Best Value Hotels in Puerto Rico, Gran Canaria

The 45-room Hotel Terraza Amadores is a budget apartment hotel just a five-minute walk down a gentle incline to Amadores Beach and restaurants. Compared to the multi-pool resorts nearby, this spot's fairly basic -- there's a roomy courtyard, kids' play area and game room, self-service laundry, small shop, and modest pool with loungers and a pool bar, but no full-service restaurant. Apartments are simple but clean and spacious with sofa beds, en-suite bathrooms, and well-equipped kitchenettes. But there's no AC, and it'll cost extra for fans, safe use, and Wi-Fi. By comparison, the larger Altamar Aparthotel has more amenities and better vistas, but there's a lengthy (and steep) hike down to the beach.

Bahia Blanca is an attractive mid-range apartment-style hotel on a seaside cliff in southern Gran Canaria, a 10-minute walk to Amadores and Puerto Rico Beaches. All 110 modern and air-conditioned apartments are south-facing, with direct sea views plus well-equipped kitchens, separate living rooms, balconies or gardens with sun beds, and free Wi-Fi. The lively pool area has a popular poolside bar and restaurant serving good food, and while all-inclusive plans aren’t available, prices are reasonable. The hotel hosts daily activities, many of which are kid-friendly, and provides live entertainment five nights a week. Access to the gym, sauna, and hot tub are free, and there's free public street parking. For a similar property with easier access to shops and restaurants, try Cabau Cala d’Or instead.

The 90-unit Altamadores Apartamentos clings to the side of a steep valley looking toward the sea, which gives every patio, terrace, and guest-room balcony an unobstructed panoramic view of the island and the water beyond. The apartments and grounds are unpretentious and extremely well-maintained, with plenty of space for quiet relaxation and a wide variety of planned activities for more energetic vacationers. However, decor is stark and the hotel lacks amenities such as a fitness center. The Altamadores has a large number of repeat customers, which is always a good sign.

Cabau Cala Nova is a 56-apartment budget option with a convenient location between Puerto Rico's main shopping center and the Beach. While its facilities are dated, they're impeccably clean and well-maintained. The pool area is small, but lively, and hosts all-day activities. An adjacent bar offers breakfast and all-day light bites, plus occasional evening entertainment. Apartments have an old-school country look plus limited kitchen facilities and no air-conditioning, but they're clean and feature spacious furnished balconies with partial sea views. Sensitive sleepers may have an issue with late night noise from bars nearby. There’s no free Wi-Fi, but guests get a 30-minute voucher with the purchase of a drink. Free street parking is limited. For an aparthotel with a quieter atmosphere and more free amenities, try Bahia Blanca instead.

The Servatur Aparthotel Terrazamar Sunsuite is a collection of 306 hillside apartment suites in Puerto Rico on Gran Canaria Island. The units offer a lot of space and the convenience of kitchenettes, but have fairly basic furnishings. Overall, the property has a no-frills feel to it, with scant decor throughout. A standout amenity is the outdoor pool, which is well-maintained and a decent size (there is also a kiddy pool adjacent). The property also features an on-site convenience store for groceries, as well as two bars and a restaurant. 

Servatur Montebello is an old-fashioned 114-apartment budget option on a steep Puerto Rico hillside, a 15-minute walk from the beach. Most apartments have one bedroom and large furnished balconies that are perfect for private sunbathing. Wi-Fi is free, but the style is dated and there's no air-conditioning -- fans are available free from reception. The property's large, heated pool has a separate sunbathing deck, though doesn’t host activities, keeping things quiet. The poolside bar serves food all day in summer, including a decent breakfast. Evening entertainment is offered, and is more frequent in winter. The hotel also has a well-stocked market, game room (fee), and free parking. For a more modern vibe, try Cabau Cala d’Or, but beware that it includes extra costs and the pool area is busy.

Cozy, 78-apartment Cabau Cala d’Or is a basic three-pearl option that's a five-minute downhill walk to the nearby shopping center. Its busy pool area has a heated pool and hosts activities all day. The chic poolside bar offers evening entertainment and serves drinks, full cooked breakfasts, and light bites. There's a rooftop sunbathing deck for quiet and uninterrupted sunshine. For those who haven’t done their research, there are hidden costs to note. All one-bedroom apartments are clean and modern, with balconies and most with pool or sea views -- but air-conditioning, extra TV channels, and Wi-Fi aren’t free. Also, sensitive sleepers may have an issue with late-night noise from the bars below. Don't expect free pool towels, either. For an aparthotel with transparent pricing, try Bahia Blanca instead.

The budget Babalu Apartments is an inexpensive and cheerful spot for a poolside break. The resort’s 112 apartments are simple affairs showing some wear, but they have living areas, decently equipped kitchenettes, and outdoor spaces. Guests, however, have noted feeling shortchanged by the numerous optional extras, such as Wi-Fi, TVs, and fans. The complex is a five-minute walk from the nearest shops at the Europa Center mall, and it is a five-minute drive to the Playa de Amadores. There are three pools at the resort, including a kiddy pool and a larger one, as well as a small outdoor soccer pitch, a kids’ play area, and a mini-market. Travelers looking for a kid-friendly spot with a few more creature comforts should consider the Hotel Riosol.

The Hotel Altamar is a 257-unit, mid-range apartment complex clinging to a mountainside with spectacular views of the sea and valley below. The whitewashed buildings, sunny terraces, stair-step architecture (and unlimited sangria) give the all-inclusive Altamar a laid-back, island holiday vibe, especially suited to families and large groups. Rooms, each with a big terrace, are large enough to accommodate longer stays. The bay beach is a 20-minute walk downhill, and Europa Center is a two-minute uphill climb. However, this budget property's common spaces and rooms may be clean, but could use an update; decor is minimal and stark.

The Colina Mar Apartments is a budget-friendly, 184-unit complex built in the late 1980s -- and it shows its age. The resort, though, is generally well-maintained, the staff is friendly, and the hilltop setting provides some stunning views. The apartments are basic, but come with kitchenettes and terraces. While the facilities are extensive, the pools do get crowded during the summer, and there's no fitness center or AC in the rooms. Bed-and-breakfast or half-board options are available, making this a particularly solid value option.

Guests would be hard-pressed to find cheaper accommodations than those at Nido el Aguila Lara Apartments, but facilities and amenities are thin and apartments are basic, though all include kitchenettes and terraces. An on-site mini-market is convenient and families appreciate the option to book all-inclusive meals at the hotel's restaurant and bar. The hotel is within walking distance to Europa Centre and there's a nearby bus stop bringing passengers to the beach is about five-minutes. Views from the pool are pretty but are far from the best in the area. A 2014 renovation could bring updated facilities and more amenities.