Cordial Mogán Playa Hotel

The two pools are lovely, clean, and set in attractive gardens, and the spacious foyer, reception, and bar are pleasant places to spend time. We stayed for 10 nights on half board plus. The hotel is well maintained, though the rooms, while comfortable and roomy, feel a little dated. Dinner is a busy buffet with a choice of 5:45 or 7:45 seating, and your table is assigned for the whole stay. The half board plus terms could be clearer: house wine, soft drinks, or beer come with dinner. We only found out on our last night that there was also a discount on a nicer wine from the drinks menu. The house wines were very young and not very good, though the white and rosé cava were pleasant. We couldn't tell if the air conditioning was off, and couldn't see how to switch it on in our room. Air conditioning in the gym would have been great too. We'd come back, but probably choose bed and breakfast instead. This may sound a bit negative, but I'm trying to help other guests.

The rooms facing the pool get sun on their balconies for much of the day, so that may be worth considering when booking. We found plenty of family activities, while adults looking for a quieter break can find places to retreat. A separate adults-only pool and dining area would improve things, though outside school holidays it should be fine. The hotel has an upmarket feel, with excellent service, and the reception, dining room, and foyer bar form its central hub beside the outdoor pool and apartments. It's well placed in Puerto de Mogan. We recommend it and would visit again.

The beds were a bit of a nuisance for us: they're on wheels with no brakes, so they can roll around, and the split divan setup doesn't help. I'm 6'5" and above average weight, and the mattress wasn't great; the pillows weren't very supportive either. Staff were friendly and professional, and they happily brought extra pillows when asked. The room itself was large for two, and the hotel was very clean when we were there. The pool areas were fine, though the towel-reserving crowd was definitely around, setting alarms for 6am and shifting sunbeds as the sun moved. The hotel has a hacienda look that takes you back to the 80s, which we thought was beautiful rather than dated. Breakfast was fine, but dinner fell short. With so many restaurants nearby, we wished we'd booked breakfast only. Half board assigns a regular table and a time slot, though you don't have to stick to it. We did have a charge on our room for a night we didn't eat in, but reception spotted it straight away and fixed it. I suspect it may happen when a table is reassigned after its usual guests don't show up. Puerto de Mogan itself is a beautiful little village with lots of shops, restaurants, hiking, and play areas, including some right outside the hotel. The local authority also runs children's activities just outside. We stayed with Jet2 for seven days, December 16-23. Temperatures were 16-21, so bring a cardigan or jumper, though the sun still shines even when it's coolest. For a trip to Puerto Rico, the bus station is opposite the hotel's lower section. A return ticket cost €3,50 compared with €15 or more by taxi, and buses run every 20 minutes. Las Palmas is worth a visit too; we went to the aquarium and enjoyed it. Locals call Puerto de Mogan the Venice of the Canaries, though to me that's about as fitting as calling Birmingham the Venice of England because of its canals. We'll come back, perhaps to the same hotel around the same time of year.

We only went in for a look after a friend recommended the hotel, since we didn't stay there. The interior is gorgeous, and the Michelin menu looked exquisite. It's in a quiet neighborhood, perfectly placed not far from the sea. We'd like to stay here next time. Definitely one to stay at.