Tabaiba Princess Hotel
Welcome to an extensive overview of the Tabaiba Princess Hotel, a prominent establishment nestled on the sun-kissed shores of Gran Canaria. This article aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of what this hotel has to offer, covering everything from its location and amenities to the overall experience you can expect during your stay. Whether you’re a family seeking a memorable vacation, a couple looking for a romantic getaway, or a solo traveler craving relaxation, the Tabaiba Princess might just be the perfect destination for you. Let’s dive in and explore the ins and outs of this popular resort.
Location and Surroundings
The Tabaiba Princess enjoys a privileged location in Maspalomas, a well-known tourist area on the southern coast of Gran Canaria. This strategic positioning offers easy access to some of the island’s most iconic attractions. The renowned Maspalomas Dunes, a protected natural reserve, are practically on your doorstep, offering breathtaking landscapes and opportunities for exploration. The hotel is also conveniently located near the Maspalomas beach, a long stretch of golden sand perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and various water sports.
Beyond the immediate vicinity, the Tabaiba Princess provides a great base for exploring the wider Gran Canaria region. The bustling resort town of Playa del Inglés, known for its vibrant nightlife and shopping opportunities, is just a short drive away. You can also easily reach other popular destinations such as Puerto Rico, known for its marina and water activities, or the charming mountain villages in the island’s interior, offering a glimpse into traditional Canarian life. The Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) is also conveniently located, making transfers to and from the hotel relatively straightforward.
Proximity to Key Attractions
Let’s delve a bit deeper into the specific attractions within easy reach of the Tabaiba Princess:
Maspalomas Dunes: These iconic dunes are a must-see for any visitor to Gran Canaria. You can explore them on foot, by camel, or even by buggy. The dunes offer stunning views of the coastline and are particularly beautiful at sunset.
Maspalomas Beach: This expansive beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and building sandcastles. There are also plenty of beach bars and restaurants where you can relax and enjoy a refreshing drink or a tasty meal.
Maspalomas Lighthouse: This historic lighthouse marks the southern tip of Gran Canaria and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. It’s a great place to take photos and learn about the island’s maritime history.
Holiday World Maspalomas: An amusement park offering a variety of attractions, including roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, and a water park. It’s a great option for families with children.
Botanical Park of Maspalomas (Parque Botánico de Maspalomas): A tranquil oasis featuring a diverse collection of plants from around the world. It’s a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the tourist areas and enjoy some peace and quiet.
Meloneras Promenade: A stylish promenade lined with shops, restaurants, and bars. It’s a great place to take a stroll in the evening and enjoy the sunset.
Accommodation Options
The Tabaiba Princess boasts a wide range of accommodation options to suit different needs and preferences. From comfortable standard rooms to spacious suites, there’s something for everyone. All rooms are well-appointed and feature modern amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Common features include air conditioning, private bathrooms, satellite television, and balconies or terraces.
Room Types and Amenities
Here’s a breakdown of the different room types typically available at the Tabaiba Princess:
Standard Rooms: These are the most basic room type, offering comfortable accommodation for couples or small families. They typically feature a double bed or twin beds, a private bathroom, and a balcony or terrace.
Family Rooms: These rooms are designed to accommodate larger families. They often feature two separate bedrooms or a larger living area with sofa beds.
Suites: Suites offer the most luxurious accommodation, with separate living areas, bedrooms, and often a larger balcony or terrace. Some suites may also feature additional amenities such as a kitchenette or a jacuzzi.
Superior Rooms: These rooms offer upgraded features and amenities compared to standard rooms, such as better views, larger balconies, or premium toiletries.
Specific Amenities: Regardless of the room type, guests can generally expect the following amenities:
- Air conditioning
- Private bathroom with shower or bathtub
- Satellite television
- Telephone
- Safe (usually at an extra cost)
- Hairdryer
- Mini-fridge (often stocked with drinks and snacks, sometimes at an extra cost)
- Balcony or terrace with furniture
Dining Experiences
The Tabaiba Princess offers a variety of dining options to cater to different tastes and preferences. The hotel typically operates on an all-inclusive basis, meaning that meals, snacks, and drinks are included in the price of your stay. However, there may also be options for bed and breakfast, half-board, or full-board packages. The main restaurant serves buffet-style meals with a wide selection of international and local dishes. There are also usually à la carte restaurants offering more specialized cuisine, such as Italian, Asian, or Spanish specialties. Guests can also enjoy drinks and snacks at the hotel’s bars, which are typically located near the pool area or in the lobby.
