The Gloria Palace Royal Hotel & Spa is a sprawling resort built into the cliffs overlooking Amadores beach on Gran Canaria, the largest of the Canary Islands. The hotel offers spacious guest rooms with contemporary furnishings and ocean-facing balconies. Some of the rooms are far from the main building, however, while those that are more centrally located can have issues with street noise. The two outdoor pools are definite highlights, as they are large and overlook the beach. The infinity pool has particularly striking views of the sea below. The hotel is kid-friendly, with a playroom equipped with a jungle gym and a ball pit. The spa is simple and clean, but a bit more basic than expected at a property that bills itself as upscale.

The three-and-a-half pearl Marina Suites is an apartment complex situated in the busy area of Puerto Rico, on Gran Canaria Island. It's located within a few minutes' walk from the beach and harbor, and a 10-minute walk into the city center. There are seven variants of suites available, all come with separate lounge and sleeping area, full kitchen, private balconies, and free Wi-Fi. The large outdoor infinity pool overlooks the ocean, and includes a kids' swimming pool and adult-only area. A breakfast and dinner buffet is available (though meals aren't included in room rates), as well as drinks and snacks throughout the day. There are also two outdoor hot tubs, a fitness center, and spa. Travelers can also consider Morasol Suites, with similar rates, though not as nice features.

This upscale 392-room holiday complex makes an immediate memorable impression, with its wave-like architecture and colorful, quirky decor and murals. Sitting atop a terraced cliff and offering sweeping views, the Gloria Palace Amadores Thalasso & Hotel has two infinity pools and a 20,00 square-foot spa with a range of hydrotherapy treatments, and a fitness center. Rooms are spacious, and all but a few have views of the sea. The all-inclusive option, which some guests say is impractical and confusing, is not mandatory, and the town of Puerto Rico, which offers many other eating choices, is less than a five-minute drive away. Or, guests can take the glass lift down the cliff to the promenade -- though this isn't an option at night.

The ClubHotel Riu Vistamar is an all-inclusive, 475-room family-focused, mid-range resort perched on a cliff top overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Puerto Rico Bay. The cliff that provides those stunning panoramas can mean lots of steps, although the hotel does provide a shuttle bus. Most of the rooms have sea views, but rooms and bathrooms, along with other parts of the resort, such as the lobby and bar, look dated. Its all-inclusive rates are a good value, though -- but that means crowds in the summer and at other peak times.

The Revoli Aparthotel is an upper-mid-range, 181-apartment property built near the bottom of the mountainside that overlooks Puerto Rico Bay. Its bottom of the hill location means easy access to Puerto Rico's town center and the sandy beach, though this also means the views aren't as spectacular as they are from other hotels higher up. Most of the clean, modern apartments have balconies with views of the sea. They all come with kitchenettes -- but Wi-Fi and TV usage cost extra. While the Revoli is a decent choice, there are less-expensive hotels in the area with about the same level of services, so travelers might want to compare rates with the Hotel Riosol or ClubHotel Riu Vistamar.

Bahia Blanca is an attractive mid-range apartment-style hotel on a seaside cliff in southern Gran Canaria, a 10-minute walk to Amadores and Puerto Rico Beaches. All 110 modern and air-conditioned apartments are south-facing, with direct sea views plus well-equipped kitchens, separate living rooms, balconies or gardens with sun beds, and free Wi-Fi. The lively pool area has a popular poolside bar and restaurant serving good food, and while all-inclusive plans aren’t available, prices are reasonable. The hotel hosts daily activities, many of which are kid-friendly, and provides live entertainment five nights a week. Access to the gym, sauna, and hot tub are free, and there's free public street parking. For a similar property with easier access to shops and restaurants, try Cabau Cala d’Or instead.

The 90-unit Altamadores Apartamentos clings to the side of a steep valley looking toward the sea, which gives every patio, terrace, and guest-room balcony an unobstructed panoramic view of the island and the water beyond. The apartments and grounds are unpretentious and extremely well-maintained, with plenty of space for quiet relaxation and a wide variety of planned activities for more energetic vacationers. However, decor is stark and the hotel lacks amenities such as a fitness center. The Altamadores has a large number of repeat customers, which is always a good sign.

