Barceló Fuerteventura Royal Level

The Royal Level aims to feel exclusive, and that atmosphere starts right away, as guests of the Royal Level check-in apart from the rest of the resort's guests. First impressions are great, and largely carry throughout the hotel, as common areas are immaculately clean and fresh. The style is pleasantly contemporary, if simple, with lots of gray hues, neutral materials, and beachy touches that combine to create a suitable oceanside getaway. The Royal Level is relatively quiet throughout the day, and is separated from the rest of the complex by secure gated entry. Guests also have access to a small private pool overlooking the ocean, as well as the other pools in the main part of the resort. Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the property is its oldest -- next to the complex's main pool is a small defensive fort, or castillo, that dates back to the 1700s and adds a dash of character to this otherwise modern property. The Barcelo Royal Level attracts a mix of British, French, Italian, and German families, as well as mature guests looking for a quiet hotel near the beach.

Located in the Caleta de Fuste harbor area, the Barcelo Castillo is in a quiet spot, with activities largely based inside the hotel itself. A boardwalk runs from the Royal Level, past the rest of the Barcelo complex, and along the beachfront. It’s a popular place for walking, with pleasant views of the beach and sea. It’s around an eight-minute walk to a small collection of tourist bars and restaurants, and a supermarket. Otherwise, travelers may want a car to explore the rest of the island. In fact, one of this hotel’s major selling points is its location in the middle of the island, just a 14-minute drive from Fuerteventura's airport. The island's capital, Puerto del Rosario, is an 18-minute drive away and is packed with quaint, traditional Canarian houses. Farther North, the town of Corralejo is 45 minutes away by car.

The 45 apartments in the Royal Level are all spacious and decorated in a sharp, contemporary style. Expect feature wallpaper and fresh white sheets in bedrooms, plus details like terra-cotta or white tiled floors, and clean-lined dark wood furnishings throughout. While there are various categories available, the look and feel is similar, though views differ and include the garden or the sea. All units have furnished balconies or terraces. Standard features include air-conditioning, comfortable sofa beds, free Wi-Fi, wall-mounted flat-screen televisions, safes, and telephones. Kitchens have full-size fridges with minibars, microwaves, stovetops, and dining tables and chairs. Thoughtful perks include pillow menus, bottled water, welcome bottles of cava, and fruit baskets. Some apartments have outdoor hot tubs, breathtaking sea views, and retractable sun canopies for privacy. Bathrooms have spacious showers with attractive feature walls, and toilet cubicles separated by glass doors. Vanities are within the bathrooms in some units, or part of open-plan bedrooms in others, so check ahead if this is an issue. A good selection of toiletries and towels are provided.

This resort has wide range of high-quality features, including an attractive pool beside the Royal Level apartments, plus access to the wider Barcelo complex, which has three swimming pools and several restaurants. The main complex's pool overlooks the beach, and at the back of the main pool is a kids' pool. Keep in mind that animation teams are only offered at the main complex, not in the Royal Level wing. A breakout area with air hockey and pool tables, and a club for teenagers can be found here as well. The resort’s main pool bar serves snacks, salads, ice cream, and some local spirits that are included in all-inclusive packages.

The 500-seat El Castillo buffet restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner on an all-inclusive or half-board basis. Choices include a variety of hot and cold foods, with Italian, Asian, and Canarian options on offer, plus several dessert tables and a children’s area. At lunchtime, Royal Level guests have the option to sit in a quieter area, away from the main dining hall. There's also a large outdoor terrace. A touch screen information board shows a daily restaurant menu, including items suitable for guests with allergies.

The hotel overlooks its own marina, with a collection of bars and restaurants, and a small shopping arcade. This area is owned by the hotel, but is open to the public. A sports bar decorated with tennis balls shows major sporting events throughout the day, and a small events space hosts meetings and private dinners. An elevated outdoor terrace restaurant within the main complex, and the high-quality a la carte restaurant El Faro, are particularly popular with guests. This pier-side space has a large terrace overlooking the marina, with live music and DJs every night. Outside the main hotel grounds, on the beachfront itself, is La Perlita restaurant -- this is also part of the hotel’s all-inclusive rates. A heated swimming pool hides behind this restaurant, and is ideal for a dip before lunch.

A large theater hosts evening entertainment including discos. There's a professional photographer on-site who can be booked for photo shoots, and a tourist train travels from the hotel to the town center -- keep in mind that both cost extra. The Royal Level and Barcelo Castillo Beach Resort lack a fitness center or spa, though ostensibly guests can use the spa at the Barcelo Fuerteventura Thalasso Spa. The gym is free for Royal Level guests. There's a self-service laundry room on-site, and a dry cleaning services are available for a fee. Free parking is available around the property. Wi-Fi is free.