The Santa Monica Suites is a cool, minimalist hotel that opened in 2016 and makes the most of its surroundings with floor-to-ceiling windows that allow for stunning views over the Maspalomas sand dunes. The mostly white lobby is livened up by brightly colored geometric wallpaper behind the semicircular stainless-steel reception desk and similarly patterned throw pillows atop white bucket chairs. The main buffet restaurant is a long room decorated with white marble floors, wooden columns, white-wood tables and retro chairs upholstered in olive-green fabric. Sliding doors here lead to a terrace overlooking the large, freeform pool and greenery that blocks the dunes and beach. This is a quiet, peaceful property that attracts a crowd of primarily couples looking for a chic beach resort.

The Santa Monica Suites has a great location, overlooking the Maspalomas sand dunes and the beach, which is a two-minute walk away, if that. The beachfront promenade, where there are many shops, bars, and restaurants, is a five-minute walk away. The Yumbo shopping center, where there are a wide variety of chain stores and restaurants, as well as a casino, is a 15-minute walk away, or five minutes by car. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is a 45-minute drive away, while transfers to Gran Canaria Airport take about 25 minutes by car, or an hour by public transport.

The 182 fresh-looking rooms are all pretty much identical, outfitted in a tranquil combination of white walls, pale-wood floors, stylish minimalist furniture, and blue geometric-patterned linens. Large mustard-yellow prints, lamp shades, and desk stools add cheerful pops of color. Rooms have either a king-sized bed or two singles, and a sunken seating area with a gray suede couch, coffee table, and desk. Sliding glass doors lead to a furnished terrace with views of either the pool, sand dunes, or garden. Simple but modern bathrooms have rainfall showers, dual sinks, hairdryers, magnifying mirrors, and ample toiletries. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, safes, and minibars, but no kettles. Wi-Fi is free, but guests have reported issues connecting.

Although there's a lot to lure guests of Santa Monica Suites outside the property, a lengthy list of amenities are offered on-site. Outside is a large swimming pool with built-in loungers in shallow sections, and a separate, smaller pool for kids. They're set in a huge, sunny terrace with ample loungers under umbrellas, as well as a path that leads down to the dunes. For more relaxation, a spa offers treatment rooms for massages and wellness therapies, and a sauna with stunning panoramic views over the dunes. There is also a small but well-equipped gym with cardio and weight-training machines, plus free weights. Guests rave about the food at the international buffet restaurant, which serves breakfast and dinner. Additionally, there's a pool bar serving drinks and light meals throughout the day, and a more formal a la carte restaurant serving dinner. Electric bikes are available to hire. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout, but some guests have reported trouble connecting.