Avenida de Italia 2, Playa del Ingles, Spain | (888) 551-4925
Set a few minutes' walk from long stretch of sandy beach
All rooms have balconies or terraces, some with sea views
Two outdoor pools with whirlpool tubs and adjacent bar
Buffet restaurant serving quality food
All-inclusive, half-board, and bed-and-breakfast options
Kids' club, mini-disco, and splash pool
Massage and hair treatments available
Internet corner and game room
Guests often reserve loungers early in the morning
Fee to rent air-conditioning units or fans
Lower-level rooms prone to traffic noise
Fee for in-room Wi-Fi
Some of the property feels dated
The 383-room IFA Continental Hotel is a mid-range property located a few minutes' walk from a long stretch of beach. Situated between Playa del Ingles and San Agustin, the hotel is a convenient 5-minute cab ride to area nightlife. Simple rooms are well-maintained and have furnished balconies, but guests have to rent fans or air-conditioning units. Though there's only one restaurant, its buffet offerings are of a good quality and all-inclusive packages are available. The two outdoor pools with whirlpool tubs are the hotel's most alluring features, so expect guests to reserve loungers early in the morning. Evening entertainment and a modest fitness center round out the amenities. Couples may prefer the adult-only Riu Don Miguel.
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Scene
Drab facade belying cheerful, family-friendly hotel with pleasant gardens
The drab brown facade and architecture of the IFA Continental looks more multi-story car park than resort. Stepping through its polished entrance, however, the lobby presents a cheerful change of tone with its mirrored paneling, wide green pillars, and tropical flora. Interiors do still have a rather dated, mismatched feel because of bright orange curtains next to maroon striped couches and metal chairs meant for outdoor use. Outside, grounds have tiled footpaths lined with palms, banana trees, and other exotic plants, as well as rock formations integrated into the terraces. Guests are mostly vacationing couples, though there are also a fair share of families with kids and groups.
Location
Set off a busy highway just a few minutes' walk from Playa del Ingles beach
The hotel is set just off the highway that runs between the popular Gran Canaria resorts of Playa del Ingles and San Agustin. One of the best things about the location is a long stretch of sandy beach just a few minutes' walk away -- though it does involve quite a few steps and mobility impaired guests might struggle on the return journey. There are several restaurants and bars within a short walk. Those seeking out the area's buzzing nightlife can reach Yumbo Centrum in the center of Playa del Ingles via a five-minute cab ride. The stunning Maspalomas Dunes are about a 10-minute drive away, while Gran Canaria Airport is around 20.
Rooms
Simple, dated rooms have furnished balconies or terraces -- some with partial sea views.
The hotel has 383 rooms, all of which are decorated in a simple, though dated styling that includes rattan paneling, green carpeted floors, and colorful works of art. Glass doors slide open to plastic-furnished balconies or terraces, with some on higher levels offering partial sea views. Note that lower-level rooms are prone to traffic noise. Besides small wall-mounted flat-screen TVs (with some UK channels) amenities are basic, and there's a fee for safes, fans or air-conditioning units, and Wi-Fi. Reports also suggest Wi-Fi quality is patchy at best. Spotless bathrooms are straightforward, with shower/tub combos and soap dispenser toiletries (hairdryers are only provided on certain floors).
Features
Decent buffet restaurant and poolside bar serving cocktails and snacks
The hotel has just one restaurant, which serves buffet-style breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guests can choose between a bed-and-breakfast, half-board, and all-inclusive option. While the food offerings are well-reviewed, there are some complaints regarding how hot the restaurant can get. There are also two bars, one in the lobby and the other poolside -- which offers cocktails and light meals.The main pool is spacious and has a small waterfall feature, while a smaller kidney-shaped pool has an integrated whirlpool area. Although loungers seem plentiful, there have been reports of a morning rush for poolside seating, especially during peak seasons (though towels on unoccupied loungers are sometimes removed). There are also a splash pool for children, a kids' club, mini-disco, and game room. Evening entertainment is generally above-par with acts such as acrobatics and magic shows. The modest fitness center has a handful of equipment, and massage or hair treatments are available.
