With its often panoramic sea views, laid-back atmosphere, and beautiful pools, IFA Dunamar Hotel has a lot of potential -- but dated decor and tired furnishings detract from this hotel’s overall appeal. It’s frequented by a lot of loyal repeat guests, some of whom have been returning for the last 40 years. While they may be accustomed to the old-fashioned vibe, it’s hard for most to ignore the dated marble surfaces, clashing blue floral carpets, yellow walls, and scallop-backed arm chairs that are left over from a different era. The rooms have a similar grandmotherly vibe -- though it's accompanied by an equally grandmotherly level of cleanliness.

The pool areas are a welcome contrast to the rest of the hotel and -- with their gentle waterfalls and charming stone terraces -- provide a beautiful, relaxed space where guests can unwind. Even though these are the busiest areas of the hotel, the sound of rushing water, palms swaying in the wind, and picturesque ocean views add a dash of calm and tranquility. The rest of the hotel, while less frequented by guests, is airy and relaxed. As there are no child-friendly features here, most guests are mature couples and groups of friends.

With direct access to Playa del Ingles’ main beach promenade, beachside restaurants, and shops, this hotel has a location that’s hard to beat. However, this also means that noise from neighboring beach parties and bars can carry over to the hotel. This includes a loud daytime DJ at the pool bar next door, though the party stops in the early evening on most days. Guests looking for a nighttime party vibe can try out CC Kasbah, a 12-minute walk away -- although some may prefer Yumbo Centre, which has more gay-friendly bars and clubs, but is a five-minute drive from the hotel. The sand dunes of neighboring Maspalomas are a protected nature reserve and can be accessed via the public promenade running through Hotel Riu Palace, a seven-minute drive away. Gran Canaria has just one airport, which is a 25-minute drive away.

The 273 rooms of IFA Dunamar Hotel are split across two different buildings, with the majority of rooms housed in the main pyramid building, and a smaller fraction in the North Wing. While clean, rooms in both have an old-fashioned look, with faded yellow bedspreads and matching curtains. The North Wing holds lower category double rooms, all of which face the pool and have furnished balconies. Upper-floor rooms in this wing also have views of the sea. Rooms in the main building are a shorter schlep to the attractive main pool area. With the exception of Single Rooms, which don’t have outside space, all ground-floor rooms have furnished terraces, while the upper-floor rooms all have furnished balconies. All have views over the main pool, with rooms on higher levels also overlooking the sea. The highest category, the Double Superior View Rooms, have bigger balconies that are furnished for private sunbathing. 

Balcony doors aren't fully soundproofed, but do cut out much of the daytime noise from the pool bar next door. All rooms are fairly spacious and come with desks, a table and chairs, AC, flat-screen TVs, and mini-fridges. Bathrooms are dated, but clean, with shower/tub combos. Unfortunately, Wi-Fi, in-room bottled water, use of safes, and satellite channels are not free. There are no kettles in the rooms either -- but this is common across the island.

This hotel has one of the nicest pool areas that we saw on our recent visit to Gran Canaria. They're shaped like a stacked pyramid of sorts and set out over six levels of nested stone terraces. The top level is adjacent to the hotel’s buffet restaurant and summer entertainment bar, and houses a pool overlooking Playa del Ingles and the ocean. It spills down into a second pool -- almost creating an infinity effect -- which then spills into a waterfall feature. The entire area is a tranquil space, surrounded by palm trees gently swaying in the wind and dotted with water features. Each level has its own small section of sun loungers, making it easy for guests to find their own semi-private sunbathing spot. In case that isn’t enough, the fifth level down houses a large wooden deck with more sun loungers, and overlooks the main pool on the ground level. There’s also a ground-level poolside bar that serves a variety of drinks as well as meals. 

The North Wing building has its own pool and poolside bar, serving both drinks and food, but the bar is only open in the summer. Live music and professional shows happen year round in two separate venues. The buffet restaurant, decked in cool marble floors and mirrored pillars, serves decent food with plenty of variety. All-inclusive options and other boarding packages are available. There’s a nudist sunbathing terrace on the roof of the North Wing building, which also houses a sauna. A gym is available, but the equipment is dated. Several shops call the hotel home as well, including a clothing boutique, cosmetics boutique, and massage parlor. The free Wi-Fi, which is only available in reception, was some of the slowest that we found on Gran Canaria. Keep in mind that the hotel lacks on-site parking, and street parking is difficult to find in this part of Playa del Ingles.