Hotel Parque Tropical

In an area known for its sterile concrete buildings, Parque Tropical stands out for its lush gardens and charming architecture. It's designed in the traditional Canarian style, with whitewashed facades, arched windows and doors, terra-cotta tile floors, and exposed wood beams. The gardens are some of the most beautiful around, with meandering paths running between mature palm trees, streams, and ponds with wooden bridges. Interiors are more cozy than sleek, and draw heavily on wood, wrought iron, and stone. Some combinations, such as the wicker furniture with floral prints and big beveled mirrors in the lobby, are dated, but the overall feel is homey and classic. Instead of dazzling with stylish interiors and cutting-edge technologies, the Parque Tropical wins guests over with quality and consistency. Food gets excellent reviews, rooms are large and comfortable, and there are no hidden extras for in-room basics, such as air-conditioning or Wi-Fi. Most guests are older German couples, and the vibe is quiet and friendly. There is live music every night, but that’s about all the partying you’ll find here. There is a kiddy pool, a playground, and a few other kid-friendly amenities, but the hotel isn’t a top pick for families. Travelers looking for something more contemporary may prefer Hotel Caserio, located just down the street. 

Parque Tropical is located on a quiet street a bit removed from the hustle and bustle of central Playa del Ingles, which allows for quiet nights away from the town’s booming nightclubs. There is a small gate at the back of the property opening directly onto the promenade and the beach. The town’s main bus station is just a five-minute walk away and it has excellent connections across the island. The city center is about a 10-minute walk away, as is the nightlife area around the Kasbah. Yumbo Shopping Centre, which has more gay-friendly bars and clubs, is about a five-minute drive away. The beautiful sand dunes of Maspalomas can be reached in less than 10 minutes by car. The hotel is 20 minutes from Gran Canaria International Airport. On-site parking is available for a fee.

The hotel’s 235 air-conditioned rooms are decorated in a traditional style that combines terra-cotta tile floors, white textured walls, and exposed wooden beams, with flower prints, pops of red, and distressed wood furniture. The design is classic rather than sleek, but the combination creates a cozy, homey atmosphere that feels inviting and comfortable. Rooms are large and airy, with enough space to fit a seating area complete with a two-person couch, an armchair, and a coffee table. With the exception of 14 Single Rooms, all have two twin beds and a furnished balcony with either garden or sea views.  Standard features include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and safes (for a fee), but rooms lack electric kettles and coffeemakers. Bathrooms are clean but a tad dated, featuring basic showers with plastic curtains, older hairdryers, and small sinks. 

The pool is large and clean, and has a spacious stone deck around it full of plastic loungers with soft cushions and umbrellas. There is a kiddy section separated from the adult area with a metal gate, and the water in both can be heated in the winter. Other family-friendly amenities include a playground, ping-pong tables, mini-golf, and giant chess, plus there are a tennis court and a bocce ball area. The restaurant is one of the highlights at Parque Tropical, providing a varied breakfast buffet with dozens of tasty options -- including made-to-order eggs, smoothies, and freshly baked pastries -- and an excellent dinner menu with local specialties and international dishes. Lunch is served at the poolside snack bar, which has outdoor seating under a big awning. Massage services are available on request. Also note that dogs up to a certain weight (seven kilos/15 pounds) are allowed for a fee.