Santa Catalina is the city splurge. The building dates to the late nineteenth century and was rebuilt in English colonial style, a landmark of Las Palmas that has hosted film stars and travellers for generations. Barceló renovated it and reopened it in 2019 as a five-star Royal Hideaway hotel with 204 rooms, a wellness area with a hydrotherapy circuit and massages, and Michelin-starred fine dining, while the Muxgo restaurant holds a Michelin Green Star. It stands in the Ciudad Jardín district beside Doramas Park, about three kilometres from Las Canteras beach, and the hotel lists three swimming pools, with a rooftop pool area giving views over the city. The spa has a minimum age of eighteen.
Location and getting around
The hotel is at Calle León y Castillo 227 in Ciudad Jardín, a leafy residential district next to Doramas Park. Las Canteras beach is about three kilometres away, Vegueta is a short taxi ride, and the airport is about twenty-three kilometres. Taxis are plentiful, and buses run along the main roads.
The rooms
The hotel offers Deluxe and Deluxe Superior rooms, Family Deluxe rooms, Junior Suites, suites and a Presidential Suite, with classic décor in keeping with the colonial building. Rates start from a mid-to-high price level for a Deluxe room, rising for the suites, so check current prices, especially in November, when winter-sun demand is high.
Who it suits
Couples, food lovers and travellers who want a historic, quiet base in the capital with a spa, rather than a beach-resort stay. It is a good base for Vegueta, the aquarium and Las Canteras by taxi.
Good to know
The spa costs extra for most guests, and the minimum age is eighteen. Parking is available for a daily fee, and there is an electric-car charging station. Check the room types and rates for your dates, because prices rise in the winter-sun season.
Why stay here
- ✓Historic colonial building next to Doramas Park
- ✓204 rooms and suites
- ✓Michelin-starred fine dining
- ✓Spa with hydrotherapy circuit
- ✓Pools including a rooftop pool area
- ✓Hot tub
- ✓Free WiFi and 24-hour gym
- ✓Electric car charging
Good questions
Is Santa Catalina near the beach?+
It is in the Ciudad Jardín district, about three kilometres from Las Canteras beach, so a taxi or bus ride is needed. The hotel suits a city stay more than a beach stay.
Does Santa Catalina have a spa?+
Yes, the wellness area offers massages, facials and a hydrotherapy circuit, with a minimum age of eighteen. Spa access costs extra for most guests, so ask when booking.
Is Santa Catalina a good base in November?+
Yes, it is a comfortable city base in the winter-sun season, with a spa, pools and dining on site. Book ahead, because November is high season.
