The hype
Guests love the modern rooms and the spa, but the buffet food gets repetitive and the pool area can feel overcrowded.
Gloria Palace San Agustin Thalasso & Hotel
$150-250/ night
Book this if You want a massive wellness resort experience with one of Europe's largest thalassotherapy centers, and you don't mind being up a steep hill for the killer views.
Why People Love It
- The colossal 7,000m² Thalasso center is the main event (even if it costs extra)
- Gorbea Restaurant on the 9th floor offers arguably the best views in San Agustin
- Adults-only rooftop pool provides a quiet escape from the busy main pool decks
Quick Take: It’s a hulking 90s-era cruise ship on land that’s been nicely renovated, but you’ll be fighting the 'towel mafia' for sunbeds by 8am.
Reviewed by @Miajbowen: I loved how modern and fresh this room felt. Waking up to that ocean view and spending the afternoon by the massive pool was exactly the recharge I needed. Plus, the bathroom is huge with great lighting!
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You will hear your neighbors. Soundproofing between rooms and from the hallway is frequently cited as a weak point.
- You are a spa junkie who plans to spend half your trip in saltwater pools
- You want a self-contained resort where you don't *have* to leave for dinner
- You appreciate a 'no-kids' zone (the rooftop) within a family hotel
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Generally reliable daily service, though reviews occasionally mention rushed jobs or missed balcony sweeping.
- Bathroom hygiene: Modernized bathrooms are clean; grout is usually white, but drain smells can occur on lower floors.
- Maintenance: Renovated rooms feel fresh, but common areas (hallways, elevators) show some scuffs and age.
- Linens & towels: Standard 4-star quality; clean but not luxurious. Pool towels can be a bit threadbare.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells fresh; occasional sewage whiffs in outdoor garden areas (common in the region).
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Hallway echoes and connecting doors
- Evening entertainment music (until ~11pm)
- Housekeeping carts in the morning
Before you book
Good to know
- Men must wear long trousers for dinner in the main buffet restaurant (strictly enforced)
- The free beach shuttle runs frequently to Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas if you don't want to walk
- Booking directly on their website often includes one free 'Thalasso' session or rooftop access
What to pack
- Pool slides/flip-flops (essential for the spa circuit)
- European power adapter (Type C/F)
- Earplugs for sleeping
Room Genie
Best picks
- Junior Suites on the 9th floor for the best ocean views and least overhead noise
- Block B, high floors (7+) for distance from the noisy main pool/kids club
Rooms to avoid
- Room 2114 (and surrounding) – cited as noisy due to proximity to the kids' area
- Low floor rooms facing the pool bar (loud music during aqua gym and evening shows)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am requesting a room on the highest possible floor (Level 7-9) in Block B, specifically away from the kids' club and main pool speakers. A quiet location is my top priority.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the Thalasso pool included for free?
No. Unless you have a specific package or room type, it costs approx. €24 for a 2-hour circuit. It is NOT part of the standard All-Inclusive.
Is the rooftop pool adults-only?
Yes, the 'Chill Out' terrace and pool are for ages 16+, but access often carries an extra fee or requires a drink purchase/reservation.
How far is the beach?
It's about 600m away, but it's down a steep hill with stairs. The walk back up is a workout; most guests use the free hotel shuttle.
Is there free parking?
Yes, there is free private parking on-site, which is a huge rarity and bonus for Gran Canaria.
Is the wifi good enough for work?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel and generally reliable enough for video calls.
Are there cockroaches?
Yes, you will likely see them in outdoor garden areas at night. It's a Canary Islands reality, not necessarily a hygiene failure, but can be startling.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Gorbea' restaurant has a separate elevator accessible from the street – you don't need to walk through the whole hotel.
- ✨
If you miss the lunch buffet, the snack bar by the pool serves decent burgers and hot dogs, but watch out for the birds.
- ✨
There is a 'nudist terrace' area if you want an all-over tan, tucked away for privacy.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'All Inclusive' drinks menu has a 'Premium' tier; standard AI gets you local spirits, not international brands.
💡The elevators can be painfully slow during peak meal times – take the stairs if you're on a lower floor.
💡The indoor Thalasso pool is saltwater and heated to 33°C (91°F), which can feel too warm for actual swimming but perfect for soaking.
💡You have to pay a deposit for pool towels, and changing them costs a euro or requires a specific token system.
💡The air conditioning in rooms is centrally controlled and can struggle to get 'ice cold' during heatwaves.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Gloria Palace San Agustin Thalasso & Hotel is located and what's nearby.