The first few steps into adult-only Playa del Sol can be a bit confusing, as there’s a long winding walkway descending first to the restaurant, closed during summer, before reaching the reception. During our May 2017 visit, the reception was a bit tired, but the hotel is due for a full makeover to be completed by July 2017. The rest of the hotel is pristine and well-maintained, despite its lively, busy atmosphere and constant flow of guests. It was also not as dated as most other mid-range apart-hotels we visited on Gran Canaria, with soothing tones of sea blue and romantic white in its 140 apartments. We visited right before the annual Gay Pride Maspalomas celebrations and suitably, the gay-friendly hotel plays loud dance music for its poolside guests. Although it’s primarily a party atmosphere in summertime -- where fast music, late nights, and young hungover guests abound -- the hotel changes tune completely in winter, when its old-fashioned seasonal dance restaurant opens and more mature Scandinavian guests visit. 

This apart-hotel is in central Playa del Ingles (not to be confused with its beach of the same name), right next to Yumbo Centre. That puts a ton of LGBT-friendly restaurants, nightclubs, and shopping options within a simple stroll through the hotel's doors, which connect directly to the complex. CC Kasbah, another option known for its nightlife and shops, is a longer 14-minute walk away, but has less gay-friendly bars and clubs. It’s a brisk 15-minute walk or a five-minute drive to the beach's prime area, where a promenade leads to numerous tourist market stalls, restaurants, and sun loungers. 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 15-minute walk or five-minute drive away. Gran Canaria has just one airport, which is 20 minutes away by car. Just outside the hotel is a bus stop, which has connections to various spots around the island, including the airport and Las Palmas.

Playa del Sol had some of the more modern apartments that we saw on Gran Canaria. For instance, soothing sea blue tones and romantic whites replace the clashing '90s patterns seen in so many other properties. The blue-and-white, ikat-style cushions and bed throws -- while not hyper-trendy -- are a cheerful and welcome change when compared to this property's competitors. All apartments include kitchenettes, separate living areas with sofa beds, and bathrooms with dated fixtures (but powerful showers). Kitchenettes have two stovetops and microwaves, toasters, and coffee machines, but no kettles (provided on request from reception, subject to availability). Balconies overlook the pool and gardens. Pool towels are not provided, so be sure to bring your own, and there is no standard AC -- although fans are installed in all apartments and AC units can be rented for an extra fee. Apartments facing Yumbo Centre are admittedly noisier, although higher-category apartments tend to be quieter and also come with free safes, free Wi-Fi, sleep kits with eye masks and ear plugs, free gym access, and free satellite TV channels. Wi-Fi can also be obtained for free when booking from the hotel’s website.

Playa del Sol has a large, central, immaculate pool area with surrounding gardens and several additional amenities including a separate whirlpool, poolside bar, small sauna, massage table, sunbathing area, and pool tables. Keep in mind that pool towels aren't provided. The poolside bar serves a late breakfast -- perfect for late-night partygoers -- as well as small dishes, snacks, and reasonably priced drinks (there’s also a daily afternoon happy hour). The rooftop terrace is kept in pristine condition, has large, cushy sun loungers, and allows clothing-optional sunbathing. The gym is decent for a mid-range Gran Canaria property, but access is free only with higher-category rooms. The mini-market housed in the lobby is convenient for basic goods. In winter, the traditional-style dance restaurant at the front of hotel opens and is very popular with its seasonal Scandinavian guests, who travel to the island to escape woefully short daylight hours back home. The restaurant has live entertainment along with dinner, as well as dancing on most nights. There's free Wi-Fi in the reception area, and free street parking -- though tough to find on this main street of Playa del Ingles.