Gran Canaria's HOTTEST Hostel: Alcaravaneras Awaits!
Alcaravaneras Awaits! - Gran Canaria's Hottest Hostel? Let's Get Real. (And Review!)
Alright, alright, alright! You're thinking Gran Canaria, sunshine, beaches, maybe a little too much sun, maybe a little too much sangria… and a place to crash. You've heard the whispers, the Instagram hype, the maybe-too-slick marketing about "Alcaravaneras Awaits!" Well, buckle up, buttercup, because here’s the REAL deal, unfiltered and hopefully helpful, based on my recent stay. I’m talking everything from the ridiculously good coffee to the… well, let’s just say the "fitness center" wasn't exactly a gold-plated gym.
First Impressions: The Hype vs. Reality
The website promises paradise, and the photos are gorgeous. Bright, breezy, all those Instagram-worthy angles. The Alcaravaneras area itself is fantastic! Close to the beach, the bars, the hustle and bustle, but still, y'know… accessible to public transport if you need it and you don't fancy that walk (more on Accessibility later). They’re totally cashing in on the tourist vibe! My initial reaction was… okay. It’s clean. It’s stylish. But hottest? We'll see. I'm a sucker for a good Wi-Fi [free] situation, and I need my Internet access – wireless to stay connected to the real world (and keep up with my Insta-stories!).
Rooms: The Good, the Slightly Less Good
Let's be honest, you're not expecting the Ritz in a hostel. I booked a private room (because, let's be real, sometimes you just need your own space!). The room was… perfectly fine. Air conditioning was a godsend because that Canarian sun is no joke. My room boasted a seating area, perfect for sprawling out and enjoying a complimentary tea while I sorted out my travel plans. The bed was comfy enough, although I'm not sure the extra long bed was actually extra long like I'd expected (my feet still touched the end!). And the shower? Good pressure, always a win. The window that opens was great for fresh air! The blackout curtains were essential for sleeping in after a late night out.
Now, for the nit-picky stuff:
- The mirror was a bit far from the light for putting on makeup. First world problems, I know.
- They do offer room sanitization opt-out available, which is great for the environmentally conscious. But honestly, after a long day out, do I really care if they sanitize the room? I’d rather just have a comfy bed.
- I appreciated having towels, but the bathrobes felt a little… unnecessary?
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventures
Okay, this is where Alcaravaneras really shines. The breakfast [buffet] was impressive, and honestly, I ended up having it every day. The Asian breakfast options were a revelation if the standard Western breakfast fare wasn't your thing. They also do an amazing coffee/tea in restaurant (I’m talking seriously good coffee. Seriously). The snack bar was a life-saver for those post-beach hunger pangs, and the poolside bar? Perfect for a chilled-out evening cocktail. I can definitely see why this is the place to be.
Honestly, the happy hour was probably my favourite. It's simple, it's effective. If you're looking for a fancier meal, the Restaurants offer a fairly good variety of dishes. Honestly, the International cuisine in restaurant was much better than expected. They even had an okay vegetarian restaurant option which was a welcome change.
Things to Do (and Ways to Relax): The Sweat Sessions & Spa Days
Right, the "fitness centre". Let's just say "compact" is an understatement. It had the basics, but don't expect a fully-equipped gym. If you are planning a serious fitness regime, this place is probably not for you. I mean they have a Gym/fitness and facilities, but honestly, I did not want to spend a single second indoors, why would you? Especially when you have a Swimming pool [outdoor] and Pool with view.
It's all about relaxing, right? The Spa/sauna seemed nice, although I didn't have a chance to get involved. The massage was tempting, I’ll be honest. A Body scrub or Body wrap while on vacation sounds amazing.
If you fancy something more adventurous, I did not see anything about things to do that wasn't a beach, but I didn't really ask.
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Safe and Sound
This is where Alcaravaneras really stood out. In a post-pandemic world, these things are crucial. The Anti-viral cleaning products and the daily disinfection in common areas made me feel super safe. They really nailed the Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, they had hand sanitizer everywhere, and all the staff had been properly trained in safety protocol. They even have a Doctor/nurse on call… which I didn't need (thank goodness!).
Staff & Service: The Human Touch
The staff were generally lovely. Friendly, helpful, spoke decent English. I specifically asked about a couple's room and they were very understanding. I was impressed! They make an effort to make the Check-in/out [express] process swift to minimise contact, or you can opt for the Check-in/out [private]. They had concierge service which was super helpful.
