Hotel Reina Isabel

Occupying a prime position on the long pedestrianed promenade that runs alongside Las Canteras beach, and boasting excellent leisure facilities, this well-established hotel is perfect for those planning to explore some of the cultural and commercial attractions of the Canary Islands' most vibrant city, but also wishing to enjoy the relaxation of a traditional beach holiday. Las Canteras is where the citizens of Las Palmas come to enjoy their leisure time, from their morning jog and swim to the traditional evening vuelta and perhaps a meal in one of the many cafés and restaurants that line the promenade. When you can drag yourself away from the beach, perhaps on overcast days, the nearest large shopping centre, El Muelle, is a 5-minute walk away, whilst the historic town centre, Vegueta, and the main shopping and entertainment district, Triana, are approximately 7 km away and easily reached by bus or taxi, as are the city's cathedral and various museums and galleries.

The Reina Isabel comprises 224 guestrooms, which are comfortably furnished in traditional style, with all the amenities you would expect the find in a four-star hotel, including air-conditioning, satellite TV (limited English-language channels), minibars, telephones, safety-deposit boxes (local charge applies) and free WiFi. Hairdryers are provided in the marble bathrooms, and each room has a furnished balcony. Standard Rooms face the local street at the rear of the hotel; rooms with sea views are available at a supplement.

The hotel's terrace bar, La Marina, provides a direct link from the lobby to the promenade and beach, and is a wonderful spot for people watching at any time of day. Next to this is the hotel's main restaurant, Roma, where days get off to a good start with an extensive buffet breakfast. Dinner is also served buffet-style here for guests choosing the attractively prices half-board option, whilst those who prefer the flexibility of the bed-and-breakfast option in order to try out some of the many local restaurants close by may also wish to sample the wares of the eighth-floor à-la-carte restaurant Summun, where you can enjoy a fusion of Asian and Peruvian cuisine whilst admiring the spectacular views over Las Canteras.

Also on the eighth floor is a decent size roof-top swimming pool, surrounded by a large terrace for sunbathing with views of both the city and the ocean. Next to this, the Fiesta Bar is serves refreshing drinks throughout the day and also makes an ideal spot for watching the sunset whilst sipping a cocktail or am aperitif. From here, a flight of stairs leads up to the excellent spa area (not accessible by lift), which comprises a large hydro-massage pool with floor-to-ceiling windows granting panoramic views over the bay, a Dead Sea flotation pool, Finnish sauna, steam room and salt cabins. The use of all the spa facilities is free of charge for hotel guests, but naturally any beauty and massage treatments are payable separately. Next to the spa, there is also a well equipped gym enjoying the same panoramic views.

Its privileged location and excellent facilities have made the Reina Isabel one of the capital's most popular hotels, so early booking is highly recommended, especially during the winter season.