Restaurants and Bars
Let’s take a closer look at the dining options you might encounter at the Tabaiba Princess:
Main Restaurant: This is where you’ll find the buffet-style meals, typically serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The selection is usually vast and varied, catering to different dietary requirements and preferences. Expect to find a range of international dishes, as well as local Canarian specialties.
À la Carte Restaurants: These restaurants offer a more refined dining experience, with a menu of specially prepared dishes. They often require reservations and may have a dress code. Common themes include Italian, Asian, Spanish, and grill restaurants.
Pool Bar: This is the perfect place to grab a refreshing drink or a light snack while lounging by the pool. They typically serve cocktails, beer, soft drinks, and ice cream.
Lobby Bar: A more relaxed setting for enjoying a drink or a coffee. It’s often a good place to meet friends or relax after dinner.
Snack Bar: This bar typically serves quick and easy snacks, such as sandwiches, burgers, and fries. It’s a good option for a light lunch or a mid-afternoon treat.
All-Inclusive Details: If you’re staying on an all-inclusive basis, it’s important to understand what’s included and what’s not. Generally, all meals, snacks, and drinks are included, but there may be restrictions on certain items, such as premium brands of alcohol or dishes in the à la carte restaurants. It’s always best to check the specific details of your all-inclusive package with the hotel.
Facilities and Activities
The Tabaiba Princess offers a wide range of facilities and activities to keep guests entertained throughout their stay. The hotel typically features several swimming pools, including separate pools for adults and children. There are also sun loungers and parasols available around the pool area. For those who like to stay active, there are often sports facilities such as tennis courts, volleyball courts, and a gym. The hotel also usually offers a variety of activities and entertainment programs, including daytime activities, evening shows, and live music. Children are well catered for, with kids’ clubs and playgrounds available.
Pools and Leisure Activities
Here’s a more detailed look at the facilities and activities on offer:
Swimming Pools: The Tabaiba Princess usually has multiple swimming pools, catering to different ages and preferences. There’s typically a large main pool for adults, as well as separate pools for children and babies. Some hotels may also have a quieter relaxation pool for adults only.
Sun Loungers and Parasols: Sun loungers and parasols are usually provided around the pool area, allowing guests to relax and soak up the sun.
Sports Facilities: Depending on the hotel, you may find a variety of sports facilities, such as tennis courts, volleyball courts, a gym, and a mini-golf course. Some hotels may also offer water sports activities, such as windsurfing and kayaking.
Entertainment Programs: The hotel typically offers a variety of entertainment programs throughout the day and evening. This may include daytime activities such as aerobics, water polo, and dance classes, as well as evening shows featuring live music, dancing, and comedy acts.
Kids’ Clubs: Children are well catered for at the Tabaiba Princess, with kids’ clubs offering a range of activities and entertainment. These clubs are typically supervised by trained staff and cater to different age groups.
Playgrounds: The hotel usually has a playground where children can play and burn off energy.
Spa and Wellness Center: Many hotels also feature a spa and wellness center, offering a range of treatments such as massages, facials, and body wraps. This is a great way to relax and rejuvenate during your stay.
Family-Friendly Features
The Tabaiba Princess is a popular choice for families due to its wide range of family-friendly features. In addition to the kids’ clubs and playgrounds mentioned above, the hotel also often offers family rooms, which can accommodate larger families comfortably. The all-inclusive option is also a big draw for families, as it makes it easy to budget for meals and drinks. The hotel’s location near the beach and other attractions also makes it a convenient base for exploring the area with children.
Specific Family Amenities
Here are some specific amenities that make the Tabaiba Princess a great choice for families:
Kids’ Clubs: These clubs offer a range of activities and entertainment for children of different ages. They are typically supervised by trained staff and provide a safe and fun environment for children to play and socialize.
Playgrounds: The hotel usually has a playground where children can play and burn off energy.
Kids’ Pools: The hotel typically has separate pools for children and babies, allowing them to splash around and have fun in a safe environment.
Family Rooms: These rooms are designed to accommodate larger families. They often feature two separate bedrooms or a larger living area with sofa beds.
High Chairs and Cots: The hotel usually provides high chairs in the restaurants and cots in the rooms for young children.
Kids’ Menu: The restaurants often offer a kids’ menu with dishes that are specifically designed for children’s tastes.
