Club Caleta Dorada

This hotel’s single-story, yellow-and-white villas are spread across several blocks separated by brick paths and palm trees, and the grounds are mostly well kept even if some of the villas could use a fresh coat of paint. The lobby is a spare, but is still a bright space with plenty of windows and views over the resort, with a snack bar and some sagging late-’90s furniture that’s clustered throughout. A small outdoor terrace off the lobby is furnished with beige couches and armchairs, and offers a pleasant -- if not sophisticated -- spot to sit and relax after arriving at the resort. There are several restaurants and bars on-site, from the wood-covered Pool Bar, which is decorated with colorful murals and hosts live entertainment, to the outdated buffet restaurants that have a cafeteria vibe with plaid window coverings and tile floors. This resort attracts couples, small groups, and families looking for a value vacation with all-inclusive options and who don’t mind a little wear-and-tear in their resorts. Block C is particularly ideal for families, as it surrounds a pool with waterslides.

Caleta de Fuste is a mostly quiet town on Fuerteventura Island, the second largest in the Canary Islands chain, which draws visitors to its sparkling stretch of sand and laid-back, budget holiday atmosphere. Situated just outside of the town’s small commercial core, most of the main sights here are within walking distance of the resort. The beach is 15 minutes away from the resort on foot, while Pieros Cafe, which has popular nightly entertainment including karaoke, is just a 12-minute walk into town. The town has plenty of water sports outfitters for diving and wind-surfing excursions, while Fuerteventura Golf Club is a 10-minute drive from the resort, and Fuerteventura Airport is 15 minutes away by car or taxi.

Bright and cheerful guest rooms are simple and homey, but visitors here shouldn’t expect cutting edge design or contemporary decor. Soft yellow walls complement tan-tiled floors that are set with brightly patterned ’90s-style chairs and sofas, as well as tired oak veneer furniture. Rooms are mostly clean and spacious, though, with kitchenettes including microwaves, stovetops, and mini-fridges, as well as safes, flat-screen TVs, and terraces or patios. There’s a distinct bare-bones cottage vibe throughout all units, which range from Studios to Two-Bedroom Apartments, and charming accents like wood-beamed ceilings in Two-Bedroom Apartments give them a warm, inviting atmosphere. Beds are decent, though the plaid and floral-patterned comforters are from a past decade and wall art feels like an afterthought. There is plenty of storage in the apartments, though some guests have reported sightings of ants and cockroaches, which can be attributed to the Canary Islands’ climate. Bathrooms are no-frills, with shower/tub combos, small marble vanities, towels, and toiletries. Cleaning services are offered every other day, keeping rooms from becoming too stale during the long holidays many guests book here. However, guests should know that rooms lack air-conditioning and can be hot in summer, especially as the hotel doesn't always have enough fans for its guest rooms. Also, satellite TV channels cost extra. 

There are two outdoor pools at this resort and one dedicated children’s pool, and the pool near Block C also has waterslides, making it popular with families and kids. There are plenty of lounge chairs on the stone terraces surrounding the pools, but guests should keep in mind that there’s little in the way of shade and no umbrellas. The hotel’s kid-friendly atmosphere extends to an outdoor soccer field and game room, and families can take advantage of the laundry area on-site, but this feature has certainly seen better days. All-inclusive packages are available; lines at meals can be extremely long and the day-to-day buffet offerings don’t change much. Nightly entertainment in the hotel’s bars ranges from singers to children’s fare. Better quality, livelier options exist in town, but the Pool Bar in particular stays busy. The resort has an on-site fitness center as well as mini-golf and ping-pong tables, though guests should keep in mind that some facilities come with extra fees. There is a mini-market on-site for last minute items but rates can be extortionate. Wi-Fi is not free in guest rooms and it can be spotty depending on the location in the resort.