**HLA received no compensation for this post. All thoughts and opinions are mine.

vacation quote

We live on a touristic island. The southern part of the island is tightly packed with all kinds of hotels, restaurants and shopping centers all dedicated mostly to European tourists.

But aside from tourists, local people also enjoy the amazing beaches and hotel facilities the island offers. When we need a relaxing getaway, we book a room in a hotel that seems interesting and spend a couple of days relaxing by the pool.

A couple of weeks ago we spent 3 days in The Lopesan Costa Meloneras Resort, Corallium Spa & Casino – a  ****+ hotel located in the south of Gran Canaria island.

The Hotel

It’s a huge hotel complex with more than 1000 rooms, 5 restaurants, 5 pools, 4 snack/pool bars, 3 bars, a supermarket, boutiques, hairdresser, spa, and casino.The Lopesan Costa Meloneras Resort, Spa & Casino @homelifeabroad.com

*actually there is much more vegetation than it shows on the model

The hotel has a varied array of sports activities including billiard, mini Golf, 4 tennis courts, 2 paddle courts, gym, etc.

There are a mini club, a playground, and a babysitter service. Different activities are carried out for kids during the day. We checked the mini club twice and saw no activity whatsoever. We did see that there were different games held for kids in the pool.

In the evenings there is a live music on the terrace, piano music in the lobby, and different activities on the stage. We saw magician show, capoeira groups performance, and a concert.

Check-In

We arrived at the hotel around noon and knowing that the room will be given us around 14:00, we decided to spend some time by the pool.lobby

The check-in was really fast and friendly. They had reserved us a double standard room on the 6th floor, but when we asked for a room on the first floor (easier with a kid), we were upgraded to a superior category room without any extra fee. It was a big surprise for us as in other hotels we have had to pay for the room upgrade.

We were also given hotel plans and the explications about the breakfast and dinner buffet.

The hotel offers a parking service (12€/ $16,08 a day). It’s hard to find a parking space near the hotel, as it is surrounded with several other hotels and people are constantly looking for a parking space. The first 30 min of the hotel parking are free, so use it for check in. Take your bags to your room and then try to park your car if you are not using the hotel parking.

We asked about the rewards card in the check-in and we were told that the Lopesan hotels & resorts do not have a rewards card, but they do offer 10% discount on the second stay during the same year.

The Room

The double standard view room we were given is like any other of their double standard rooms, but as it was on a first floor, we had a view of the quiet pool and direct access to it.

room room 2

The room was a little bit worn out, but still comfortable. All the rooms have air conditioning, safe (for rental), direct telephone, minibar, satellite TV, two big closets, a sitting corner and a desk. There is an internet possibility in the room, but it’s for an extra cost.

Our TV wasn’t working, but it was fixed really fast after we called to the reception. Also, the extra bed for our daughter was brought really quickly. Actually, I ended up sleeping in that extra bed, and I have to say that it was as good as the other beds in the room.

The bathroom had a separate bath and shower, a hair dryer and a bathrobe for each of us. I’m glad that I didn’t hear my husband and packed our toothpaste and other bathroom necessities, as the hotel offered a shower gel/shampoo, shower cap and some cotton pads and q-tips. I have stayed in lower category hotels that offer more accessories. The shower pressure was super great, really wish we had it at home too. We had no time to try out the bath this time, but it was much bigger than the baths we have used in other hotels.

Our terrace had a direct view and access to the pool, two chairs and a table we used for having lunch. There is a rack for drying your bathing suits and wet towels.

Meals

As there is no all-inclusive option in this hotel, we took the half board accommodation including breakfast and dinner. You can choose between two buffet restaurants and choose the table inside or outside on the terrace. The food is the same at both restaurants, so we dined in Alameda and ate breakfast at the Atlántico restaurant.

dinner

The restaurant staff was very helpful and brought us a high chair, extra plates, a small glass and a straw for Sofia. We were indicated that there is baby food and a microwave available if needed.

The breakfast buffet was really good, not the best I have had, but I’d say it’s the third best. Creps, bacon, eggs, cold meats, cheese, champagne, yogurt and fresh fruit are just a tiny portion of foods the breakfast offers. There are also different types of dietetic products available. What amazed me was, that the fresh orange juice was for extra cost and there was no other orange juice available.

The dinner buffet delicious first night. So many great dishes like german potato salad, different fishes, meats, pizzas, salads, local Canary islands food and yummy desserts. The second night’s dinner seemed poor compared to the first one. The drinks are available for extra cost during the dinner. Formal wear is requested, meaning that men should wear long trousers and no beachwear is allowed.

The hotel also has 3 other restaurants that offer a variety of international cuisines.

Pools

Costa Meloneras Infinity Pool @homelifeabroad.com

The hotel has 5 pools including a shallow pool for kids and a quiet pool.

Our room had a view of the quiet pool with some fountains. We tried it out once with Sofia, but as the pool was a deep one, and we had to keep quiet, it wasn’t the pool for us. It’s perfect for relaxing and if you want to stay away from kids.

We spent most of our time in an infinity pool (Lago), that had a section with an artificial beach and shallow water perfect for kids. The kid’s pool itself was surrounded by palm trees and the water was really cold, that’s why we chose the infinity pool.

Costa Meloneras Infinity Pool @homelifeabroad.com

Costa Meloneras Infinity Pool @homelifeabroad.com

Costa Meloneras Infinity Pool 2 @homelifeabroad.comThere were hundreds of lounge chairs by the pools, but there were a tension and a fight for the best ones. It’s not allowed to reserve the chairs, but some people still did it.

You are given one one swimming pool towel for the entire stay. If you want a clean one or an extra towel, 1€ ($1,34) is charged. We did not get a towel for Sofia. I’m not sure if the maid forgot to bring it or it’s not included for the kids, who do not pay the say. I’m glad that I packed a couple of extra towels, just in case.

We were quite unhappy with the towel fee because we have never had to pay for a dry/clean towel in any hotel before. When I got home and started gathering facts for the review, I saw that the 1€ fee helps Orphanaid Africa program in Ghana. Still not happy with the fee, but at least it does some good!

Near-By Facilities

The hotel is situated next to a busy pedestrian avenue full of luxury boutiques, shopping centers, restaurants and street performers.

The ocean is just outside the hotel, but the beautiful Maspalomas beach(must see!) is at a five-minute walking distance.

In Conclusion

The hotel is perfect for a relaxing vacation and really kid friendly. There is no need to leave from hotel territory, as it has all the services you might need. The food is delicious, service fast and friendly. Rooms are comfortable and clean.

                       +

  • free internet in the lobby
  • fast & friendly service
  • comfortable & clean rooms
  • lots of entertainment options
  • well maintained pools
  • delicious food

                      –

  • pool towels at extra cost (1€/ $1,34)
  • no rewards card
  • kids club not working
  • no free wifi in the room
  • room not cleaned if we wouldn’t have asked to

Web: http://www.lopesan.com/

Address: c/ Mar Mediterráneo, 1 , E-35100 Meloneras, Gran Canaria, España

Phone: +34-928-128100

August 27, 2014
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