Accessibility & Conveniences
I didn't personally need to use the facilities for disabled guests. However, the website mentions they do have these with a lift to access the Elevator. They also have the basic needs, like a convenience store, cash withdrawal, Luggage storage and Laundry service. Also the Facilities which made my job easier when I was working on my laptop.
Verdict: Is Alcaravaneras Awaits! REALLY the Hottest?
Look, no place is perfect. The "fitness center" could be better, the robes are a little OTT, and the Instagram vibe can sometimes be a bit… much. But overall? Yeah. Alcaravaneras Awaits! delivers. Clean rooms, fantastic food, an amazing atmosphere, and a staff who genuinely seem to care. It's a great base for exploring Gran Canaria, and a perfect spot to chill out after a day on the beach.
My Honest Recommendation:
If you're looking for a stylish, well-located hostel with a lively atmosphere and killer breakfasts, then heck yes! Book it! But don't go expecting 5-star luxury. Expect a good time, a friendly vibe, and a serious bang for your buck.
BUT WAIT! There's More! (My Crazy Good Offer!)
Are you ready to experience Gran Canaria at its best? Book your stay at Alcaravaneras Awaits! now, and I'll throw in a free guide to the best secret beaches! PLUS, if you book a private room, you get a coupon for a free cocktail poolside!
Click here to book now and start planning your dream Gran Canaria getaway!>> [Insert link here!]
(Don't forget to use the code "ALCARAVANERASROCKS" at checkout for an extra 10% off!)
Luxury 2BR Sudirman Suites Bandung: Your Dream Apartment Awaits!
Alcaravaneras Hostel: A Gran Canarian Rollercoaster (Probably With Seaweed)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average itinerary. This is my itinerary, and it’s going to be messy, opinionated, and probably involve me losing my sunglasses. Prepare yourselves.
Day 1: Arrival (and the Great Towel Debacle)
- 8:00 AM (ish): Wake up. Still can't believe I'm actually IN Gran Canaria. Booked this trip on a whim, fueled by cheap flights and a desperate need for sunshine. Praying the hostel isn't a total dump.
- 9:00 AM: Land at Gran Canaria Airport. The air is… different. Warmer, saltier. Makes me instantly crave a cold beer. (Spoiler alert: I will have many.)
- 10:00 AM: Find the bus to Las Palmas. Already sweating. I’m fairly sure I’ve forgotten how to function in a climate that isn’t perpetually overcast. The bus driver gives me a look that says, "Yeah, another pasty tourist." I embrace it.
- 11:00 AM: Arrive at Alcaravaneras Hostel. First impressions: Clean, bright, and… alarmingly close to the beach! Score. The reception guy is a bit… spacey, but friendly. Check-in is smooth, thankfully.
- 11:30 AM: The Towel Incident. Okay, so where's the towel? Or… any linen, for that matter? Apparently, "Bring your own" is the hostel motto. Cue panic. I'd envisioned lounging on the beach, not frantically searching for something to dry myself with.
- 12:00 PM: Scramble to the nearest supermarket (mercifully, there’s one nearby). Buy the fluffiest (and most ridiculously oversized) beach towel I can find. Consider it a small victory. This will become my flag of triumph.
- 1:00 PM: Wander to Playa de las Alcaravaneras. The sand. The sea. The… slightly murky water. Okay, it’s not perfect, but the sun is beating down, and I'm finally starting to relax.
- 2:00 PM: Lunch. Find a local place for some tapas. Delicious, cheap, and I practically inhale the patatas bravas. I swear, the potatoes here are in another league entirely.
- 3:00 PM: Beach time! Soak up some sun, attempt (and fail) to learn how to body surf. End up swallowing half the ocean. Regret nothing.
- 6:00 PM: Shower (thank god for the massive towel). Get ready for a wander around the city and perhaps try to find some local food.
- 7:00 PM: More wandering. Getting lost on purpose. Discover a hidden square with a charming little cafe. Order a beer (obviously) and watch the locals. Try to decipher their conversations. Fail spectacularly.
- 8:30 PM: Dinner at a restaurant I find through Yelp. It's good. Really, really good. But what's even better is that I manage to accidentally spill red wine down my own white shirt. At least I won't stand out in the sea of tourists now.
- 10:00 PM: Back to the hostel. Chat with some other travelers. The people in my dorm seem nice. One guy is from Australia, and seems utterly unfazed by the lack of his own towel, which I now realize is the ultimate flex.
