Offering three pools of varying sizes and depths set in a sunny terrace with a pool bar and plenty of loungers, the Babalu Apartments attracts mainly families with young kids looking for a cheap and uncomplicated poolside getaway. Beyond the pool terrace, there’s very little in the way of shared space here, just a small lobby painted sky-blue with a few rattan chairs, and a worn, small soccer field. However, the apartments are mostly contemporary and have decent cooking facilities, making them ideal for those looking to save a bit of money by cooking on-site. The atmosphere is generally relaxed here.

The Babalu Apartments is situated at the top of a steep hill, which makes driving or taking taxis to most places a necessity. While guests have reported that the half-hour walk downhill to the Playa de Amadores is doable, going back up is more strenuous. Taxi or car rides up take about five minutes. The Europa Center mall, which is home to a number of shops and restaurants, is just a five-minute walk away. Expect transfers to Gran Canaria Airport to take around 35 minutes.

The 112 apartments are small, though clean and mostly contemporary, despite cheap-looking wood cabinets. They have compact bedrooms with two singles beds pushed together to make a double, but the only additional furnishings they can fit are closets. The open-plan dining and lounge areas consist of pullout sofas, coffee tables, flat-screen TVs, and dining tables that seat four. The granite-topped kitchenettes have two-ring electric hobs, microwave, and mini-fridge, as well as the usual crockery and cookware, though no kettles. Outdoor terraces are furnished with loungers and dining sets. The bathrooms are the most dated-looking, outfitted with colorful tiles, but they come with showers, bidets, and wall-mounted hairdryers. Toiletries are not provided. Unfortunately, there are a lot of amenities that cost extra, including safes, TV remotes fans (the apartments do not have air-conditioning), and Wi-Fi access.

The Babalu Apartments does not offer much in the way of amenities, but what's available is aimed at keeping families with kids satisfied. The complex has three swimming pools set in a sunny terrace, consisting of a deep pool, a larger main pool, and a small, shallow pool for kids. Also within the terrace is a snack bar, which serves drinks and light meals throughout the day and into the evening -- think burgers, pizza, and cocktails. The resort also has a tattered, small soccer pitch and a kids’ playground. An on-site mini-market sells liquor, snacks, and sundries. Wi-Fi requires a fee, while public parking is free.