Gran Canaria Princess Hotel

The Gran Canaria Princess is not a 4 star hotel. It barely rates a 3. We were sold a Platinum Holiday by Thomsons. The hotel was past its best in the early 90's.
One socket was hidden behind the fridge in the brightly coloured 80's style bedroom, chrome had long gone from the taps in the dull bottle green bathroom.
We asked for a quite room at the time of booking. We were given a room next to the main road and the loading bay for the delivery trucks.
The walls are so thin, the guy next door almost blew them down with his snoring - and kept us awake the whole week.
Three very small coffin like lifts, usually only two of them working, serving 500 guests.
The dinning room always had a long line of guests waiting for a table, very much like school dinners! The food was ok if you liked Pork and Veal.
The hotel was very clean and the staff friendly enough. Do not book this hotel if you do not like hiking, it is at the top of a very steep hill.

Upon arrival hotel looked great, reception area clean and bright it took a while for us to be allocated our rooms but to be fair it was busy. Lifts are small and it can take awhile for them to arrive. Our room was lovely very clean and the bathroom very clean too.
Pool area immaculate. Dining room very busy but very much under control the waiters, were watching all the time and tables were cleaned as soon as we finished eating. Entertainment on a couple of occasions excellent especially the tribute to the tramps. Drinks are more expensive at the hotel but there are bars serving much cheaper drinks close to hotel.
Piano bar in hotel is very pleasant to sit and relax in. And thanks to the holiday reps we did manage to avoid being pestered on and around the beach. All in all a very enjoyable holiday.

The swimming pool at this resort is great - But mind bumping your head when you swim under the bridges!
The drinks at this hotel are overpriced! Try the bars round the corner 'maccas' or 'big bens' where you can get a pint for a euro!
The food at the hotel was of a good quality, but vegetarian food was not clearly marked, and there was sometimes a very limited choice! Also the waiters can be a little slow in taking your money for your drinks!
The evening entertainment is quite good with numerous shows of a good quality, but the mini-disco at half eight is so frustrating! Same songs over and over again every night! Also the so called 'live bands' were miming and you could not even hear some of them!
The rooms were nice and cleaned well every day with clean towels. Very limited TV channels on the TV though, there is only so much BBC World you can watch! Plenty of German channels though!

The holiday was booked to celebrate my 30th birthday and I traveled with 3 friends, my first impression of the hotel was very good. Nice clean, bright reception area (even though it was 2.30 am) check in was very quick and we were in our rooms in no time.
The rooms where very nice and had great air conditioning if the balcony door was closed properly. The only downside of the rooms was the lack of plug sockets. The only one being in the bathroom unless you unplugged the TV or fridge, which you had to pay for. Not what you expect from a 4 star hotel. The breakfast was ok but did cater more for the German market evening meals where nice the staff in the restaurant however where a bit abrupt.
We did 3 trips one to the black and red casino which was ok. One to the capital which was not. If you are going don’t take the trip offered by the reps get a taxi it will be cheaper and the last was a VIP cruise this was worth every penny the best boat trip any off us had ever been on. the resort was nice, another must is cafe la belle in the Yumbo centre, wont spoil it by saying too much but get there early and sit at a table (we went about 4 times in a week it really is a must).
Overall the hotel was ok only real concern was the lifts as there are only 3 and they are small so ask for a low floor if you have trouble walking.
The biggest problem of all was the flight home it was delayed for 13 hours the reps where no help in the end we paid to get home on our own.
Would definitely go back to the resort and maybe even the hotel as its so central but would not book with Thomsons again as I think the reps where just after you booking a trip and they did not want to help or seem interested in helping at the airport.

What a great holiday.
First impressions of the hotel were good nice bright reception area with very nice, smart friendly staff and they were there 24 hours a day. Didn't think you should have to pay for the use of the fridge, safe etc but needs must. The rooms were large and airy and very clean. The bathroom was very clean too and the towels changed every day. The piano bar was my favourite (especially happy hour 5-6pm) the staff in the piano bar were great and very friendly. Mario the piano player was gorgeous, and most of the other players were very good too.
The restaurant was very good and the food was excellent with lots of choice (I am known to be a fussy eater), but I always found something I liked. Wasn't too keen to begin with the staff they weren't very friendly but they soon starting smiling and being friendly after a couple of days!!
My daughter who is 12 made lots of friends and I hardly saw much of her she was always in the pool or on the internet with the other children. The pool was fantastic but there was the usual struggle for the sun beds each morning at 8am so no lie-ins for us!!
The only thing I would say is that the hotel could do with a bit of refurb things were starting to look a bit tired. I also wouldn't class it as a Platinum hotel more like a 3 star really, but I would most definitely go back again.
Enjoy

