It’s hard to find a city in Spain with a more stunning natural setting than Las Palmas. The capital of Gran Canaria enjoys miles of sandy Atlantic Ocean beaches, boasts a UNESCO-protected old city core, offers a superb variety of restaurants and nightlife venues. The volcanic terrain of the second-largest Canary island is towering over the city creating an unparalleled backdrop. All of it and the great connections to all parts of Gran Canaria make Las Palmas an exceptional vacation destination that can be visited all year round. Known for its desert-like climate and “eternal spring” kind of weather, this part of the Canary Islands has long been a beacon for tourists. We would like to invite you on a tour of the best hotels in Las Palmas so that your time here is truly unforgettable.
Veintiuno
Vegueta-located Veintiuno (translated to “21” in Spanish) is a surprising melange right in the heart of the oldest part of Las Palmas. With an exclusive location next to the gargantuan 16th-century Cathedral of Santa Ana, it’s a superb boutique hotel that brings minimalist design and hip artsy touch to the antique neighborhood. And this combination definitely works, Veintiuno is one of the best small hotels in Las Palmas. It takes all the juices of a stunning colonial setting and does it in style. There’s a rooftop terrace with a plunge pool offering prime cathedral views. Eleven rooms provide a uber-comfortable stay with their minimalistic yet cozy interiors. History buffs will be delighted to find Casa Museo de Colón in a vicinity where none other than Columbus made a break between his journeys to the New World.
Santa Catalina, a Royal Hideaway Hotel
Being at the dawn of tourism of Gran Canaria, Santa Catalina is a splendid historic hotel that is one of the icons of the island’s hospitality industry. The hotel has opened its doors in distant 1890 offering a luxurious stay to European nobles, celebrities and socialites. Recently it was thoroughly revamped by Barceló Group. Its star shines even brighter thanks to an excellent 2021 revitalization bringing the splendor back to its sumptuous halls, lobbies and rooms. Located right behind Parque Doramas and drowning in the lush greenery of adjacent gardens, Santa Catalina offers chic accommodation with an authentic Canarian flair. The rooms are spacious, beautifully decorated and have pleasant views of surrounding nature and the ocean. Location-wise, you’re right between the Vegueta old town and iconic Las Canteras beach. The oceanfront boardwalk is a few streets away.
BULL Reina Isabel & SPA
When in Las Palmas the first place you want to be is next to Las Canteras beach. Largely underrated and breathtakingly stunning, this is a stretch of sandy Atlantic coast with a character and views resembling something of a mini-Rio. Naturally, you need a good stay right next to the beach. Bull’s Reina Isabel is this hotel. Its rooftop pool is the best you can get in Las Palmas, full stop. There is also a great spa offer, quite a welcoming feature for city hotels. And nothing can beat the sensation of being right next to the wavy Atlantic ocean and marveling at the waves from your private balcony. The location makes it easy to take everything from Las Canteras, be it a morning run, a long walk feeling breeze on your skin, or having a coffee sitting on numerous terraces dotting the boardwalk.
Suites 1478
If a truly exclusive stay is something that you’re looking for while in Las Palmas, Suites 1478 is there to satisfy that craving. The talented team behind the accommodation has turned a historic Vegueta neighborhood colonial home into a luxurious 5-star dwelling while masterfully retaining all of its authenticity. The rooms here are all individually designed and feature amazing vistas of the Cathedral of Santa Ana and Vegueta colored houses. The rooftop bar is among the most scenic ones in the neighborhood. There is also a high-end restaurant in a pretty setting with a typical Canarian patio. To continue with the inspirational vibe, explore the Atlantic Center of Modern Art nearby, hosting a definitive collection of contemporary art from the Canaries and the world.
Hotel Boutique Bed&Chic
True to its name, this boutique hotel delivers a high-quality stay experience with simplicity and chic. With prices on the affordable side of the spectrum, the location next to Las Canteras beach is definitely a draw. The rooms are spacious and bright, each having a distinct design. Bed&Chic is family-run and can be found at Parque de Santa Catalina, a sprawling city space in Las Palmas, neighboring a busy port and a bus station. Thus the hotel seems perfect for traveling around the island as it’s a few minutes away from the guaguas (local name for buses) taking you everywhere from the sand dunes of Maspalomas to the mighty cliffs of Agaete.
Hotel Villa Bandama Golf
Just a 15-minute drive from Las Palmas you find one of Gran Canaria’s best boutique hotels. Thanks to its hilly location, Hotel Villa Bandama Golf can offer unparalleled views of the volcanic landscapes and infinite ocean blue. Combine it with the highest level of hospitality and well-designed rooms overlooking nature and you’re getting an excellent romantic accommodation above Las Palmas. There’s also a swimming pool to soak up the sun and the magnificent vistas. The setting is amazing, situated close to Bandama Caldera, one of Gran Canaria’s majestic natural highlights as well as Real Club de Golf De Las Palmas, Spain’s oldest golf club.
Maresía Canteras Urban Hotel
One of the best-reviewed three-star hotels in Las Palmas, Maresía Canteras is an awesome value accommodation that gives you a chance to be close to Las Canteras beach without spending a fortune. The rooms are cozy and luminous, everything is modern and convenient. It would be a top choice for a short Las Palmas city break with continuing further down the Gran Canaria’s Southern resort highlights like Puerto de Mogán, Maspalomas and Puerto Rico. Be sure to make time for experiencing Las Canteras to the fullest whether it’s lazy sunbathing, taking a dip or having surfing lessons.
La Palmera Hotel Boutique
Small, quiet and very well located in Ciudad Jardins (Garden City) part of Las Palmas, La Palmera is your go-to budget accommodation. Close to Las Canteras beach and all the points of interest within the city, it gives you a great boutique hotel experience offering comfortable rooms with new, modern furniture. Ciudad Jardins is among the best and wealthiest neighborhoods of the city dotted with townhouses and colonial villas. Guests noted the family vibe of the place as well as a welcoming attitude from the owners and pretty interiors.
Hotel Emblemático Arucas
Just nine kilometers from Las Palmas you find calm Arucas boasting one of the most beautiful churches on the Canary Islands. San Juan Bautista is an imposing building with intricate architectural details and spires that are seen long before you enter the town. How about marveling at the grandeur of this site from a rooftop jacuzzi? Hotel Emblemático Arucas is a top-tier boutique hotel set in a renovated colonial-style house with a cozy patio and beautiful rooms. This place breathes history and offers a great alternative to the busy Las Palmas center. Regular buses will take you to Las Canteras beach or the Vegueta neighborhood and you also have a chance to explore a fantastic Marquesa Garden in Arucas with an abundance of exotic plants. Get out to discover the wonders of the northern coast of Gran Canaria visiting the ocean pools of Los Charcones De Bañaderos and the seaside village of El Puertillo.
Design Plus Bex Hotel
With a busy port and dynamic economy, Las Palmas attracts many business travelers to its shores. How about staying in an actual bank? Okay, not a functioning bank but a former one. Design Plus Bex Hotel occupies a central art deco building that once used to host the Foreign Bank of Spain. Today it’s a trendy accommodation with clever interior solutions that allude to its monetary institution’s past while giving a top-notch level of comfort and service. Even if you’re not a business traveler, the hotel’s location is great for exploring Las Palmas. Las Canteras beach is a few blocks away so hitting the water after an affairs-filled day has never been easier. And you can’t miss the chance to try Canarian food. Opt for Rancho Canario (a thick soup melange with meat, vegetables and noodles), Ropa Vieja mouthwatering stew and local goat cheese. Thankfully, Las Palmas has an excellent restaurant choice.
