IKEA has opened its first hotel in the Canary Islands, quietly entering the tourism sector in Gran Canaria with a boutique property that bears no visible trace of the iconic brand’s logo or traditional style.
The Las Dunas de Santa Catalina Boutique House, located just a five-minute walk from Las Alcaravaneras Beach in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, is managed by Sarton Canarias, the company overseeing Ikea’s interests in the archipelago.
Notably, there is no IKEA logo on display, nor any trace of the brand's well-known flat-pack furniture or Scandinavian décor, in stark contrast to the more overtly branded IKEA Hotell in Sweden. Instead, Las Dunas de Santa Catalina opts for a neutral aesthetic.
The boutique property offers an array of modern comforts, including an outdoor swimming pool, garden, terrace and complimentary Wi-Fi. Rooms are designed with simplicity and comfort in mind, each featuring air conditioning, a coffee maker, minibar, flat-screen television, and a private bathroom equipped with a bidet, fresh bed linen, and towels.
Guests can start their day with a continental breakfast, perfect before exploring nearby attractions such as the Roman Park, the Alfredo Kraus Auditorium, or the Poema del Mar Aquarium.
While the opening may come as a surprise to many, it reflects a broader strategic interest by Ikea in the real estate and hospitality industries. The company has previously launched similar projects in destinations such as Palma de Mallorca and the Caribbean.
With this latest venture, Ikea appears to be experimenting with smaller, centrally located hotels in urban environments, an increasingly popular model among travellers.
