Gran Canaria - where to stay?

[tactum]

OK, posted earlier today about Tenerife but now looking at GC aswell - have been put off Tenerife slightly by hills, the attractiveness of the beaches and the fact it looks really developed - is Gran Canaria much different?

Looking to go in August for 2 weeks with DH, DD (14), DS (13). Looking around Maspalomas. Will have a car.

Any recommendations for accommodation? Ideally self catering apartment with shared pool and a bit going on in the evening (but not OTT). Would be nice if DS could meet up with mates n play football (DD never talks to anyone else on hol), nice restuarants etc. Budget fairly flexible. Beaches v important to us.

I hate booking things with no clue as to how good/bad they really are! Eek.

Thanks in advance

Can highly recommend this place We booked a 2 bed apartment direct with the hotel (contacted them by email) it was fantastic.

some areas of gran canaria are also developed. we went to maspalomas for the day - its nice around the lighthouse area and towards the west. there are high rises though. its got a massive beach backed by sand-dunes. we stayed at peurto de mogan which was lovely. some of the other resorts are hideous. i think its a bit like tenerife - if you choose your resort carefully is fine. what about lanzarote or fortuventura - they are more low rise?