Riu Club Gran Canaria in Meloneras would suit most of your criteria. Reserving of sun loungers is just something that happens (Although I hate it and nowadays the Brits are far worse than any other nationality!!) and entertainment is always a difficult one as you've noted yourself because something you might like somebody else might hate but thats life in general. The hotel is in a lovely resort and you are not too far away from other resorts if you want to take a taxi or a bus etc.

Check out our review section HERE - you may get some ideas whilst waiting for replies.

Kath x

We stayed at the Riu Club Gran Canaria in February and I would just say that the pools are not heated, which was one of your criteria. They were too cold for anyone to use in Feb, don't know how they would be in April. The beach is within walking distance, but I wouldn't describe it as close. Not a lot to do within walking distance of hotel, but there are some shops and a casino. There was a hotel kids club for your 5 year old.

The weather is normally warmer in April than in Feb so I'm sure the pools should be warmer by then I've stayed in and worked in hotels which have pools which are heated and they still are not overly that warm because they can only warm them to a certain temperature. There are plenty of bars,shops etc near to this hotel so I would say there is plenty to do in walking distance and if you are wanting to go further away taxis and the bus terminal are not too far away from this hotel either.

Preferebly AI, very clean and great pools (especially kids - heated)with umberellas and no reserving of beds allowed (now I AM asking for a miracle!)
- Great selection at mealtimes (and yes, kids chicken nuggets etc)
- good drinks package with AI.
- Hotel near beach. (I know the beaches are great!)
- Good entertainment to suit all in hotel (miracle no.2!)
- Plenty to do outside hotel, within walking distance.
- Not far from airport.

Well that doesnt seem so difficult the marina suites in Puerto Rico is great for the beach and not to far to the cc although I dont think it is AI food and drinks arent expensive. There is loads to do within walking distance and if you want to go a bit further afiels taxis and buses are cheap.

Rico is about 40 minutes from the airport so not too far.

Other than that there are many kid friendly hotels in Puerto Rico and most do kids entertainment or if you fancy a stroll some of the bars do kids discos early on in the CC.

Would agree with the posts suggesting somewhere round Meloneras and Maspalomas as a good resort and one of the RIU hotels too. Generally on GC i think the entertainment may be a trade off as so many of the hotels (especially in November to May) are very international (GC is HUGE with the Scandanavians). Daytime ents are normally pretty good though it may just be that the night times are a bit tricky.

With entertainment outside of the hotels Maspalomas and Meloneras are close to PDI the busier of the resorts, and in PR with it being smaller alot of the bar entertainment, particularly the kids stuff, is dependent on numbers/demand which in April can still be bit quiet.

Would look at Riu Club Gran Canaria or Riu Club Vistamar

Good luck!

I would disagree Melonares is lovely as is the Rui but nothing is within easy walking distance which was one of the requirements, if the 18 yr old wanted to go into PDI every night for the night life then that is a taxi fare there and back every night.

Having recommended the marina suites to a number of people on here. I didnt think it fitted any of the requuirements. Not AI (not that cheap at the bar), sunbeds can get very busy down there, entertainment is Okay at best, PR beach isnt really the nicest we have on the south coast and the main commercial centre is a fair old walk from there too. PR is 40 mins by car if you're used to the motorway and where you are going otherwise an hour or more by coach or by hire car.

Both resorts are served well by buses getting places, but PR all runs from the central point or from Marina suites a trek up to and across the main road.

Have recommended the Gran Canaria Princess in Playa Del Ingles many times now, which is a fantastic place suiting all of your criteria. This post may be too late for you however for anyone browsing topics with the same question, then the hotel is:

- All inclusive available with great choice of food and drink
- Within walking distance from the beach
- Entertainment on every night and within walking distance to main nightlife areas
- Near a supermarket
- Nice big pool with plenty of loungers