You’re standing in the lobby of the Lopesan Costa Meloneras Resort & Spa, and it feels like a palace. Honestly, it basically is. With its colonial architecture and those iconic red tiles, it’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a different century. But then you hear about it—the "VIP" section. People whisper about the Unique Club at Lopesan Costa Meloneras Resort like it’s some secret society, and you start wondering if your standard room is suddenly second-rate. It isn't, of course, but the distinction is real.
Most people booking a trip to Gran Canaria just want a pool and a drink. But the Unique experience is a whole different beast. It’s not just a fancy wristband. It’s a complete shift in how you navigate one of the largest hotels in Spain. When you're dealing with over 1,000 rooms, being "Unique" is mostly about escaping the crowd.
What the Unique Club at Lopesan Costa Meloneras Resort actually gets you
Let’s get the basics out of the way first. If you book a Unique room, you aren't just getting a better view, though the rooms are generally in prime locations. You’re buying into a service layer. Think of it as the "business class" of the resort. You get a separate check-in area. Sounds small? Try arriving at the same time as two tour buses and you’ll realize that skipping the 40-minute queue is worth its weight in gold.
The heart of the experience is the Unique Lounge. This is where the magic (and the free gin) happens. It’s a dedicated space where you can grab snacks, high-end coffee, and premium spirits throughout the day. If you’ve ever stayed at an all-inclusive and felt like the "house" spirits tasted like paint thinner, you’ll appreciate the upgrade here. They serve actual brands. You can sit there, read a book, and avoid the frantic energy of the main buffet areas.
The pool situation is the real clincher
Gran Canaria is hot. Like, "don't-walk-on-the-sand-without-flip-flops" hot. At a massive resort like Costa Meloneras, the "sunbed war" is a real thing. People wake up at 7:00 AM to drape towels over loungers like they're claiming territory in a colonial land grab.
But for those in the Unique Club at Lopesan Costa Meloneras Resort, there’s a reserved pool area.
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It’s quieter. The sunbeds are thicker and more comfortable. You don't have to sprint down there before breakfast just to get a spot in the shade. For many travelers, this single perk justifies the entire price jump. It’s about peace of mind. You’re paying for the luxury of being lazy, which, let’s be honest, is the whole point of a vacation.
Breakfast without the chaos
Breakfast in a massive hotel can sometimes feel like a high-stakes contact sport. There are kids running around, long lines for the omelet station, and a general hum of organized chaos. Unique guests have a reserved area for breakfast. It’s calmer. The service is more attentive because the staff-to-guest ratio is tighter. You get better coffee—properly made, not from a massive vat—and often a few extra "gourmet" items that don't make it to the main floor.
I’ve talked to people who stayed at the resort both ways. One couple told me they felt like "ghosts" in the main dining hall, just another face in the sea of tourists. But in the Unique section, the servers remembered their names and how they liked their eggs. That’s the E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) of hospitality right there—personalization.
Is the room itself different?
Yes and no. The bones of the resort are consistent. You’re getting high-quality materials and that classic Canarian aesthetic regardless. However, Unique rooms usually come with:
- Better bathroom amenities (think Rituals or similar high-end brands).
- A Nespresso machine with capsules replaced daily.
- A "pillow menu," which sounds pretentious until you realize you actually hate firm pillows.
- Early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability, but Unique guests get priority).
The "Meloneras" factor: Location matters
The resort itself sits right on the edge of the Maspalomas Dunes. It’s arguably the best location on the island. You have the promenade right outside with high-end shopping and restaurants like El Churrasco. But because the resort is so big, your room location can dictate your entire mood. Unique rooms are typically positioned to offer the best views of the Atlantic or the magnificent gardens.
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If you’re stuck in a far-flung wing, you might be walking ten minutes just to get to the lobby. Unique placement tends to be more central or strategically located near the premium amenities.
The downsides nobody mentions
It’s not all sunshine and rose petals. Let's be real. If you’re the kind of person who spends 14 hours a day exploring the island, hiking the Roque Nublo, or surfing at Playa del Inglés, the Unique Club at Lopesan Costa Meloneras Resort is a total waste of money. You aren't there to use the lounge. You aren't there to sit by the private pool. You’re paying for a fortress you’ve abandoned.
Also, the price gap can be significant. Depending on the season, you might be looking at an extra €50 to €150 per night. For a week-long stay, that’s a lot of money that could be spent on Michelin-starred dinners or private boat tours.
Another thing: exclusivity can feel a bit... weird. Some people find the "segregated" areas a bit stiff. If you like the social buzz of a big resort and meeting people from all over the world, the Unique lounge might feel a bit too quiet, almost like a library.
How to decide if it's for you
Ask yourself these three questions:
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- How much do I value silence? If the sound of a hundred kids splashing in the main pool makes you twitch, go Unique.
- Am I a "resort lizard"? If you plan on staying within the hotel walls for 80% of your trip, the added comfort is essential.
- Is breakfast the most important meal of my day? If you want a slow, curated morning experience rather than a buffet scramble, the upgrade pays for itself in sanity.
Practical steps for your booking
If you’ve decided to go for it, don't just click "book" on the first site you see.
First, check the official Lopesan website. They often have "Lopesan Rewards" which can give you a discount that offsets the cost of the Unique upgrade. Second, look at the specific room categories. Not every "Deluxe" room is a Unique room. Look specifically for the Unique label in the room description.
If you are traveling during peak season (Christmas, Easter, or August), the Unique Club is almost a necessity because the resort runs at 100% capacity. During the "shoulder" seasons like May or November, you might find the standard experience is quiet enough that you don't need the extra perks.
Ultimately, the Unique Club at Lopesan Costa Meloneras Resort is about removing friction. It takes a massive, sprawling complex and turns it into a boutique hotel experience. You get the scale and the incredible facilities of a giant resort—the multiple pools, the world-class spa, the lush gardens—but you get to retreat to a corner where everyone knows your name and the Cava is already chilled.
Before you finalize that reservation, verify your travel dates against the local Canary Island holidays. Prices spike during the "Día de Canarias" (May 30th), and the resort can get incredibly busy with locals, making the "Unique" sanctuary even more valuable. Once you land at Gando Airport, it's a 25-minute cab ride to the resort. Head straight to the Unique check-in desk, grab a glass of whatever they offer you, and let the rest of the world fade away.