Playa del Inglés

Number of rooms: 91 apartments
Rate range: From €43 EUR (per room per night)
Owned/Managed by: Servatur Hotel Managment
Clientele:  Gay Friendly



The two bedroom, gay friendly Barbados Apartments in Playa del Ingles have been part of the Gran Canaria gay scene for so long that, very soon, we're going to have to give them a gold watch, full pension rights and a seat on the board. Mind you, it's no more than they deserve, given the number of satisfied gay holidaymakers who have passed through their doors since records began.

With their hard-to-beat location (only 100 metres or so from the Yumbo and about 15 minutes' walk to the nearest beach), comfortable furnishings and pocket-pleasing prices, the Barbados are without doubt a must-book choice for anyone looking for two bedroom accommodation close to the action and nightlife.

To start with, there's not a lot wrong with being just 100 metres or so from the Yumbo Centre and a 15 minute sashay from the nearest beach, and it's this irresistible combination of a premium location, decent facilities and easy-on-the-pocket prices which bring so many people back to the Barbados every year.

Anyway, we reckon that, unless you're expecting five star luxury in the West Indies, the Barbados offers superb value for money whether you're a couple of friends, a group or four or five, or in a relationship where you fall out a lot and end up sleeping in separate bedrooms.

General Facilities
The outstanding feature of these apartments is its two large swimming pools, fringed by tropical palms and loads of space for sunbathing, and it's here you'll find a poolside bar serving a great selection of local and international drinks as well as snacks. There's a cash machine on site, four lifts, internet access and a 24 hour reception service. Unusually, it's here at reception where you'll find your safety deposit box. Please do shell out the few Euros you need to hire one of these safes.

Room facilities
Each apartment at the Barbados sleeps up to five people, with two in each of the twin bedrooms and your resident gooseberry on the sofabed in the roomy living room, which also features a coin operated television with, let's face it, not the greatest choice of channels to choose from.

This living room is separated from a kitchenette by an American style breakfast bar and there are quite enough kitchen facilities for basic self catering requirements, including two halogen cooking rings, a kettle, a toaster and a fridge. Every apartment has its own bath or shower room and all proudly boast a balcony.

Maids come and clean five times a week, with towel and linen change happening twice a week.

• • Two bedroom apartments sleeping 1-5
• • Self catering
• • Gay friendly
• • Superb location
• • Fab value
• • Spacious accommodation
• • A bit straight in high season