Hotel Las Palmas Urban Center

I'd give it four stars. The procedures were straightforward, with little bureaucracy, no credit card needed on arrival, and a quick checkout even when reception was closed. The room had everything listed in the ad, plus a lot of useful things for couples or solo travelers. They included a small bottle of water, two rolls of toilet paper, shampoo and body wash, and several large towels that worked well for the beach. It's close to bus stops, and routes n2, n25, n60, and n91 can get you around. But the surf beach is far enough away that going back and forth will use up your bus card quickly. That makes the kitchen less useful: you end up choosing between eating at home and paying for bus rides, or saving on the bus and eating out. I couldn't find cheap parking nearby either. Some kitchen basics were missing. The forks were encrusted with dirt, and I wouldn't use them, along with no kitchen paper, scissors, pepper, or EVO oil. There wasn't much privacy with the window open, since other windows faced mine across the road. My room had no air conditioning, which could be a problem in the hottest months. The bathroom had nowhere to put my things, and THE BED WAS SO HARD. Reception wasn't there at 20.45 when I needed help, though the posted hours said until 21. They clean the room only if you request it. I didn't use the TV, so I can't comment on it. I'd probably rent here again, but it may be better to stay near the area you mainly want to visit.

The studio was lovely, and it's a very affordable place to stay. A supermarket is less than 30 metres away, and I liked that the apartment was cleaned on weekdays. The only thing keeping it from five stars was the lack of air conditioning or even a fan. One would have been welcome in such warm weather.

The apartment itself was great, but the noise was unbearable. Its balcony looked over a busy roundabout joining the island's main tunnel. From 6am, trucks leaving the docks sent a wall of sound into the apartment. Noise poured through even with the windows locked, so at the very least the windows need double-glazing and all the seals need checking.

It's a bit away from Las Palmas center, including the beach and shops, but I enjoyed walking through town each day and seeing more of the city. The price was great, though traffic noise in the street started in the morning. We'd definitely return if we come back to Las Palmas.