The entrance to the ClubHotel Riu Vistamar, which is situated at a small palm-studded roundabout, is straight-line plain. The lobby, while clean and spacious, looks dated, with its sashed curtains and wicker-frame furniture. Built in 2003, the five-floor hotel is comprised of a series of terraces skirted by palm trees, potted scrubs, and flowerbeds, all of which overlook the seriously impressive cliff-top panorama. The vibe is family-friendly, and since it's an all-inclusive resort, most guests don't venture far from the hotel -- this can result in the hotel feeling a bit crowded during the summer months, and a daily jostle for the sun loungers.

Set on the top of a cliff overlooking the Puerto Rico Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, the ClubHotel Riu Vistamar offers some of the best views in the area. Amadores Beach and the town center are a little more than a mile away down a steep road, so the free hotel shuttle is recommended, especially for the return trip. There's a coastal path along the Paseo Costa Cararia that takes in, among other sights, the dunes of Maspalomas,the Mogan Harbor, and the historical town of Aguimes. Gran Canaria Airport is about 30 miles away, or about a 40-minute drive.

The hotel's 475 room follow fairly traditional, if dated, styling, with dark-painted, heavy wood furnishings, carpeted floors, and patterned fabrics. In-room amenities include mini-fridges and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels. Rooms open onto balconies, and most have sea views. Bathrooms, with plastic shower curtains and basic white and beige tiling, look lackluster and feel dated, and offer only basic toiletries. Some double rooms have two twin beds pushed together.

The hotel has two swimming pools, one of which is an infinity pool overlooking the bay; both come surrounded by loungers, though early arrival is recommended to secure one. The hotel is all-inclusive, meaning all meals come with the room price, and are served in the buffet restaurant or in the restaurant El Mirador, where the food is made to order, and seating is available under a wooden pavilion. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are free until midnight. There's a fitness center and fitness program, and sports activities available, along with a mini-club for kids. While live shows are largely aimed at children, there is live music in the evening in the bar area.