Suite Princess Taurito Gran Canaria
Set in the south-west of the island, 4kms from Puerto de Mogan, the area feels rugged and rather remote. Taurito is almost an accidental resort, lacking in character or excitement. On the other hand, Puerto de Mogan, Gran Canaria’s most charming resort, is only a fifteen-minute cab ride away (8 euro). The hotel operates a free shuttle that leaves at 10am. This is not a hotel for party people, who will want to head into Puerto Rico or Playa del Ingles in the evening. Instead, for more mellow nightlife, the charming bars and restaurants of Puerto de Mogan make a romantic escape. Unless you are happy to bond with the hotel sun beds, then a car (or a cab service) is definitely needed, and would enrich your holiday experience.
Bedrooms
The suites are spacious, with marble bathrooms and grandiose views over the bay, towards Puerto de Mogan, or over the two pools. Sun can be an issue as the west-facing balconies rarely see the sun before 1pm. Even so, the higher the floor, the earlier you’ll see the sun. Suites such as 8009 boast charming sunset views of Puerto de Mogan, and the boats coming into the harbour.
Public areas
As with its sister hotel, first impressions are of a huge concrete box strapped onto the hillside in a resort with few redeeming features. The Princess looks like a stereotypical package holiday hotel, but the spacious suites provide some compensation for the clinical look of the public areas and main restaurant.
Eating and drinking
The all-inclusive option is the hotel’s selling point and satisfies most guests, even if the plentiful buffets tend to be blandly international, which most guests are happy with. A nice touch is the “lazybones breakfast” poolside between 10am and noon, which is a way of avoiding the crowds and the charmless, canteen-style main restaurant. There is very little choice for vegetarians, a concept not much understood on the island.
Leisure facilities
The pool terrace is pleasant enough, with two pools, one of which is heated, as well as functional fitness and massage areas. The volcanic, black sandy beach isn’t the most promising. Occasional storms, notably one last year, cause havoc, and have left the beach strewn with boulders. For more appealing beaches, head to Puerto Rico or Puerto de Mogan. I always enjoy the Friday market at Puerto de Mogan, where bargaining is definitely expected.
As for evening entertainment, expect pianists and tribute bands, which are better than others in the area. I recommend travelling down to Puerto Mogan for mellow entertainment (mostly sleepy bars and fish restaurants) or mooching around by the quaint marina. Alternatively, Puerto Rico nightlife ranges from the boisterous to the tacky (a cab costs around 12 euro).
Service
Service is generally pretty good, from the bar staff to the entertainment team.
Who stays there
Couples looking for a relaxing, child-free holiday in the sun, and who don’t mind a black-sand beach. More adventurous couples prepared to explore the island by car.
Price advice
As in most of Gran Canaria, winter season rates (October-April) are higher. Consider opting for the all-inclusive upgrade, which is good value. It includes fruit and drinks in your suite, as well as wine at dinner, and sun-beds on your balcony. Internet charges are fairly hefty.
Amenities
- High-Speed Internet
- Restaurant
- Room Service
- Swimming Pool
Recommended for
- Couples
- Mature travellers
- Seasoned travellers
- Sporty types
- Great views / scenery
- Relaxation
- Chilling out
