Hotel SBH Fuerteventura Playa

While the rather drab, low-rise entrance area of the Fuerteventura Playa doesn't impress, once inside it's hard not be a little impressed by the sea of marble that cascades through the hotel's lobby area. The resort was opened in the '80s, and the overriding impression is that little has changed since, with much of the furnishings dateable to that era. Despite this, the resort is bright and pleasant with a fun, laid-back atmosphere and an emphasis on cheerful decor. This all-inclusive property also features particularly well-maintained gardens -- brimming with colorful flowers, palm trees, and sub-tropical plants. Clientele comprises vacationers from around Europe (mostly Germans and Italians), including a good number of families with kids. 

The hotel is located towards the north end of the popular tourist resort town of Costa Calma, on the southwest coast of Fuerteventura. While Costa Calma doesn't have much in the way of a town center, there are a few shops, supermarkets, and restaurants within walking distance. At the back of the property is an entrance providing direct access to the beach -- though it's to the north of the main stretch of Sotavento Beach (which can be accessed within a few minutes' walk). The Oasis Park Fuerteventura and surf beach Playa de la Pared are both around 10 minutes by car, while the rugged beauty of the Jandía Natural Park is a 20- to 30-minute drive. Fuerteventura Airport, however, is a fair distance away at around an hour by road.

Most of the hotel's 300 rooms feel quite basic, with dated, modern furnishings and wood floors; some, however, are more recently renovated and have a much more contemporary look. Amenities are modest -- phones, safes, and flat-screen TVs with one English-speaking channel -- though all rooms open to furnished balconies or terraces, some with sea views. Bathrooms are straightforward, with wall-mounted hairdryers, shower/tub combos, and simple toiletries, and some are looking shabby in parts. Free Wi-Fi is available in some rooms, though it's generally very slow.

As an all-inclusive property, most of the meals are served buffet-style in the hotel's main restaurant, where reports suggest the food quality is adequate though items can get repetitive. There's also an a la carte Italian restaurant (not included in the plan) which must be booked in advance. The hotel has just one main swimming pool -- which is saltwater -- with a poolside bar and separate splash pool for kids. The beach is part sand and part volcanic rock (entry to the water can be a little rocky). Children are well catered for, with a colorful kids' club and a playground on the sand, though the daily entertainment for adults is poor. Sea-based activities such as jet-skiing and kayaking can be organized at the water sports center on the beach, and there are two tennis courts.