Santa Monica Suites

My experience at this hotel was so bad I not only wouldn't go back there, I've taken Gran Canaria off my list permanently too. I deliberately upgraded to this hotel on my second visit to GC because I wasn't able to complete the bike routes I'd planned on my first training trip due to weather. I wish I'd stayed somewhere else. My trip was ruined by selected staff confronting me publicly and ungraciously. Once was the restaurant manager who asked me to change out of my linen, knee-length shorts at dinner and to put on trousers (of which I only had the pair I'd travelled in), however 2 nights later, with 8 men dining in shorts he confronted none of them. This selective rule applying, followed by a loud receptionist, 8 days into my 12-day cycling stay tell me 'you will not take your bike to your room. You will put your bike in the bike shed provided. It is policy'. There's no way a bike of any value could be safe in the the not-fit -for-purpose bike shed - tourist bikes perhaps, but not one of any significant racing calibre. I'd check the hotel policy before hand, booked a ground floor room with a patio so I could clean my bike before storing it - training/racing is what I do. I'm hugely respectful of the places I stay and so this confrontation took me by surprise, and was so aggressive and sustained (she wouldn't listen to my reasoning) that I spent the night trying to book a flight home, or find another hotel. I've stayed in more than 200 hotels around the world and never, ever been spoken to in this manner or with that particular request. This was followed the next day by the General Manager of the hotel, along with the hotel's owner (who had the grace to look a little sheepish) confronting me as I came out of the lift with the same aggression, phrasing and instruction as the receptionist the day before. This unfriendliness, unwelcoming spirit from the top down is no way to treat guests (and I use that word lightly in this context). Regarding the room - it was clean (and remained that way even with my two-wheeled luggage/bike). Re the food - I was very sick (24 hours of super-dodgy tummy) after eating the chicken on barbecue night - I fed this back with the response of 'no one else has been ill'. I mean ... In short ... if you have the opportunity to stay somewhere else, anywhere else at all - that'd be my recommendation!

This superbly located hotel has everything you need for a relaxing stay in Gran Canaria. From the moment you are greeted by the most friendly and helpful staff you feel welcome. The suites are spacious with everything you need and the view of the dunes and sea from the balcony is fantastic. We booked B&B and enjoyed a huge choice of freshly prepared breakfast foods and occasionally had afternoon drinks and snacks in the pool bar which were of the best quality. Twice we ate an evening buffet in the hotel and that was also top quality. The Cita Centre and Boardwalk are both a stones throw away with lots of choices of bars and restaurants. I can't see why this isn't a 5 star hotel.

We had an excellent week in this exceptional 4 star hotel, that could easily be a 5 star.

Location is really good, walk directly on to the beach out of two gates, minutes walk to local bars, restaurants and shops, or a slightly longer walk in to the main town.

Food here is second to none. Buffet breakfast and dinner are plentiful, fresh and lots of choice. Dinner theme changes each night and we were never disappointed, just very full.

There is a tasty lunch and drinks menu, all of which were better and cheaper than local bars and cafes.

Pool is a good size, always plenty of beds and clean towels daily if needed. Gym is fitted out well for those that wish to use it too.

Nightly live music most nights, which was good.

All staff are friendly, helpful and work really hard, regardless of their role. Every aspect of the hotel is spotlessly clean too.

Well done all at Santa Monica Suites Hotel!