The antithesis to the showy high-rise hotels that dominate this part of Playa de las Americas, the all-inclusive, upper-middle-range Parque Cristobal Tenerife is more like a rustic gated community, with low-lying structures, open spaces, and lots of grassy grounds. All 151 rooms are one- and two-bedroom bungalows, each with front yards, kitchens, living rooms, and free Wi-Fi; some have air-conditioning, but not all. Kid Suites come with beanbag chairs, PlayStations, and bottle warmers. There are four pools, a pool bar, a tapas bar, and a buffet restaurant serving all meals. A multi-use sports court, kids' club, underground disco, and animation team are evidence of the hotel's upbeat nature, but the vibe around the outlying bungalows is peaceful. All this, and the extremely family-friendly property is a three-minute walk from the beach. 

The three-pearl Gloria Izaro Club Hotel is a relaxed, family-friendly property a short walk from Puerto del Carmen's beaches and town. The 106 large apartments here have a homey feel, with simple but pleasant decor, flat-screen TVs in living areas, kitchenettes, and balconies. Low-key animation around a large outdoor pool keep kids happy, and a solid pool bar with chill-out space gives the mostly British and Irish crowd here a chance to enjoy outdoor life, the Canarian way. There's something for everyone at the restaurant's buffets, and show kitchens here add flair to otherwise mediocre entertainment. 

The 160-room Costa Sal Apartments is a family-friendly, upper-middle-range property that's a short walk from Pocillos and Matagorda beaches. Studios, bungalows, apartments, and villas are all clean and spacious and have kitchens, balconies/patios, and living areas with at least one sofa bed. Some units are more contemporary than others, however, and some are a long walk away from the reception area, but with two pools (each with a separate kiddy section), a solid restaurant, tennis and paddle courts, and a small supermarket on-site, the Costa Sal is a convenient pick for those looking to spend some relaxing days in the sun without breaking the bank. 

An adults-only, luxury boutique hotel in Playa del Ingles, The Bohemia Suites and Spa is roughly 200 yards from the beach. The lush El Siam Spa offers a full array of Thai-influenced bodywork and beauty treatments. The grounds are beautifully landscaped with royal palms and exotic flower gardens, as well as high privacy hedges that make the pool feel perfectly remote. Rooms and common areas are designed in luxe high style, with bright modern furniture and atmospheric lighting (that some find a bit overwhelming). Considering its many on-site facilities (fitness center, spa, restaurants, and pools), freebies (Wi-Fi and breakfast), and often affordable rates, the Bohemia Suites offers a surprisingly solid value for a luxury property.

The upscale H10 Playa Meloneras Palace is located on the southern tip of Gran Canaria Island. The hotel has million-dollar ocean views, distinctive architecture, and sits just a 10 minute walk from the beach. The 373 simply decorated, Mediterranean-style rooms have private balconies, with either garden or sea views. A free hot and cold buffet-style breakfast is served daily in one of the hotel's three restaurants, and bars include the late-night Tirajana Disco Bar with evening entertainment. 

Tucked away in a quiet area a 10-minute drive from central Playa Blanca, Jardines del Sol is a solid option for couples wanting some peace and relaxation. This upper-middle-range property is made up of 48 clean, air-conditioned apartments, each with between two and four bedrooms, a patio with loungers and a dining table, and a kitchen equipped with a washer/dryer, dishwasher, and all the amenities needed to cook a full meal. Two of the three pools are heated in the colder months, and there are a playground and mini-golf area for kids. Though there isn’t a full entertainment program, the restaurant and bar offers live music several times per week, along with tasty food and pool views. However, be aware of extra fees for Wi-Fi, safes, and pool towels. 

Sol Barbacan Hotel is a mid-range property comprised of 93 apartment-style suites and 57 duplex bungalows. With a range of activities and amenities that cater to both adults and children, the hotel draws a mix of couples and families. Given the property's convenient location in the heart of Playa del Ingles and its array of child-friendly features (which include a summer kids' club, a miniature golf course, and a kiddie pool), the Sol Barbacan is a solid pick for a family vacation. The spaciousness of the units is another draw for families, but they are somewhat sparingly furnished, particularly in the bedrooms. 

