IFA Altamarena by Lopesan Hotels

This traditional upscale hotel was built in 1982, and is one of the oldest resorts on the island. On our visit in 2017, it had been 16 years since its last major renovation so a few signs of wear and tear are visible, but overall the building offers a fresh and pleasant first impression. The cool marble lobby offers a welcome break from the midday sun, with several armchairs dotted around that provide quiet spots to read a book without distraction. Communal gardens (including cacti, succulents, and palm trees) are established and well maintained throughout the property, with towering plan trees stretching from the lobby atrium right up to the glass roof on the first floor. Most guests are mature visitors from Germany, but some Spanish, British, and Northern European travelers visit too, and families holiday here in summer. Indoor areas were relatively quiet during our visit, as guests preferred to soak up the sunshine. 

One of the main attractions of the Altamarena is its proximity to both Solana Mattoral town center and a long white sandy beach. From the hotel it’s a short stroll to Playa El Mattoral, along a boardwalk that can be accessed from the hotel pool area. If guests wish to dine outside the hotel there are a couple of beach cafes nearby, or a wide selection of restaurants on the main street. It’s less than a five-minute walk to the nearest shopping area, with a variety of souvenir and clothing shops, and several restaurants. Solana Matorral has plenty of quirky sights to discover, including Morro Jable Lighthouse, that can be seen from the hotel, and is an eight-minute walk away. Another popular sight is the skeleton of a sperm whale, a 12-minute walk from the hotel. Farther south, the pretty village of Morro Jable is a 17-minute walk away and worth a visit for its quaint harbor and traditional Canarian atmosphere. From the hotel, Fuerteventura's airport is at least a 70-minute drive away. 

Rooms have a fresh, clean, and welcoming atmosphere that defy the property’s age. Double Rooms have two single beds pushed together, and ground floor, two-bedroom family rooms feature terraces and sofa beds. Some rooms have attractive window alcoves with a table and chairs, adding character to the space. All rooms feature air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and a mini-fridge. Wi-Fi and safe rentals are available for a fee. A separate living room has a comfortable sofa bed, and sliding doors leading to the balcony. En-suite bathrooms have a shower and bathtub, or a walk-in shower. Bathrooms include double sinks, hairdryers, and simple toiletries. Views range from pool, garden, or street views -- Junior Suites have views of the Morro Jable Lighthouse and the ocean. It’s worth noting that rooms overlooking the main street might be noisier than those at the back of the property.

The Altamarena has a good range of features that focus on vacationing guests. Each of the three pools is a decent size, with plenty of loungers in the sun and shade, and a kids paddling area with a water fountain to splash around in. A pool bar with indoor and outdoor seating, and a pleasant sun terrace, is popular with guests throughout the day. 

Unfortunately there is no on-site gym or spa, but guests make use of the full-sized tennis court at the back of the property, and enjoy walking along the beachfront. Other sports facilities include a beach volleyball court, archery and shooting area, table tennis, bocce ball, and outdoor chess. Beach yoga, stretching, and water aerobics are popular activities with guests. 

Food is available on a half board or all-inclusive basis, with local alcohol included in all-inclusive packages and a wider selection of international drinks for premium all-inclusive guests. The 250-seat buffet restaurant has arched windows overlooking the manicured gardens, with cacti and palm trees. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and holds three themed nights every week. In the afternoon, light snacks are served here too, and ice cream is available for a fee at the bar. 

In the 220-seat indoor theater, there’s a small stage and bar, plus entertainment every night including dancing, magicians, acrobats, circus shows, and activities for children during high season. A small children's club has a playground with slides and swings, and an activity hut for handicrafts. Spaces in the small on-site car park are available for a fee. There is free on-street parking in the area, although spaces can be limited on the main street at peak times. Free Wi-Fi is available in communal areas, but not in rooms.