Entertainment Programs for Children: The hotel typically offers entertainment programs specifically designed for children, such as mini-discos and magic shows.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
Before booking your stay at the Tabaiba Princess, it’s always a good idea to check customer reviews and ratings. These reviews can provide valuable insights into the hotel’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as the overall experience you can expect during your stay. Websites such as TripAdvisor, Booking.com, and Expedia are good resources for finding customer reviews. Pay attention to the overall rating, as well as the specific comments about the rooms, food, service, and facilities.
Analyzing Reviews
When reading customer reviews, keep the following tips in mind:
Look for common themes: If several reviewers mention the same issue, it’s likely to be a real problem.
Consider the reviewer’s perspective: Different people have different expectations and preferences. What one person considers a minor inconvenience, another person might consider a major problem.
Read both positive and negative reviews: Don’t just focus on the positive or negative reviews. Read a mix of both to get a balanced picture of the hotel.
Pay attention to the dates of the reviews: Reviews from several years ago may not be relevant today, as the hotel may have undergone renovations or changes in management.
Look for responses from the hotel management: Some hotels respond to customer reviews, addressing concerns and providing explanations. This can be a good sign that the hotel is responsive to customer feedback.
Booking Information and Tips
If you’re interested in booking a stay at the Tabaiba Princess, there are several ways to do so. You can book directly through the hotel’s website, or you can book through a travel agent or online travel agency (OTA) such as Booking.com or Expedia. When booking, be sure to compare prices and read the terms and conditions carefully. It’s also a good idea to book in advance, especially if you’re traveling during peak season.
Booking Strategies
Here are some tips for booking your stay at the Tabaiba Princess:
Compare prices: Check prices on multiple websites to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Book in advance: Booking in advance can often save you money, especially if you’re traveling during peak season.
Consider booking a package: Booking a package that includes flights and accommodation can sometimes be cheaper than booking them separately.
Read the terms and conditions: Be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully before booking, paying attention to cancellation policies and any extra fees.
Check for special offers: Look for special offers and promotions, such as early booking discounts or free upgrades.
Consider travel insurance: Travel insurance can protect you against unexpected events, such as illness or trip cancellations.
Getting to the Hotel
The most common way to get to the Tabaiba Princess is by flying into Gran Canaria Airport (LPA). The airport is located about 30 kilometers from the hotel, and there are several transportation options available. You can take a taxi, a bus, or a pre-booked airport transfer. Taxis are readily available outside the airport terminal, but they can be relatively expensive. Buses are a cheaper option, but they can be slower and less convenient. Pre-booked airport transfers are a good option if you want a hassle-free transfer to the hotel.
Transportation Options
Here’s a breakdown of the different transportation options:
Taxi: Taxis are readily available outside the airport terminal. The journey to the Tabaiba Princess takes about 20-30 minutes and costs around €30-€40.
Bus: The Global bus line 66 runs from the airport to Maspalomas. The journey takes about 45-60 minutes and costs around €4-€5.
Pre-booked Airport Transfer: You can pre-book an airport transfer with a private company. This is a good option if you want a hassle-free transfer to the hotel. Prices vary depending on the company and the type of vehicle.
Rental Car: If you plan to explore the island, renting a car can be a good option. There are several car rental companies located at the airport.
Exploring Gran Canaria
While the Tabaiba Princess offers plenty to keep you entertained, it’s also worth exploring the wider Gran Canaria region. The island boasts a diverse landscape, ranging from golden beaches and sand dunes to rugged mountains and lush valleys. Some popular attractions include the Maspalomas Dunes, the Roque Nublo, the Palmitos Park, and the charming mountain villages in the island’s interior.
Must-See Attractions
Here are some must-see attractions in Gran Canaria:
Maspalomas Dunes: These iconic dunes are a protected natural reserve and a must-see for any visitor to Gran Canaria.
Roque Nublo: This iconic rock formation is located in the center of the island and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Palmitos Park: This botanical garden and aviary is home to a wide variety of plants and animals.
Puerto de Mogán: This charming fishing village is known for its colorful houses, canals, and marina.
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: The capital of the island, Las Palmas, is a vibrant city with a rich history and culture.
Final Thoughts
The Tabaiba Princess Hotel in Gran Canaria offers a well-rounded vacation experience, catering to a wide range of travelers. From its prime location near the Maspalomas Dunes and beach to its diverse accommodation options, dining experiences, and leisure facilities, the hotel provides a solid foundation for a memorable holiday. The family-friendly amenities make it an attractive choice for families, while couples and solo travelers can also find plenty to enjoy. By carefully considering customer reviews, booking information, and transportation options, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable stay at the Tabaiba Princess. So, pack your bags, prepare for some sunshine, and get ready to experience the beauty and charm of Gran Canaria!