When we arrived at the Gran Canaria princess and walked through the doors me and my partner thought it was absolutely lovely. The lighting was perfect and there was so much marble but it was very nice.
Reception - The men at reception were always helpful, and very kind, and always well presented, which was good to see.
Rooms - When we arrived in our room we didn’t know how to get the lights on, it was only till about an hour later we realised that we had to put our door card in the slot thingy behind the door. But once the lights were on the room was great. I don't understand why they don't give double beds in hotels. There wasn’t enough plug sockets and the wiring is a bit dodgy. The room was always cleaned and cleaned very good.
Bathroom - The bathroom was lovely all black and white marble, always clean and towels were always changed which was really good.
We were on the 6th floor and had a nice view of the pool, tennis courts and the football area.
Facilities - Me and my partner were disappointed with the facilities because we didn't know you had to pay for ping pong and to play tennis which we thought were free. Also the air hockey machine is open all hours and all you can hear is it being whacked back and for but we did tell reception and then they did switch it off. All the facilities shut at 10. Mini golf was a lot of fun, also well kept well.
Entertainment - We only stayed for one night of entertainment and it wasn't very good but everyone is different.
Restaurant - The restaurant was nice I though it would be a bit different, the waiters were really nice we had to queue once and that was only for 5 minutes.
Food - The first day we had breakfast the food was cold and the fried eggs wasn't cooked long enough because the white of the egg had a lot of the clear slimy stuff which put us off. But after that the dinner and the breakfasts for the rest of the 2 weeks were absolutely to die for you must have the duck in the orange sauce lovely!
Overall the Gran Canaria princess is a nice hotel, but we don't think it should be a platinum hotel compared to the other platinum hotels. Also me and my partner and another couple we went with are in our 20's and don't think it is for the younger people. The situation of the hotel is great only about a 15 minute walk to the good bars and clubs. The Irish bar is a good and cheap bar to go to, you will be paying a lot of money if you go to the clubs. The beaches are lovely and night life is good.
All though it was a good holiday I don't think we will be going back to the Gran Canaria princess.

I found the princess to be a great place to stay. The restaurant was fab and plenty to choose from on the menu! We stayed half board and even if we stayed full board I would have been happy as the food was gorgeous, waiter service excellent!
The entertainment in the evening varied from parrot shows to cabaret to fashion shows but entertaining and very good! Maid service was brilliant we were a group of 2 girls and left a mess and they always tidied up!
Playa de ingles itself is ok, but beware of people trying to sell you things drag you into clubs and restaurants! Beach is nice and lots of sun beds.

My husband & I have been to this hotel many, many times over the last 13 years.
We love the familiar friendly staff, the fabulous swimming pool and the totally relaxed atmosphere in the hotel, especially the "piano bar" where it's good to have a bit of a banter with the waiters, (and no, we're not OAP's). The pianist/sax player is really good too.
We didn't use the outside evening entertainment as we preferred the comfortable seating in the piano bar but each to one's own taste.
We never had to queue once for meals and always found the food to be ok. We really enjoyed the smoked salmon, salads, king prawns, various hot soups, fresh strawberries.
You could even have champagne at breakfast if you wanted!
Over the years we have noticed some changes (some good, some not so good) but the one thing I have to say is.
We don't really think it should be a platinum hotel anymore and we may not be returning, due to the resort areas not being as clean as they used to be. We didn't really appreciate walking to the beach one morning and seeing the remains of someone's vomit all over the pavement, yuk!
Also, be very wary of the "foreign looking" group of women trying to sell you a bracelet. Not to be trusted we heard.
We got a taxi to the platinum Maspalomas Princess hotel one evening just for a change. It looks far superior to the Gran Canaria Princess inside and out. The pool area is amazing and the whole place was immaculate. Didn't seem quite so friendly though.
All in all though, the Gran Canaria hotel itself is great and it is also brilliant for wheelchair users. We would recommend it but maybe next holiday we'll try somewhere different.
Happy Holidays!

