Built in 1975, the tan facade of the IFA Catarina is characterless apart from rows of pastel-colored protrusions and minor stone detailing. A simple metal portico marks the entrance to the hotel's lobby, which despite some contemporary furnishings has an overall dated look. Outside, gardens brim with banana plants, palm trees, and other tropical flora that stretch the length of the property's five blocks. Various rock formations, green lawns with loungers, and a lily pond with koi give the property a relaxing vibe. Though most areas of the hotel are in need of a refresh, everything is well-maintained. There's a nudist rooftop terrace for guests to go au naturel and it provides uninterrupted views of the Maspalomas Dunes. In spite of this, the hotel is popular with a broad spectrum of clientele, including couples of all ages, families with kids, and groups of vacationing friends.

The hotel is located in the south end of the popular resort of Playa del Ingles, at the southern tip of Gran Canaria island. While set on a main road and mostly surrounded by other hotels, the stunning Maspalomas Dunes are just a few minutes' walk away. Although not the liveliest part of town, there are plenty of bars and restaurants within walking distance, including the Cita shopping and dining center -- just five minutes away on foot. It's about a 15-minute walk over the dunes to a lovely long stretch of beach, or the hotel also provides a free shuttle service. Gran Canaria Airport is 25 to 30 minutes away by car. 

The hotel has just over 400 rooms, some of which require a bit of a trek from reception. Floor-to-ceiling windows, white tiled floors, and pale yellow walls give the rooms a bright, cheerful vibe, but colorful patterned bed linens and curtains are dated. Still, they're very well-maintained and all have sliding glass doors that open to furnished balconies -- these either overlook the street, pool, or gardens, and some on higher floors also have sea views. Note that street-facing rooms can be prone to noise from traffic and a local nightclub. Amenities include small flat-screen TVs and minibars, but there are no tea- or coffee-making facilities, and both safes and Wi-Fi require a fee. Rooms have air-conditioning during the summer months. Bathrooms decked out in shiny tile have shower/tub combos and basic toiletries.

The IFA Catarina offers a few dining plans for guests, including bed-and-breakfast, half-board, and all-inclusive. The hotel's main restaurant Fata Morgana, which has a large terrace for alfresco dining, serves a good variety of hot and cold items at the buffet-style breakfast. A second grill restaurant, El Rancho, provides an a la carte menu in a colonial-style setting, as well as buffet lunches for those on the all-inclusive option. Three bars include one with live evening entertainment and another that's poolside with a drink dispenser (for all-inclusive guests). 

The large pool area is divided into two sides -- one long enough for swimming and a smaller section for relaxing -- and has a combination of fountains, mosaic tiling, and imbedded rock formations. There's also a large poolside whirlpool tub, plus a separate splash pool with a waterslide for kids. Children also have use of a kids' club and playground during the day, and mini-disco at night. Free-spirited adults have access to the rooftop nudist terrace, which offers stunning views of the surroundings. Additionally, sports facilities include tennis courts with a tennis school (for a fee). A couple meeting rooms and Internet Corner with computers are also available.