Santa Catalina - a Royal Hideaway Hotel

Situated in the island capital's Ciudad Jardin neighbourhood, and surrounded by the tall palms, ancient dragon trees and lush Canarian flora of the Duramas Park, the Santa Catalina is the grand old dame of Gran Canaria hotels. It first opened in 1890 based on plans by the British architect James M MacLaren, and whilst the building suffered damage during World War I, the reconstruction by Miguel Martín-Fernández de la Torre in 1923 carefully preserved its characteristic English colonial style. Throughout its history, the Santa Catalina has not only hosted illustrious international guests including Winston Churchill, Maria Callas and Agatha Christie, but has also been at the heart of the city's social and cultural scene, and to this day continues to host literary and artistic events, society gatherings and even an annual classical music festival.

Far from resting on its laurels, the Santa Catalina has constantly expanded and upgraded its facilities, most recently during a top-to-bottom restoration in 2019, when it joined the prestigious Royal Hideaway collection of Spain's Barceló hotel chain. Whilst the classic beauty of the building and its opulent interiors reflect the elegance of a bygone age, the level of comfort, the range of facilities and the sophistication of the hotel's gastronomic offering are thoroughly up-to-date.

The 204 guestrooms and suites are beautifully furnished and decorated in neo-classical style and offer all the creature-comforts expected from a hotel of this calibre. Deluxe Rooms are approximately 23 square metres in size and come complete with air-conditioning, ceiling fans, TV, telephone, free WiFi, safety deposit boxes, minibars (extra charge), tea and coffee making facilities and well-appointed, partially open-plan bathrooms with a rain shower, hair-dryer, bathrobes and slippers. Superior Deluxe Rooms are similar but slightly larger and benefit from having both a bathtub and a separate rain shower in their open-plan bathrooms, as well as a furnished balcony with views over the city, the hotel galleries or the palm garden. Junior Suites are around 30 sqm, with a comfortable sitting area, and Deluxe Junior Suites also feature a balcony; both have shower rooms with rain showers. The 40-sqm standard Suites have a separate living room but no balcony, whilst the three Presidential Suites on the third floor are 48 sqm and have balconies with views through the swaying tops of the palm trees towards the Atlantic. Guests staying in any of the Junior Suites or Suites enjoy special privileges (see below).

A 5-minute walk from the hotel will take you to the Las Palmas's large marina, bordered to the north by the nearest sandy beach (approximately 1 km from the hotel), Playa de Las Alcaravaneras, which overlooks the entrance to the city's busy commercial port. The longer and more popular main beach of Las Palmas, the west-facing Playa de Las Canteras, is approximately 3 km away. Roughly the same distance in the opposite direction are the city's historic districts of Triana and Vegueta, with their picturesque cobbled streets, thriving bar culture and key attractions including the Plaza de Santa Ana, the Cathedral and the Casa de Colón (Columbus House). There is a bus stop just outside the hotel and taxis are readily available throughout the city. There is also a range of guided excursions and experiences across the island that can be arranged through the hotel's reception.

For those occasions when you just wish to relax in between exploring the sights of the city and the island, there is an enticing outdoor pool surrounded by a sun terrace with loungers and served by the Camarote snack bar. During the daytime, the rooftop infinity pool and the adjacent bar, Alis Rooftop, are the exclusive domain of guests staying in the Junior Suites and Suites; in the evenings, other guests may also enjoy the delicious cocktails and views across the city from here. Another privilege for guests in the Junior Suites and Suites is the complimentary use of the hotel's spa area, which includes a heated indoor pool, sauna and steam room, hydrotherapy pool and shower circuit. Other adult guests can enjoy the spa for an additional charge, and naturally the wide range of health and beauty treatments is also payable locally.

Fortunately, the well-equipped gym is free to use for all adult guests, for the Santa Catalina's impressive gastronomic offering makes it all too tempting to over-indulge. An extensive buffet breakfast is included in your stay and is the served in the main Doramas Restaurant, where those who have chosen the half-board option also enjoy a table d'hote dinner. The hotel's other restaurants are open to the public as well as hotel guests, and include the Michelin-starred Poemas by Hermanos Padrón, the atmospheric 1890 La Bodeguita specialising in tapas and regional wines, and MuXgo, the first restaurant in the Canaries to be awarded a Michelin Green Start for its commitment to sustainability and focus on locally-sourced, organic ingredients. Please note that not all restaurants are open every night, reservations may be required and appropriate attire is requested. After dinner, the stylish Carabela piano bar is the perfect place to end the evening with your favourite tipple, whilst on Sundays, the terrace becomes a popular meeting place for the hotel's regular Jazz Brunch (booking required).

Whether you wish to combine a few nights in Las Palmas with a stay elsewhere on the island, or intend to base yourself in the city for the whole of your holiday, it would be hard to think of a more comfortable base than the Santa Catalina.