Avenida Tirajana s/n, Playa del Ingles, Spain | (888) 635-3814
Prime spot overlooking the stunning Maspalomas Dunes
Within walking distance of beach, bars, and restaurants
Most rooms have balconies with dune and/or sea views
Excellent buffet restaurant plus an a la carte option
Two swimming pools, one with a hydro-massage area
Fitness room, plus spa with Turkish bath and sauna
Free and reliable Wi-Fi throughout
Dune sand can be a nuisance when windy
Most areas of hotel in need of an update
Few child-friendly facilities
There's no doubt that the showstopper at the 383-room, three-pearl Riu Palace Maspalomas is its setting -- right on the edge of the stunning desert-scape of the Maspalomas Dunes. The property itself has pretty touches such as glass chandeliers and colorful bougainvillea, but overall decor is old fashioned and in need of a refresh. Rooms especially feel dated with patterned carpeting and curtains, and traditional wooden furniture; however, dune views from most balconies are a real treat. Plentiful facilities include two pools, two restaurants, two bars, and a spa -- kids are not well-catered to though. This is a peaceful property for couples, but families will find more amenities for the little ones at the nearby IFA Catarina.
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Scene
Mid-range hotel with traditional interiors and grown-up vibe
A grand sweeping facade, crisp white-liveried doorman, and vintage wrought-iron streetlights set the scene for an elegant stay at Riu Palace Maspalomas. However, while inside there are pretty glass chandeliers and a black piano, the red patterned rugs and chairs, granite tile floors in three shades, and traditional wood elements give the space a dated, old-fashioned vibe. Built in 1970, the hotel is one of the older properties on the island; in this case, its age works in its favor as nowadays a hotel wouldn't be allowed so close to the protected natural site of the Maspalomas Dunes. Though the property isn't adult-only, the vibe is distinctly grown-up with the vast majority of guests being a mixture of straight and gay couples wanting little more than to relax in the sun.
Location
Enviable setting overlooking the spectacular Maspalomas Dunes
Set on the south end of popular resort area Playa del Ingles, right on the edge of the Maspalomas Dunes, the hotel has one of the most enviable positions on the island. Although not the liveliest part of town, there are bars and restaurants within walking distance, including the quirky Cita shopping and dining center just seven minutes away. A footpath cuts right through the resort and connects directly to the dunes, from which it's about a 10-minute walk to a lovely long stretch of beach. Gran Canaria Airport is 25-30 minutes away by car. The hotel has very limited free parking spaces, but there's ample free street parking.
Rooms
Most of the traditionally styled rooms open to furnished balconies with dune or sea views.
All of the hotel's 368 rooms continue in the traditional fashion of the lobby, featuring wood furnishings with carved details, patterned carpets and drapery, and light pink or blue blankets. Depending on taste this can feel either classic or dowdy, though some rooms do feel undeniably tired in parts. Glass doors slide open to furnished balconies or terraces, most with at least partial views of the spectacular dunes and sea beyond (though a few rooms have no view at all). Amenities are decent, including free and reliable Wi-Fi, minibars, safes, and small flat-screen TVs with some English-speaking channels. Bathrooms have shower/tub combos and bidets, but are generally a bit of a letdown with old wall-mounted hairdryers, basic toiletries, and signs of wear and tear.
Features
Impressive buffet dining and two outdoor swimming pools
Guests at Riu Palace Maspalomas can either be on a bed-and-breakfast plan or a half-board option that includes breakfast and dinner. The hotel's main restaurant serves an excellent buffet breakfast alongside sparkling wine (Cava) and it can be taken alfresco on the pretty poolside terrace. A decent buffet-style dinner is served in two sittings and there are twice-weekly themed meals. Alternatively, the Krystal Fusion restaurant offers an a la carte menu (which is surprisingly included in half-board plans), though many guests actually prefer the buffet eatery. There are also a lounge bar with evening entertainment and a canopied poolside bar -- which can be prone to sand from the dunes when it's windy. There are two outdoor swimming pools, one with an adjacent whirlpool tub and the other with integrated loungers and hydro-massage jets. Terraces around the main pool are spacious and noise tends to be kept to a minimum. A spa has whirlpool tubs, a Turkish-style steam room, and a sauna, as well as a menu of massage treatments. Sports facilities include two floodlit tennis courts and a modern gym, though beyond a small playground there's not much for kids. Additionally, Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.