- 11:00 PM: Attempt (and ultimately fail) to read a book. The salt air, the beer, and the general feeling of blissful exhaustion conspire against me. Collapse into bed.
Day 2: Exploring the City & the Great Volcano Adventure (Maybe)
- 8:00 AM: Wake up to the sound of the waves. Incredible. Also: I'm sore. All that swimming yesterday clearly did a number on me. Coffee is paramount.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the hostel. Decent enough. Actually, quite good, given the price!
- 10:00 AM: Explore Las Palmas! Wander through the Vegueta district. Admire the architecture. Get hopelessly lost in the winding streets. Love it.
- 12:00 PM: Visit the Casa de Colón (Christopher Columbus House). Interesting, historical, and surprisingly air-conditioned. A welcome break from the relentless sunshine.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at… another tapas place. Seriously, I could eat them all day. This time, I manage to avoid spilling anything on myself, which is a major win.
- 2:00 PM: The Volcano Dilemma. Alright, so I’d planned to climb to a volcano today (or visit one, at least). But the thought of more climbing, more sun, and more… effort… is making me question all my life choices. Tempted to just hit the beach again. Decisions, decisions…
- 2:30 PM: Screw it, I'm going to the beach.
- 3:00 PM: MORE beach time!! (I'm starting to think I might never leave.)
- 5:00 PM: Discover a local gelateria. Obviously, I must try every flavor.
- 6:00 PM: Attempt to find some sort of local event. Live music? Street performers? Anything to avoid the dreaded tourist traps!
- 7:00 PM: Score! Find a little square with a musician playing guitar. He’s… not the greatest, but the atmosphere is perfect. I even manage to understand a few of the lyrics.
- 8:00 PM: Dinner. Simple, delicious, and accompanied by a glass of local wine. Maybe I’m starting to acclimate to this whole "holiday" thing.
- 9:00 PM: Back to the hostel. More chatting! Meet a couple of girls from Germany who have incredible stories.
- 10:00 PM: Attempt to write in my journal. Fail. Too much wine. Too much sun. Too much… living.
- 11:00 PM: Sleep!
Day 3: (The Great Seafood Feast and Farewell?)
- 8:00 AM: Woke up to a sunny day, again. I could get used to this.
- 9:00 AM: Stumble out for a breakfast.
- 10:00 AM: Consider a trip to one of the beaches, but don't have the energy.
- 11:00 AM: Go for a walk, and get lost - again.
- 12:00 PM: Decide to hit up the beach for the last time.
- 1:00 PM: Wander down to the port and discover the most amazing seafood restaurant. Seriously, the freshest fish, the best grilled octopus… I could have cried. The waiter was friendly, the wine was crisp, and the view was stunning. For the first time, I wasn't worried about getting home, or that I'd forgotten to bring a towel. It was absolute bliss.
- 3:00 PM: Beach; swimming, sun.
- 5:00 PM: Attempt to pack. Fail. Again.
- 6:00 PM: Final wander around the city. Feeling a strange mix of sadness and contentment.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at the seafood restaurant again. Because, why not? (Yes, I ordered the octopus again.)
- 9:00 PM: Back to the hostel, feel like I'm leaving a friend.
- 10:00 PM: Last night chat. Said goodbye.
- 11:00 PM: Try to sleep, but the memories will never leave.
Epilogue:
This trip was… more than I expected. Sure, I forgot a towel, got lost, and possibly ate my body weight in potatoes. But I also saw stunning things, met some amazing people, and felt a sense of peace I haven't felt in ages. It wasn't perfect, but it was mine. And I wouldn't trade a single, slightly-sunburnt moment. Until next time, Gran Canaria… you were a whirlwind. And I miss you already.
Unbelievable Chalkidiki Villas: Akrathos Houses Await!
Alcaravaneras Awaits! (And Honestly, It's a Wild Ride - FAQ)
Okay, spill. Is Alcaravaneras really *the* place to stay in Gran Canaria? Because the Instagram ads... they're a LOT.
What's the vibe like? Is it all party, all the time? I'm not *that* young anymore…
The dorms… what are they *really* like? Are they as claustrophobic as they look in the photos?
Okay, so you mentioned the staff... what are they like? Do they actually *care*?
What's the food situation like? Are there kitchen facilities?
How's the Wi-Fi? Because, you know, even on vacation... work calls happen. Ugh.
Any tips for staying at Alcaravaneras? Any must-knows and any things to avoid?