Cabau Cala Nova is a 56-apartment budget option with a convenient location between Puerto Rico's main shopping center and the Beach. While its facilities are dated, they're impeccably clean and well-maintained. The pool area is small, but lively, and hosts all-day activities. An adjacent bar offers breakfast and all-day light bites, plus occasional evening entertainment. Apartments have an old-school country look plus limited kitchen facilities and no air-conditioning, but they're clean and feature spacious furnished balconies with partial sea views. Sensitive sleepers may have an issue with late night noise from bars nearby. There’s no free Wi-Fi, but guests get a 30-minute voucher with the purchase of a drink. Free street parking is limited. For an aparthotel with a quieter atmosphere and more free amenities, try Bahia Blanca instead.

The Servatur Aparthotel Terrazamar Sunsuite is a collection of 306 hillside apartment suites in Puerto Rico on Gran Canaria Island. The units offer a lot of space and the convenience of kitchenettes, but have fairly basic furnishings. Overall, the property has a no-frills feel to it, with scant decor throughout. A standout amenity is the outdoor pool, which is well-maintained and a decent size (there is also a kiddy pool adjacent). The property also features an on-site convenience store for groceries, as well as two bars and a restaurant.

The 116-unit, mid-range Eden Apartments was built in 1986. Everything is clean, but the hotel needs an update and though it feels and looks like a budget property, prices can be high. The Eden offers basic one- and two-bedroom apartments that sleep up to six. Decor is simple, but all apartments have kitchens and balconies or terraces. Guests have the option of all-inclusive, bed and breakfast, or self-catering. Guests remark that the buffet is unmemorable. The immediate area, on the outskirts of Puerto Rico, is nothing but hotels and mountainside, so stepping out for a meal requires a rental car. Therefore, foodies might want to stay elsewhere.

Cozy, 78-apartment Cabau Cala d’Or is a basic three-pearl option that's a five-minute downhill walk to the nearby shopping center. Its busy pool area has a heated pool and hosts activities all day. The chic poolside bar offers evening entertainment and serves drinks, full cooked breakfasts, and light bites. There's a rooftop sunbathing deck for quiet and uninterrupted sunshine. For those who haven’t done their research, there are hidden costs to note. All one-bedroom apartments are clean and modern, with balconies and most with pool or sea views -- but air-conditioning, extra TV channels, and Wi-Fi aren’t free. Also, sensitive sleepers may have an issue with late-night noise from the bars below. Don't expect free pool towels, either. For an aparthotel with transparent pricing, try Bahia Blanca instead.

The budget Babalu Apartments is an inexpensive and cheerful spot for a poolside break. The resort’s 112 apartments are simple affairs showing some wear, but they have living areas, decently equipped kitchenettes, and outdoor spaces. Guests, however, have noted feeling shortchanged by the numerous optional extras, such as Wi-Fi, TVs, and fans. The complex is a five-minute walk from the nearest shops at the Europa Center mall, and it is a five-minute drive to the Playa de Amadores. There are three pools at the resort, including a kiddy pool and a larger one, as well as a small outdoor soccer pitch, a kids’ play area, and a mini-market. Travelers looking for a kid-friendly spot with a few more creature comforts should consider the Hotel Riosol.

The Hotel Altamar is a 257-unit, mid-range apartment complex clinging to a mountainside with spectacular views of the sea and valley below. The whitewashed buildings, sunny terraces, stair-step architecture (and unlimited sangria) give the all-inclusive Altamar a laid-back, island holiday vibe, especially suited to families and large groups. Rooms, each with a big terrace, are large enough to accommodate longer stays. The bay beach is a 20-minute walk downhill, and Europa Center is a two-minute uphill climb. However, this budget property's common spaces and rooms may be clean, but could use an update; decor is minimal and stark.

The stunning views of Puerto Rico Bay, whether from the rooms or the two swimming pools, are among this mid-range hotel's best features, along with the mini-club for kids. The quality of the 230 rooms varies with the price but most are clean, bright, and well-equipped but basic; all the rooms open onto terraces and some have kitchen facilities. The hotel can get busy, and consequently noisy with the sounds of children, during peak season. Watch out for hidden fees, like a charge to use the air-conditioner in the rooms.

This mid-range, reasonably priced, 387-unit apartment complex is perched on a steep hill that overlooks Puerto Rico Bay. The well-maintained property underwent a renovation in 2009, which added an adults-only terrace with whirlpools and daybeds -- a nice touch for this level of hotel. There's an outdoor pool complex, and playgrounds for children, though be aware that not all apartment units have sea views. An all-inclusive option is available, which can make the Servatur Aparthotel even more budget-friendly, but watch out for extra charges like Wi-Fi and use of the in-room safe.