Cala Blanca by Diamond Resorts

Cala Blanca draws couples and families looking for a deal who don't mind being off the beach and want a hotel with a classic Mediterranean vibe. The property's six stories of tiered white balconies, trimmed in blue and set against a mountainside backdrop, certainly delivers the setting they seek. Common spaces are limited, and this timeshare property feels a bit more like an apartment complex than a hotel. The expansive outdoor terrace is the property's main feature and most popular spot, where guests relax on sun loungers by the pool, and play ping-pong or tennis. 

The hotel sits on a mountainside overlooking the ocean and the Lago Taurito water park below. The water park houses a complex of affiliated hotels, and there are several others along the road and beachfront, but the area is devoid of restaurants, bars, or shops within easy walking distance. A 14-minute walk to a bus stop can take guests to Mogan, Puerto de Mogan, Puerto Rico and other towns and attractions in Gran Canaria. Puerto Rico is a 10-minute drive away, and offers an array of restaurants, bars, and clubs. Puerto de Mogan, also a 10-minute drive, is quieter, with just a small marina, a few casual dining options, and some shops. It's about 20 minutes by car to Maspalomas. The airport is a 35-minute drive away.  

There's no question that guest rooms at this hotel are dated, but they offer a ton of amenities for a comfortable stay. Expect simple white furniture and decor accented with a melange of blues, from cornflower to cobalt. All units have furnished balconies with loungers and shade umbrellas, and kitchens with full-size fridges, ovens, electric stovetops, microwaves, toasters, coffeemakers, and dishwashers. Countertop space is limited, and the sinks are tiny, but the cabinets are stocked with cookware and dishes. Bedrooms have double or twin beds, and living areas have sofa beds and coffee tables, with space for dining tables and four chairs. Flat-screen TVs and iPod docks come standard, but Wi-Fi is an extra fee. The tiled bathrooms are basic but tidy, with shower/tub combos with handheld showerheads, hairdryers, and toiletries. One- or two-bedroom apartments are available.

The property has a solid crop of features, including an expansive sundeck that overlooks the valley below and the ocean in the distance. There's a pool with loungers packed around it, and an outdoor lounge with comfortable seating. For dining, the poolside bar and restaurant has seating on an outdoor terrace, serving international cuisine with some local dishes. The restaurant also hosts regular barbecue nights, and there's a daily happy hour.

Other amenities include an outdoor play area with slides and swings, two pool tables, and a ping-pong table. There's also an outdoor tennis court. Indoors, a small fitness room has a few cardio and weight training machines, plus a sauna, but there's a fee for Wi-Fi, and on-site parking is limited. All-inclusive rates are available, and while the sales team heavily pitches the timeshares, guests aren't required to attend presentations or tours.