Meliá Tamarindos

Meliá Tamarindos is a resort hotel with all-inclusive options situated right along the beach. There's little to note about the building itself -- it's a standard, eight-story resort-style hotel with inset balconies, and the interior, while tasteful enough, isn't quite luxurious, with a slightly dated pairing of tiled floors, light wood accents, and white wicker furniture. But the grounds are outstanding and exceptionally maintained dotted with thatched canopies and palm trees. Winding paths lead down to a long, sandy beach, activity areas, and the pools, including a huge lagoon-style pool surrounded by a big terrace with tables, chairs, and loungers. The hotel is squarely geared toward leisure travelers, including couples and families traveling with children. 

The hotel is located right along the dark sandy beach of San Agustin on the south coast of Gran Canaria. Several shops and eateries are in walking distance, as is public transportation, but the immediate neighborhood is mostly resorts. Most of the action, including bars and restaurants, is about two miles away at the lively Playa del Ingles (a four-minute drive away). Gran Canaria Airport is within a 20-minute drive and airport transportation can be arranged through the hotel. Limited parking is available on-site, free of charge.

The property's 279 rooms are mostly doubles (though there are suites), including classic and upgraded "Level" rooms, which offer extra amenities. Decor is a bit of a disappointment to some guests -- there's a tasteful Mediterranean vibe (terra-cotta tiled floors and blue wrought-iron furniture), but it's not quite luxurious and can verge on dated with patterned wallpaper or matching bedding and drapes. Still, rooms are spacious and even some entry-level rooms have balconies with sitting areas. Bathrooms are simple, fully tiled in blue or beige, most with separate rooms with toilets and bidets, combo showers and tubs, magnifying mirrors, hairdryers, and free individual toiletries.

Rooms are air-conditioned and include flat-screen satellite TVs, safes, and free Wi-Fi. For all-inclusive guests, minibars come stocked with freebies like water, soft drinks, and two beers per day. Room service is available. Guests with upgraded "Level" rooms get extras like robes and slippers, Nespresso coffeemakers, balconies with sea views, turndown service, and daily newspapers, among other extras throughout the resort. Guests recommend opting for sea-facing rooms -- the views are better and it's quieter than rooms facing the road. 

The resort's main attractions are its three outdoor pools (one unheated, one heated, and one children's pool) surrounded by palm trees and loungers, beautifully manicured gardens, and direct access to a sandy beach. There's also mini-golf, a tennis and squash court, a children's play area, a small game room, an observatory, three event rooms, and nightly live entertainment, ranging from acrobatic to DJs. Wellness facilities include a small gym (it has weightlifting and cardio equipment, but it's limited -- there are only two treadmills) plus a full-service spa with five treatment areas, two private saunas, a Turkish bath, jacuzzis, and relaxation areas.

The hotel's dining options include the Roque Nublo Restaurant, which serves a decent, extensive buffet for breakfast and dinner; the Tara Snack Bar, which offers a lunch buffet and a la carte options, though the later aren't included in the all-inclusive option; the Jameo Bar, open until late with live entertainment, as well as a nice pool bar (Tara Pool Bar and Tara By Night). Most feature outdoor dining options. 

The all-inclusive option at this resort hotel is fairly extensive, including three meals, snacks, and drinks. Buffet breakfasts and dinners are served at Roque Nublo Restaurant, snacks and a buffet lunch are served at Tara Snack Bar, and afternoon and evening drinks at Jameo Bar (some drinks are excluded). A selection of daily minibar drinks are also included in the rate. Like at many resort hotels, all-inclusive guests must wear a wristband. "Level" guests get added benefits, including, among other freebies, access to an exclusive lounge and solarium with a jacuzzi, both of which feature free snacks and drinks.

Reception is open 24 hours, room service is available during limited hours, and the hotel can arrange for airport transfers, laundry service, car rentals, currency exchange, and more. Towel service, Wi-Fi (except at the pool), and parking are all free -- items that aren't always included at nearby properties.