Well what can I say except fantastic.
This was a great holiday had by all me and my family! I've been doing platinum hotels now for many years and although this wasn’t the best platinum hotel I’ve stayed in neither does its rating of 4t give you that impression!
Everything about the hotel from food through to entertainment everything absolutely great.
I also felt the need to mention the reps which an earlier reviewer did and said they weren’t very helpful I wonder if they've changed the reps here now but the reps we had were very courteous and very, very knowledgeable the welcome meeting very informative and a good giggle with Abbie and Craig.
I just felt the need to say that these guys and the third rep with them (who’s name I forgot sorry) work extremely hard and I’m sure most people will agree.
Many thanks Thomson great holiday had.

My first visit to Gran Canaria and although the overall holiday and hotel were excellent. The area of Playa Del Ingles I found less inviting.
The Gran Canaria princess is by far one of the best hotels I have stayed in. If you want a friendly relaxing atmosphere this is by the best hotel.
Location- The hotel is situated inland and about a 15 minute walk to the main beach. Alternatively you can get a taxi.
Reception- Very quick and efficient if you have any enquiries they are more than happy to help. Check in was very quick and they advised us on all extras we may have needed such as safety deposit box and late check out. Late check out however is only till 1800 hrs but they have a luggage room which is available.
Rooms. Very spacious and airy. All decor is very well co-ordinated. Complete with beds and table and chairs for room and balcony. Plenty of storage space for belongings although some compartments needed replacement or maintenance. Spare blankets and pillows provided. They were exceptionally clean and the maid service was excellent aswell as friendly. Often left chocolate treats after cleaning.
Bathroom- Clean and tidy complete with bath, power shower. Toilet and sink. Fluffy towels changed everyday. Also complimentary shampoo and shower gel
Balcony- Ours looked over the car park which was a shame however we didn’t pay any extras so can’t complain. Friends had room opposite mini golf course looking out the beach and surrounding areas. However this side of the hotel in on the entertainment side so the noise can be heard until 2330 hrs.
Restaurant- Very well presented and clean. Waiter service excellent and welcoming. Don't forget to where your long trousers guys as they will ask you to change. Waiting time for tables quick. We waited no more than 5 mins. However we were eating at the later times.
Food- More than enough to choose from even for the fussiest eaters. You will never go hungry in this hotel they cater for all needs. Fish, meats pastas and salads even banana wrapped in cheese and bacon which I have to say wasn’t too nice but if the choice is there you might aswell try it. You can make about 200 combinations out of the breakfast from fry ups, fruit cereal, croissants, pates and bread even pancakes are on offer. Tea and coffee not all that great but there are plenty of fruit juices to choose from.
Entertainment- They is plenty to be involved in however it was not all to my taste.
Piano bar- Even though this bar is catered for older people it still has a relaxing atmosphere and is very pristine in appearance. Take advantage of the happy hour between 5pm and 6pm. Loads of cocktails, beers and spirits available however throughout the hotel the spirit and mixer drinks are expensive as there are charged at the two separate prices.
CoCo LoCo Bar- Very warm and welcoming invite. The waiters in this bar are nuts and very entertaining. I would have to say this is the best bar in the hotel particularly in the evening when you can just sit back and order your drinks with the waiters. This bar has a food menu in the afternoon if you want burgers, pizzas and chips ect. The food quality is very good and reasonably priced.
Pool bar- This is the most expensive of all the bars however I do believe it is just the convenience factor. You can take drinks to your sunbed which is great. Very good service.
The pool- This pool has been very well designed catering for all persons with all swimming abilities. There are about 4 different water depths however the pool is not all inter-connecting. Very Clean and tidy surroundings plenty of places to sunbathe and relax parasols ect.
Min- golf- Not expensive is a good laugh with a group of mates especially after a few drinks..
Overall this hotel is a 10 however I gave it a 9 through no fault of its own except they tour reps in this hotel were rather unhelpful in giving all info you were asking them. If you need a late check out get it booked as soon as you get there. If you are departing late make sure you find out when your last meal is included in the price because you may not be entitled to your evening meal on day of departure. Even though we asked the reps they still didn’t give us the correct information. This hotel is definitely a must it’s just a shame it’s located in Ingles.
Ingles is very intimidating in the respect that many touts try and drag you into bars and can be very rude. This is mainly in the commercial centres. NOTE like most places this place does not have a main strip it is spread out over the resort. Taxis fares are really cheap though and available in quantity.
Do be careful of street sellers and a particular group of women offering prays and garden string bracelets. They may appear friendly on meeting however this is a ploy to get you to pay for the bracelet and then when you refuse they become aggressive. If you want nights away from the hotel and don’t want to go to the commercial centres I recommend the beach
It has plenty of bars and restaurants still to cater for all ages.