Hotel Review: Hotel Cordial Puerto de Mogán Playa, Gran Canaria

The cleverly designed Hotel Cordial Mogán Playa occupies an extraordinary setting in the volcanic rocks of Gran Canaria.  A stroll through shady caves and grottoes, a table by a trilling stream that is lined with exotic flowers plus a fizzing glass of sparkling wine is an exhilarating start to each day here.

Botanical gardens surround the small blocks of rooms and suites that encircle a central building that houses the reception areas, the main restaurant, Tamarona, the Bandama Lobby Bar and the Fataga Disco Bar.

During the day different areas of the exotic central atrium are bathed in the colours of the stained glass dome above it. Central features of the beautiful grounds outside two large lagoon-shaped swimming pools.

Beyond these pools are pockets of peace surrounded by the delicate blooms and majestic cacti in the botanic gardens. Here you can be as private or gregarious as you choose. Activities for adults and children are organised throughout the day.

But for those who prefer a gentle stroll along the wide, tree-lined promenade that passes by the hotel and leads into the centre of Puerto de Mogán. This Canarian fishing village is also known as Little Venice due to the little canals that flow through the traditional white houses along the seafront and down to the sea.

More energetic guests may prefer a walk through the Neolithic archaeological site, Las Crucecitas, which forms part of the complex.

A well-constructed path winds its way up to a viewpoint and then down to the village for a welcome drink in one of the many cafés that line the marina.

Who For

This hotel is suitable for young and old, families, couples and singles, explorers, walkers, poolside loungers, spa frequenters and lovers of water sports

Accommodation

There are nearly 500 rooms scattered around the site in small blocks. They include single rooms, double rooms, family rooms, suites and a honeymoon suite. The clever design, by a renowned architect, makes it seem much fewer. Some of these blocks are linked to each other by walkways and all are clustered around water features and exotic gardens.

The décor of the rooms and suites is bright and simple and with en suite facilities. Also included are a flat-screen television, telephone, fridge, tea and coffee-making facilities and free WiFi.

All the rooms overlook one of the swimming pools or the gardens. On the higher floors, the rooms have views of the surrounding volcanic hills. They all have a private balcony or terrace.

Facilities

The Inagua Spa is a new concept of well-being and relaxation and offers exclusive treatments based on self-discovery through the power of the elements.

Facilities, inside and in the garden, include a dynamic pool, bubble beds, Hammam, Sauna theme showers, Helarium sensation shower, nebulized corridor, Jacuzzi Balinese beds and treatment cabins. Charges apply here.

Other facilities include two large outdoor pools, a fitness room, meeting rooms and a little library where afternoon tea (included) is served every day.

A daily programme of activities (for adults and children) includes fitness classes and guided tours of the hotel grounds and the botanic gardens.

Food and drink

There are four restaurants in this hotel. The main restaurant is the Tamarona Buffet Restaurant on the ground floor of the atrium in the main building.

The majority of the hotel guests have their breakfast and dinner here. Breakfast consists of a choice of juices, pastries, cheese, meats, fruit, fresh omelettes and full English breakfast options. Smoked salmon, the ideal accompaniment for sparkling wine, is also on offer.

Dinner (two sittings) features an extensive buffet with themed evenings and freshly cooked meat, fish and pasta. The main dining area surrounds the islands of buffet food. And there are pockets of small dining areas, some outside in the atrium gardens nestling around streams, pools, waterfalls and clusters of exotic blooms.

Also in the main building is the exclusive, Michelin-starred Los Guayres Fine Dining Restaurant which serves an excellent mixture of both new and traditional Canarian dishes. Two pool bars, La Fula by the north pool and La Sama by the south pool serve drinks and snacks throughout the day.

La Fula serves lunch in its a la carte restaurant and the breakfast restaurant in La Sama is available to guests staying in the suites. In the evenings, guests can relax in the stunning Bandama Lobby Bar in the main building or enjoy the music in the Fataga Disco Bar on the ground floor of this building. Afternoon tea (included) is served in The Library every day.

How Much

Prices for individual bookings start around €184 per night for a double room on a bed and breakfast basis (low season and special offers) however, it is probably easier, and cheaper to book through the tour operator Tui.

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What’s Nearby?

The hotel is linked to the golden beaches of Puerto de Mogán by a long, wide, tree-lined promenade. Every Friday this promenade is lined with the stalls of the biggest outdoor market on the island.

Its stalls stretch down to the town and along its harbour wall. It is one of the most popular attractions on the island of Gran Canaria. Hundreds of stalls offer a wide variety of goods from local fresh produce to clothing and artisan crafts.

Puerto de Mogán boasts some of the best beaches on the island, a marina and a pretty port. A good selection of water sports is available here and plenty of restaurants and bars overlooking the sea as well as independent shops.

Close to Puerto de Mogán, and connected by public transport, is the pretty village of Porto Rica that surrounds a sandy cove and a large marina. Water sports are also popular here. A short distance further along the coast are the famous dunes of Maspalomas. There is plenty to do if you can tear yourself away from your rocky paradise of Hotel Cordial Mogán Playa.

More info: GranCanaria.com

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