Maspalomas, Lago Bungalows

Maspalomas lago is like a paradise in this world because there is quiet around and that is what I appreciate most. Also receptionists are WONDERFUL, helpful, polite, nice people. If you want you can travel on your own all around the island with public buses or a car.

ABSOLUTELY EXCELLENT!!!!

I went to Maspalomas Lago expecting the worst after reading the reviews. When I got there the rooms were good I suppose for the price but not great no microwave, no air conditioning and had to rent a fan which was 40 euros getting 10 back as a deposit which was too dear. You also had to pay for the TV and a kettle and nearly everything else.

I had read about the cockroaches and as I am terrified of them I was very worried but when we got there and didn't see any I thought great! We went out that night and had a good time and things were starting to look good but when we got back there were 2 massive roaches in our apartment so we went to the reception and they gave us spray for them. But it was our own fault for leaving the window open but when there's no air-conditioning and one fan between 3 what are you supposed to do! We used the spray and thankfully by not opening the doors or windows when we were away we didn't see many more (only one) so don't be too worried. But as Gran Canaria is near Africa if you don't like cockroaches just don't go there in general not just the maspalomas lago but the country as they are everywhere at night when you are walking home.

But if you get past the initial shock of cockroaches then Maspalomas has a lot to offer there's holiday world and the moonlight bar which has good daily entertainment and also faro 2 which has good shops and restaurants. You are also near Playa Del Ingles which has loads for everyone to do and also Aqualand and the beach.

At Maspalomas Lago the pool and sunbathing area was lovely there was a normal pool and then a heated, fresh water pool as well. Happy hour at the bar was from 4 to 5 and you got two of most things you ordered which was a plus!

All in all I enjoyed my stay in maspalomas but not in Maspalomas Lago I wouldn't really recommend it as the climate is too hot to not have air-conditioning so you should probably find somewhere that does and if you don't like cockroaches then don't go to Gran Canaria at all is my advice as running home at night worried about them ruins the holiday.

But if you happen to be a cockroach friendly, bad food loving (except for the chips which were nice) person who doesn't mind sweating and paying for things that you shouldn't have to pay for then maspalomas lago is the place for you. But if you are on a budget Maspalomas and playa del ingles make up for the disaster that was the accommodation and you will still enjoy your holiday as I did.

Going in January, I guess that you would expect an older, quieter crowd and that is what we got. Facilities in the room were adequate for boiling water for coffee and for making pasta meals. It was a 2 mile walk to the beach' going past similar, very pleasant complexes and a smart golf course. The reward for the walk was a superb beach and the smart resort of Meloneras. We headed there each day and explored the restaurants and the beach front. Some evenings we taxied back for around 3.5 Euros.The Faro 2 centre was tacky and expensive. Most people missed the delights of the huge civic market, in the opposite direction. Playa Del Ingles was a nightmare, but worth visiting once! It was a 20 minute walk up a steep hill, offering good views over the golf course and beyond. Hiring a car for the day and exploring the interior is a must, as is the walk from Meloneras to Play Del Ingles.We are not the types to hang around the pool all day, so the regular walk to the beach was very enjoyable. However, there is a free bus service available. We are already planning a return trip!

The Lago Bungalows site in Maspalomas is about 3 miles from the coast, in a purpose-built area of low-rise holiday complexes and private villas.

Located on a small access road which runs parallel with the main road. Road noise is not a problem, and the site is generally quiet.

White bungalows attractively set out like a little Spanish village. Each has a generous terrace and a small garden. Spacious inside but in need of refurbishment. Basic kitchen facilities with two-ring electric cooker, but no grill, oven, toaster or kettle. Good-sized fridge-freezer is very useful. Small but comfortable beds. Telephone and TV (limited range of channels).

There are three good pools in pleasant setting. Clean, clear water. Plenty of sunbeds, all in good condition.

The restaurant is simple and serves safe but repetitive food. There is a small bar serving reasonably-priced drinks and a limited range of bar food. Staff at reception and the other facilities vary. Some are pleasant and helpful. Others are surly and barely able or willing to carry out their jobs.

The site is very secure with just a single entrance, which is observed directly by reception at all times. There is a high fence around the entire site.

Not all of the bungalows are used by the large tour operators. During weekends and Spanish holiday periods like Easter, the complex is used by unsophisticated Spanish visitors, many of whom can be noisy and disruptive.

There is a regular free bus service to the beach. This is useful, but it is shared with other hotels, and the bus can become very full. The drop-off point is near the nature reserve and sand dunes. The dunes are well worth a visit. Avoid the timeshare touts that gather on the main routes through the resort near the sea-front.

Nearby to Maspalomas Lago there is a shopping centre called Faro 2. This is convenient but very expensive. There is an alternative centre found by walking East of the complex, which is smaller but reasonably priced.

Bottled water at a fair price can be purchased from reception. This saves lots of carrying.

Free use of small gym, table-tennis and mini-gold. Small children's playground.

A good bus service is available nearby on the main road, with routes to Playa del Ingles and all nearby attractions.

In easy walking distance is Holiday World, with a small but entertaining newly-built fairground, bowling alley and other activities.

English visitors be alert to short-changing in shops and on buses. It is common to find that change given is one or two euros short.