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.

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.

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.