The Hotel Riu Palace Meloneras Resort is a 515-room luxury escape set amid vast gardens that's within walking distance of the buzzing waterfront along El Faro Beach. Contemporary rooms are chic and sleek in muted gray and lilac tones, with private balconies and terraces, some of which have ocean views. The hotel has five swimming pools, including two freshwater infinity pools and a children’s pool, a whirlpool, solarium, and a fitness center. All rates are half-board and include dinner and breakfast, the latter of which features health-conscious options and cava. Travelers seeking a hotel with direct beach access might want to compare rates with the Ifa Faro Hotel.

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. Travelers seeking an on-site golf course may want to consider the Sheraton Gran Canaria Salobre Golf Resort, which offers many similar features and comparable rates.

The Seaside Palm Beach is an upsacle property with well-tended, palm-tree-lined gardens that's a three-minute walk from Maspalomas Beach. The 328 bright, retro-style rooms are elegant and come with free Wi-Fi -- the priciest rooms have coffeemakers, but all lack safes, and some bathrooms are rather small. The exceptional buffet breakfast is included in room rates and three restaurants (with dress codes) serve delicious local and international meals, including barbecues and buffets (all-inclusive is available). Extensive facilities feature numerous pools, tennis courts, gym, and spa, plus perks like free parking and discounts at nearby golf courses. This is one of the area’s priciest stays -- the more secluded Sheraton Gran Canaria Salobre Golf Resort has considerably lower rates and a free shuttle to the beach.

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 a tennis court, mini-golf course, and all-day buffet restaurant with occasional themed dinners. This is an excellent pick for both families and couples, but adults looking for a beachside stay might prefer the Ifa Faro Hotel. 

Bright and breezy, minimalist and mod, the Riu ClubHotelGran Canaria is an all-inclusive seafront property in Meloneras. The 639 contemporary rooms have stylish decor, balconies or terraces, and plenty of modern comforts. A quartet of restaurants and three bars include Las Dunas, which has live cooking stations. With five swimming pools and a spa, there are plenty of chances to relax, while a gym and kid-friendly features like a game room and playground keep everyone active. There is no swimmable beach on site, but several can be reached in five to 15 minutes on foot. The H10 Playa Meloneras Palace will have lower rates, but it lacks the Riu ClubHotel's style.

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. Travelers looking to stay within walking distance of the beach may want to compare rates with Jardin del Atlantico.

Part of the same development as Bungalows Club Maspalomas, the Canary Garden Club is a quiet budget property. Its 116 one-bedroom apartments are housed in stand-alone buildings on serene grounds wrapping around three pools, including one for kids. The simple, dated apartments have kitchenettes, living rooms, and private patios -- but free Wi-Fi is only available in common spaces. The restaurant serves a varied spread for breakfast and dinner, and lunch is available at the poolside bar. The hotel also features three sports courts, a small shop with all the basics, and poolside massages. Free shuttles run to two sandy beaches. Travelers seeking a property with resort-style amenities and a livelier vibe may want to compare rates at Dunas Maspalomas.

The 332-room Riu Palace Oasis is an aging, mid-range, beachfront all-inclusive resort catering to older couples and families. No-frills rooms are clean and have nice amenities such as flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, free Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning -- but decor is dated and bland. The hotel has beautiful grounds, several dining options, kid-friendly amenities (including an outdoor playground and a kids' club), a pool, and a fitness center complete with a wellness area. However, the best thing about this property is arguably its location directly on Maspalomas Beach, a gorgeous sandy stretch with dunes. The atmosphere here is quiet and relaxing, so those looking to party may want to look elsewhere. 

Bungalows Cordial Sandy Golf is an upscale property with bungalow-style rooms and a heated swimming pool. A free shuttle bus takes guests to Playa del Ingles Beach and Maspalomas throughout the day. Meal and drink packages are available at the indoor and outdoor restaurant, and each bungalow has a full kitchen. Though the property is generally quiet, it can fill up with children, and for some guests it's too quiet at night without any entertainment. The on-site mini-market is convenient but expensive.

Club Vista Serena is a quaint and colorful two-pearl apart-hotel with a communal vibe. Its quiet Maspalomas location ensures tranquility, but is a bit far from Playa del Ingles. In any event, main attractions are only a short drive away. Apartments all have one bedroom, flat-screen TVs, sofabeds, and either a furnished terrace or balcony. Air-conditioning and Wi-Fi are not free, and the style is dated, but plenty of free special amenities such as sandwich makers and a pillow menu are available on request. At the heart of the complex is the poolside bar and restaurant, which stages evening entertainment and serves great food. It’s hard to beat this little budget gem, but for a similar property closer to tourist hotspots, try Cordial Biarritz Bungalows -- expect to pay more, though.

The Hotel Dunas Suites and Villas Resort is an upper-middle-range chain hotel, with 302 suites and villas, that's a six-minute drive to Maspalomas Beach. Rooms are an eclectic mix of modern and faux-antique furnishings, creating a confusing style, and some have private terraces with garden views. The hotel's five pools include three children’s pools, and there family-friendly features like a game room. A free buffet breakfast is served daily plus a buffet restaurant with theme nights and two bars serving cocktails. For a cut above in style and direct beach access, guests might want to consider the Ifa Faro Hotel, although its rates are slightly higher.

Dunas Maspalomas is a humble budget resort a five-minute drive to Maspalomas' lighthouse and famous dunes. The 207 air-conditioned apartments have between one and three bedrooms, plus free Wi-Fi, kitchenettes, and furnished patios. The atmosphere around the main pool is lively, but there are three other pools (including two for kids) where guests can find some quiet areas with no activities. The restaurant generally gets good reviews, especially its themed nights, and the pool bar serves fast food and drinks throughout the day. With a kids’ club, free shuttle service to the beach, and sports facilities, the property is particularly appealing to families and couples. Those looking to stay closer to the beach may want to compare rates with H10 Playa Meloneras Palace, which offers standard hotel rooms without kitchens. 

The Cordial Green Gold is a budget property popular with golfers and families. Bungalow-style rooms include fully equipped kitchens. Book a bungalow overlooking the golf course or pool if views are important. The on-site restaurant gets good reviews for its buffet breakfast, but guests seem less impressed with lunch and dinner. Half- and full-dining packages are available.

The 437-room Dunas Mirador Maspalomas is a mid-range property that's within walking distance of the El Tablero Centro commercial shopping mall and a 10-minute drive to the beach (the hotel offers a free shuttle). Spacious rooms have balconies or terraces, but are dated and basic, with tube-style TVs and no air-conditioning. The on-site buffet restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus there are two outdoor pools, a kids' playground, and wellness center, as well as a bar and disco. Wi-Fi incurs a fee, however, and there's no guest parking available on-site. Travelers might want to compare rates with Morasol Suites, where rooms have a bit more personality, though it's outside of Maspalomas.

The Jardin Dorado is a mid-range hotel in a quiet area near a golf course and a 10-minute drive from the beach. It has lovely manicured grounds and features a large pool. The restaurant and poolside snack bar offer outdoor seating, and while breakfast is varied and included in all rates, lunch and dinner tend to be repetitive. The hotel’s 114 rooms are housed in stand-alone buildings with furnished patios and living areas. Unfortunately, Wi-Fi and safes come at an extra charge, and some bathrooms could use a refresh. Free shuttles run to two beaches and the hotel has a playground and game area for kids. Travelers looking to stay closer to the beach can consider the Ifa Faro Hotel, although rates are higher and it's not kid friendly.