includes two meals per week at an a la carte restaurant serving international cuisine. Other meal packages are also available. All guests get free access to a fitness center and a spa (for a fee) at nearby sister property Labranda Marieta, but there are no on-site sports or wellness facilities at Bronze Playa. The hotel also lacks a kids’ club, though there is a small playground area. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.