La Penita Apartments is a no-frills value property offering 100 one-bedroom apartments in a quiet part of Puerto del Carmen that's within walking distance of three beaches and dozens of restaurants, bars, and shops. Units are basic and a little dated, but all feature fully equipped kitchenettes and balconies -- some offering ocean views -- and are kept spotless. Though amenities are limited to a lovely pool, a tennis court, a kids' playground, and a snack bar, rates are low, and the atmosphere is friendly and quiet.

The 80-room Parque Tropical is a simple value apartment complex whose top selling point is location a block from the beach and Puerto del Carmen’s main drag. Apartments are spacious and comfortable, with fully equipped kitchens, ample living rooms with sofa beds, patios or terraces, and free Wi-Fi. The lack of air-conditioning in apartments may be an issue for some. There is a decent restaurant on-site serving international cuisine at reasonable rates, and a few small bites are available at the snack bar. The hotel’s two pools are pleasant and heated year round, but the deck around them is smallish and there aren’t enough loungers for all guests. 

Ona Las Brisas is a mid-range, apartment-style property, centrally located in the resort town of Playa Blanca. The beach and seafront promenade are an eight-minute walk away, and a wealth of bars and restaurants line the shores of this former sleepy fishing village. The 77 apartments are dated but homey, equipped with kitchens, living and dining areas, and private patios with barbecue facilities. Well-maintained grounds house a large outdoor pool, a kids' pool and playground, and tennis courts. A well-priced restaurant and bar with nightly entertainment are available for those that don't want to cook themselves. 

The three-pearl Palm Oasis is a self-catering hotel, set a 10-minute drive from Playa del Ingles and the Maspalomas sand dunes, and a free six-minute shuttle from the nearest beach. While the 234 apartment are sizable, with well-equipped kitchens and terraces, the old-fashioned decor could use a refresh. That said, the main draw of the Palm Oasis is a lovely, large pool with a waterslide and secret terraces. There are also tennis and mini-golf courses, and an all-day buffet restaurant with occasional themed dinners.

The antidote to the loud, brassy resorts in Fuerteventura, this humble mid-range hotel made up of just 10 rooms and 12 villas lives up to its “oasis” name. The setting, away from the beach and tucked into the desert interior, isn’t walking distance to the area’s main attractions. But those wanting to be closer to nature (hikers and birdwatchers) will be happy here, as will those that prioritize tranquility over location. Features are kept to a short list: a restaurant/bar and a small pool, but they foster an intimate atmosphere and add to the property’s serenity. 

Bungalows Club Maspalomas is a quiet budget property located in a residential area a 10-minute drive from the beach. Its 116 dated one-bedroom apartments are housed in cute stand-alone buildings set around three pools -- including one for kids -- and feature kitchenettes and living rooms with a sofa bed. While most guests self cater, there's also a buffet restaurant serving a varied spread for breakfast and dinner. With clean rooms and competitive rates, the hotel offers decent values overall, but there are extra fees for air-conditioning and Wi-Fi. While the location adjacent to a golf course is a little isolated, the hotel provides free shuttle service to two sandy beaches.

The three-pearl Hotel Elba Sara does the holiday staples well: an attractive pool area, large buffet restaurant, plenty for kids, and fun entertainment. Its 266 spotless rooms all have sea views, outdoor space, and amenities like air-conditioning and TVs -- but the traditional decor is dated. The beachfront setting and optional all-inclusive packages appeal to young families and more mature guests, lots of whom revisit year after year despite the nearby beach being rocky and lacking seating. There are also courtesy buses to two golf courses, plus lots of on-site dining options. For a large hotel near Caleta de Fuste, prices are excellent. 

The upper-middle-range, family-friendly Green Garden Resort and Suites is an all-inclusive optional property packed with charm and character. Its 121 apartments are attractive and spacious, all equipped with fully equipped kitchens, private balconies or terraces, and flat-screen TVs. The resort's two restaurants -- one buffet and one a la carte -- are a cut above the norm, and there's a well-stocked market on-site for self-catering guests. Extensive features for both adults and kids include three pools, a playground, daily entertainment, a small gym, and a Thai-style spa. The property is surrounded by the Las Americas golf course, but it's a 30-minute walk from the beach, restaurants, and shops -- the hotel does offer a free shuttle.