San Agustin Beach Club

At just 65 rooms, San Agustin Beach Club is one of the few boutique-sized hotels in San Augustin. Despite its isolated location in a distant corner of town, it was a prestigious hangout in its heyday -- throwing extravagant overnight parties and attracting big name celebrities, singers, and even foreign diplomats throughout the 1970s and '80s. Today, it’s a quiet spot and the distant location works to its advantage: the only sounds you’ll hear are the wind moving through the trees, and waves slapping the rocks on the beach. With its classy jazz soundtracks played by the pool, and live jazz performances in evenings, this hotel was one of the most pleasant and relaxing that we visited on the island in 2017. It was also one of the most charming, though you'll have to be a fan of old-school decor. The entire hotel is themed after a classic wooden ship, and has nautical details throughout. Hallways are fashioned after a ship’s galleys, with wooden arched doorways, classic brass lanterns, and even circular portholes as windows. In general, this property draws more mature couples and guests looking for classic style and a peaceful atmosphere. Even so, we did see some younger couples during our visit who didn’t mind the hotel's leisurely vibe.

San Agustin Beach Club is a seaside hotel just steps away from the beach, tucked away in a far corner of town. The area in front of the hotel feels admittedly isolated, with only a large empty parking lot, a Chinese restaurant, and another hotel to keep it company. However, this also means there is no traffic noise, making a stay at the hotel a peaceful one. The main shopping center -- packed with restaurants and bars -- is a just six-minute walk away. The popular tourist beach, Playa del Ingles, is a 10-minute drive from the hotel, and has an endless promenade of restaurants with nighttime entertainment. It's a 20-minute drive to the airport, and the vibrant city of Las Palmas is 40 minutes away by car.

All 65 rooms have a similar classic style that will no doubt look old-school to some guests. Details include rich polished wood, brass fittings, dated bedspreads, and metal scrolled headboards. To call them clean is an understatement -- housekeeping is excellent. Memory foam mattresses (new as of 2017) are a nice perk, as are bathrobes and bottled water on arrival. Other standard features include air-conditioning, large flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and electric kettles. All have balconies, and most feature sea views. Bathrooms are immaculately clean, but a bit dated, with tan marble walls, bidets, and shower-tub combinations. All rooms also have a small seating area with a table and two armchairs, and a dressing table with a mirror. In-house radio programming streams music directly to the room via three different stations, adding to the old-fashioned charm.Rooms are mainly divided into those with and without sea views, and those for single or double occupancy. Rooms for double occupancy have king size beds or two joined single beds, while those for single occupancy have double beds or two joined single beds. The hotel also has one accessible room, as well as two suites. The suites are generously sized, and have a separate living area with sea views. Unfortunately, in-room Wi-Fi and the use of safes will cost extra.

Of course, the main reason guests are drawn here -- aside from the quiet setting -- is the beach. On one side waves crash against the rocks, while in the other direction, the hotel has direct access to a strip of golden sand. Sun loungers and umbrellas can be rented for discounted prices. Back on-site, the relaxed pool area is a hit with previous guests, where a large saltwater and separate freshwater pool wrap around a large central staircase. These are accompanied by two poolside bars and a hot tub. There's also a small manicured garden with plenty of sun beds and wicker furniture. Large glass panels surrounding the entire complex, providing panoramic sea views while also protecting guests from frequent wind. The hotel’s restaurant is another highlight, which serves an elegant a la carte menu with a barbecue grill twice a week, and themed menu once a week. Half-board plans are available, and the buffet breakfast, included with all room rates, is an excellent spread of hot and cold options. Evening entertainment is relaxed, and consists of live music (usually in the form of classic jazz) three times a week, and a professional show (such as flamenco dance or acrobatics) once a week. While there is no proper spa, the hotel has a sauna, steam room, small gym (all free), plus wellness treatments (fee) all combining to essentially offer the same services as a spa. Wellness treatments are provided in a small private room, and include a variety of massages, facials, and other beauty treatments. There’s free Wi-Fi in the reception area, but not by the pool or restaurant. Public parking in front of the hotel is available for a very low discounted rate.