Grand Hotel Residencia

This hotel / holiday is/was simply the best holiday we've had. From the airport pick-up, to reception (greeted by name), a fabulous room that's spotless, beautiful, cool and spacious, we feel really at home. The ambience is slow, gentle, sophisticated, and grown-up... the hotel isn't adults only, though it feels like it should be. No piped music playing, just a live local band at the BBQ nights and a live act (pianist, guitar) at 9pm at the outdoor bar. There's a nice gym (outdoors but fully shaded) and a great spa (sauna, steam, cold plunge, outdoor thermal pool with jets). For us however it is the restaurant and the breakfast and dinner which makes this hotel really special. The first time we went (this was our third trip) we had B&B only and we ate out on the first night. It was... OK. Second night we ate at the hotel restaurant and that's it for us. It is wonderful. Food. Service. Ambiance. The staff are so friendly. So half-board for us. So many people at the hotel are "repeaters" and these guests are greeted like old friends by the staff. However, new guests are treated just as well and this universally outstanding treatment was what clinched it for us. Almost all the staff are "long-timers" and have been there years. That says something. They clearly love "working" there. Every day after breakfast we headed to the beach, and the sand dunes are amazing. Maybe a world heritage site? You certainly don't go playing on them (big fine if youre caught I read). 2 sun beds and a parasol €7.50/day. We'd have a long walk on the beach to the next town and back (9k) which helps with the calorie intake! And then lounge around the pool later in the day. People do swim a bit and we think the pool measures around 18m by 15m perhaps. Big enough to do some lengths if you want to. So congratulations to the owner and the management. You've created a little heaven. Don't change it!

excellent refuge of tranquility, a luxury of facilities, service, and food. The best of Gran Canaria

I have stayed in more than my fair share of luxury hotels. La Residencia was one of the very best.