Seaside Grand Hotel Residencia

Seaside Grand Hotel Residencia: A Michelin Key Selected Oasis of Luxury in Gran Canaria

The Seaside Grand Hotel Residencia, a distinguished member of "The Leading Hotels of the World" and a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, establishing itself as a pinnacle of luxury and tranquility in Maspalomas, Gran Canaria. Guests frequently describe it as an "oasis of calm" and a "perfect getaway," highlighting its exceptional service, gourmet dining, and beautiful setting.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus is exceptionally high, with guests consistently rating it as "exceptional". Review scores on platforms like Booking.com show an outstanding 9.7 out of 10, with specific categories such as staff, cleanliness, and location scoring 9.8. The sentiment is one of profound satisfaction, with many guests expressing a strong desire to return and recommending it unreservedly. The hotel cultivates an atmosphere of understated luxury and relaxation, appealing to those seeking a peaceful escape.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of the Seaside Grand Hotel Residencia:

• Service & Staff: The "efficiency and friendliness" of the staff are frequently cited as a standout factor, with many describing them as "professional and friendly" and "amazing".
• Location: Its privileged position within a palm grove, just a few minutes' walk from the famous Maspalomas dunes and beach, is a significant draw. The hotel offers a serene environment away from the bustle, yet close enough to local attractions.
• Design & Ambiance: The hotel boasts a charming Spanish Colonial design with warm colors, handcrafted decor, and teak furniture, creating a cozy and elegant atmosphere. The beautifully kept tropical gardens further enhance the sense of an oasis.
• Amenities: Highlights include two heated outdoor pools with comfortable sun loungers, a well-equipped spa with a hydro-massage saltwater pool, sauna, Turkish bath, and various treatments. Guests also appreciate access to a gym and complimentary Taichi and aqua-gym classes at the neighboring sister hotel, Seaside Palm Beach. Free in-room Wi-Fi is also consistently mentioned as a valued amenity.

3. Room Quality

The 94 rooms and suites are described as "fantastic," "spacious," "clean," and "nicely furnished". They feature classic Spanish Colonial decor with charming touches like mosaic tiles, fresh flowers, and framed artwork. Rooms come with modern facilities such as satellite TV and free Wi-Fi, and most importantly, offer private balconies or terraces, often with garden views, some overlooking the Maspalomas sand dunes. Daily fresh fruit, water, and coffee machine capsules are provided, along with luxury toiletries. Superior Twin rooms may include a whirlpool bath.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Seaside Grand Hotel Residencia is consistently praised as "exceptional" and a "gourmet gastronomy" highlight.

• Seaside Restaurant: The main restaurant is renowned for its cuisine, offering authentic Canary Islands specialties, a wide range of international dishes, and carefully selected wines. Executive Chef Wolfgang Grobauer and his team are highly commended for the delicious gourmet dishes. It has received recommendations from Guía Repsol and been awarded 1 Sol.
• Breakfast: The "extensive and varied breakfast buffet" served on the restaurant terrace is a particular favorite, featuring fresh fruits, yogurts, juices, eggs, bacon, omelets, a selection of breads, pastries, and an impressive selection of cheeses.
• Dinner: Evening meals include lovingly designed à la carte menus, with barbecue buffets offered two evenings a week. There's also a "Cross-Dining option" at the neighboring Seaside Palm Beach, allowing guests to experience additional restaurants like the Italian "Il Giardino" or the gourmet tapas restaurant "La Bodega" for a small supplement.
• Pool Bar: The Pool Bar provides fresh tapas, tasty snacks, homemade cakes, and the popular "Seaside waffles" throughout the day.
• Piano Bar: For pre-dinner aperitifs or evening drinks, the elegant Piano Bar offers local and international cocktails, wines, cavas, and champagnes, often accompanied by live music.
• Dress Code: A dress code applies for dinner in the main restaurant, requiring an evening jacket and long trousers.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Seaside Grand Hotel Residencia is consistently highlighted as a major strength. Guests describe the staff as "brilliant," "professional and friendly," "helpful," "polite," and "service- and customer-oriented". They are commended for going "the extra mile to ensure guest satisfaction" and for dealing with requests immediately. The personalized service and attention to detail contribute to guests feeling "at home" and among friends in a private residence setting.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel enjoys a prime and peaceful location in Maspalomas, within a lush palm grove.

• Beach Access: It's only a few minutes' walk (200-300 meters) from the golden sands of Maspalomas beach and its famous sand dunes.
• Nearby Attractions: The Maspalomas lighthouse is just 550 meters away. The nearby Avenida de Meloneras offers exclusive boutiques, restaurants, and bars for a pleasant stroll. Meloneras Golf Course is approximately one mile (2 km) from the hotel. The hotel is also situated within easy reach of other resort centers like Playa del Ingles (5km) and is 38 km from the airport, with Las Palmas de Gran Canaria reachable in about 45 minutes by car for day trips. The hotel also offers bike hire and a round-trip airport shuttle (surcharge).

7. Value & Pricing

While the Seaside Grand Hotel Residencia is positioned as a luxury property, many guests feel it offers excellent value for the quality of the experience provided. Prices can vary significantly based on the season and room type. Recent searches show rates from around $376 on Kayak, with an average room price of $578 on Agoda, and specific dates starting at approximately $1,015 for a 1-night stay for 2 adults. Guests often comment that the hotel, service, and food are "worth of it" despite the higher price point, reflecting its "Gran Lujo" classification.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, a few minor points have been occasionally noted by guests:

• Noise Levels: One guest mentioned difficulty sleeping in their original room due to noise, though this was promptly resolved with an upgrade.
• Guest Age Demographic: Some younger guests have observed that the general age of the clientele tends to be older.
• Food Intolerances: One review mentioned that the hotel might not be ideal for those with severe food intolerances, though breakfast choices were still good.
• Sauna Etiquette: A minor complaint highlighted some guests not adhering to sauna etiquette, such as sitting without towels on wooden benches.
• Restaurant Seating: A very minor point mentioned was a desire for a little more structure when being directed to tables upon arrival at the restaurant.
• Coffee Aficionado's Preference: One coffee enthusiast expressed a personal desire for barista-made cappuccino with typical foam, noting it as a general shortage in Gran Canaria rather than a specific hotel failing.

Overall, the Seaside Grand Hotel Residencia stands out as a top-tier luxury hotel in Gran Canaria, consistently delivering an exceptional experience characterized by outstanding service, exquisite dining, and a serene, beautiful setting.

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