Playa del Ingles Hotel

It was lovely weather for our break which was the main thing. However as non smokers we found eating out a big problem. This resort has very few restaurants with a GENUINE no smoking area. Las Piramides, Patio Canario and a small area at Mulligans only places we found. Red Onion has two tables inside but with 100 chain smokers outside the open doors, it is not smoke free. In order to maximise potential custom the owners ignore the Spanish Laws on smoking and this is not enforced by the local authorities. Such a shame really. The European law on Smoking was fully enforced by the UK got watered down by the Spanish and some other Govts and still it is ignored. Spanish Law states that places over 100 square metres or where children allowed have to be non smoking. Below that size it is down to the manager to decide ( what a joke). However it has to be displayed by a sign if it is smoking or non smoking. This does not happen so you walk into a restaurant thinking its non smoking cos no ashtrays only to be fooled when anyone who asks for an ashtray will be given one. Come on it's a joke follow the law.

Visited with a good friend and discovered this little gem of a cafe serving good quality coffee and scrumptous cakes....and always with a smile. The 2 owners deserve an accolade for providing a haven of friendliness and hospitality. We hope to return in May and visit every day again to enjoy the atmosphere...AND my friend loves the good quality German beer which we dont get in Scotland !! Thank you guys xx

May the 4th be with you Gran Canaria 4th on my list of Canary Islands. Well, my plan was to save the best until last having previously vacationed in Fuerta Ventura; Tenerife and Lanzarote. Sadly, Gran Canaria, or morning specifically Playa Del Inglés is far from the best. It is a weird set up of hotels, residential and sub-par shopping venues. The much heralded Yumbo centre is a down-at-heel shambolic collection of dive shops, seedy bars and grubby restaurants. Maspalomas is not much better, with what I would describe as shanty town shops, stalls and cafes. The walk across the dunes was magical so long as you don’t make eye contact with the mainly over 50s, crinkly and frazzled nudist. The only thing I have loved so far, is the Riu Papayas (See my other review)