I stayed in el medano to the east of those areas. was pretty nice quiet with nice restaurants . the stories I heard about playas while I was there made me vow to never go there . I probably would have loved it 20 years ago!
Again at least 10 years ago, I stayed in fanabe which is next to las Americas marina. There was a buffet Chinese all u can eat for 3€! It was very busy, obviously, so food was always hot and they constantly changed the buffet. I thought we would get stung on the beer but we weren't and nobody was ill! I am not suggesting you take the wife there, just saying.
Avoid Playa de las Americas - grim indeed, unless you want a night out ruined by teens vomiting all over the place (West Street on a Saturday with sun).