Elba Carlota Beach and Convention Resort

The Hotel Elba Carlota is part of the Elba Carlota Beach & Convention Resort and one of five Elba hotels in Antigua. The huge atrium-style lobby is a modern and airy space, with pale gray ash flooring, glass elevators, and floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase the pool area. While the public areas have a modern feel, the sleeping spaces are more traditional, which can be a bit disappointing. The exteriors have local charm, with earthy tones, tiled floors, and tropical palms, and the well-kept grounds are a highlight for many that stay here. Previous guests raise a range of service issues, including maintenance, fees for safes, and a deposit system for pool towels. However, the majority walk away from here pleased, especially those who want a vacation with lots to do and lots of entertainment. The hotel draws families and couples looking for relaxation and entertainment on the beachfront -- particularly those who are willing to overlook the crowded facilities for the price. 

Hotel Elba has direct access to Caleta de Fuste’s family-friendly public sandy beach. It’s part of the Elba Carlota Beach & Convention Resort, next to the Fuerteventura Conference Center. It also has direct access to the Gran Casino de Antigua (though keep in mind that all-inclusive rates won't carry over to casino bars). This is a quiet area mostly lined with large hotels -- it’s next door to the Sheraton. It’s just across the motorway from the Fuerteventura Golf Club. A small shopping center can be found a few minutes’ walk away (it has a convenient supermarket), and a McDonald's is a five-minute walk away on the other side of the motorway. It’s a five-minute taxi journey -- or a short tourist train ride along the promenade -- into central Caleta de Fuste for better dining options. Fuerteventura’s airport is a 15-minute drive, though the proximity to the airport means that aircraft noise can sometimes be heard.

Rooms are more traditional than guests might expect from the modern first impression made by the hotel when they check-in. Instead, decor includes terra cotta-tiled floors, bright turquoise walls, and colorful floral fabrics. It's pleasant enough, even though it's not the freshest design scheme that we've seen. Amenities include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, coffee- and tea-making facilities, free Wi-Fi, and mini-fridges. Unfortunately, there's a fee for safes. Fully-tiled functional bathrooms feature a shower/tub combo, bidet, large vanity area, and hairdryer. All rooms can sleep two adults and one child and have a small balcony or terrace -- although Standard Double Rooms look out over the road or shopping center, or overlook the inner courtyard. Standard Rooms with Side Sea View are identical, save for the view. While it’s more pleasant than facing another building, the outlook is more of the pool area, with just a glimpse of the sea in the distance. The best sea views are reserved for the Junior Suites -- which have a larger terrace, lounge area, and bathroom with a bathtub and separate walk-in shower -- and Suites. For larger families, interconnecting rooms can be arranged with two Standard Rooms. 

The direct access to the public sandy beach is a highlight here, although the shore here isn't as wide as the bay closer to the town center. The hotel has its own Balinese daybeds on the beach, close to the promenade, that offer beach service. However, it's worth noting that you'll have to pay a deposit for beach and pool towels. Back on the hotel's grounds, though, dining options are limited, which is worth bearing in mind if opting for an all-inclusive package here. Travelers should also note that previous guests don’t really love the selection of weak, all-inclusive drinks. Tindaya is the huge canteen-like main restaurant, serving lunch and dinner buffets with daily themes like Asian or Spanish. Breakfast here offers a good choice, with a large selection of fruit, pastries and cured meats as well as hot dishes made to order. It’s best enjoyed on a terrace with a sea view. Dinnertime is crowded and loud. Arrecife is a homey Italian restaurant, but it’s not always open, particularly in low season. There’s also a bar and cafe in the hotel lobby, and a snack bar by the pool. The restaurants and bars have an evening dress code: long-sleeve shirts and trousers for men and absolutely no beach wear. The pool area is the lively hub of the hotel, with two large pools (one heated) and plenty of sun loungers and thatched umbrellas. Other leisure facilities include a fitness center with modern equipment and a game room with a couple of pool tables and table tennis. Outdoor sports courts are numerous as well. The kids' club is popular with past guests, and there's an outdoor playground as well. Entertainment is offered at the hotel, day and night, and the Sinatra Room hosts acts from comedians to magicians and musicians. Guests at the Hotel Elba Carlota have preferential access to the thalasso spa at the Sheraton hotel next door. There’s also direct access to the Gran Casino de Antigua, which has eight playing tables and 30 slot machines. Keep in mind that all-inclusive rates don't carry over to the bars at the casino. The large Fuerteventura Convention Centre is part of the resort and holds conferences and wedding receptions. Wi-Fi is free and reliable throughout the property, and plenty of parking can be found outside the hotel.